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All the tropical, sweet-heat flavors—packed into the easiest, cheesiest quesadilla. Think caramelized pineapple, saucy BBQ chicken (or your fave protein), and a punchy mango guac that tastes like sunshine.
Perfect for weeknights, game day, or whenever you’re craving something fun and cozy with a little island vibe.
Why You’ll Love These
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Sweet, smoky, and a little spicy—melty and crispy in every bite.
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Weeknight-friendly; uses cooked/rotisserie chicken or leftover pork.
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Mango guacamole = fresh contrast that balances the BBQ sauce.
A few summers ago I went with my family back to Cleveland for a month to visit family and since we had nowhere to stay we stayed at a Residence Inn. Yes, a Residence Inn.
Specifically the Residence Inn in Westlake, Ohio. Right near Crocker Park, which meant lots of shopping. Which I was obviously very happy about.
Not my whole family was with us so it actually was not all that bad. Plus, it was one of those nice Residence Inns with a kitchen, two bedrooms, two baths and an outside pool, which in Cleveland in the summer is an awesome thing to have. It’s hot, humid and sticky. Nothing like Colorado where it can still be hot, but it’s never humid or sticky.
So this Residence Inn?
It was kind of an odd place, but in a good way.
Every morning we got free breakfast and it was not just cereal. No, it was way more. Eggs, bacon, WAFFLES, yogurt, fruit, the whole deal. Everyday.
It was nice. No cooking, no mess and a weekend breakfast everyday.
Yeah, really nice.
Then every Wednesday night they would do a themed dinner.
Yes, themed and yes, this was also FREE! They even had free beer and wine. I remember my dad taking a few beers back to our room.
I know, pretty good deal right? I kind of want to go back. No, wait I do. I totally do.
The dinner themes were good too. Italian one week, Asian the next. My very favorite though was the Hawaiian BBQ. They totally decorated the the pool area, complete with Hawaiian leis for the guests. They went all out, syrupy drinks for kids and all. I think they did some kind of Teriayaki chicken, but all I cared about was the grilled pineapple! Oh my gosh it was so good. Before then, I used to say I was not a pineapple fan. Well, right then an there I became a HUGE pineapple fan.
Really though, I just like the idea of Hawaiian BBQ.
For one, it is fun and I get to pretend I am in Hawaii sipping drinks with cute little umbrellas in them. Ah, yeah I am kind of obsessed with those umbrellas. I have been since I was 7 and HAD to have them for my birthday party. LIke had to, my mom actually order a whole box online.
It was awesome and I would KILL for that little box right now.
Two, I love the sweet and spicy combo. It never fails.
Okay, can we talk about this guacamole?!
It’s amazing and seriously tastes like it just came out of some tropical paradise. Pineapple and mangos make for some ridiculously awesome guacamole. Do the guacamole, it is the perfect dipper for these.
FAQ:
Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes—drain very well and pat dry so it caramelizes instead of steaming. If it tastes very sweet, add a squeeze of lime to balance.
What cheese melts best for quesadillas?
Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or provolone melt smoothly; pepper jack adds heat. Finely shredded cheese melts quicker and helps seal the edges.
Can I make these on a grill?
Yes—use medium heat and grill in a lightly oiled skillet or on a grill-safe mat to prevent sticking. Close the lid briefly to help the cheese melt, then finish open for crisp.
How do I keep quesadillas from getting soggy?
Keep fillings relatively dry, caramelize pineapple first, and cook over moderate heat so tortillas crisp. Rest 1–2 minutes before slicing to set the cheese.
Hawaiian BBQ Quesadillas with Pineapple-Mango Guacamole
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
- 4 whole wheat flour tortillas, burrito size
- 1/2 an onion
- 1/3 whole fresh pineapple - peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup of [your favorite BBQ sauce | https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/homemade-barbecue-sauce-just-like-sweet-baby-rays/]
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, optional
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
Pineapple Mango Guacamole
- 2 avocados, peeled, pitted and mashed
- 1/4 whole fresh pineapple - peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 mango - peeled, seeded and diced
- 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, diced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tablespoon pineapple juice
- salt and pepper, taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium high heat.
- In a small bowl combine the BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, lime juice, cilantro, salt and pepper and mix well to combine.
- Toss the chicken with half of the BBQ sauce. Grill the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side or until cooked through. At the same time grill the slices of pineapple and the half of an onion for about 4 minutes per side or until charred. Allow everything to to cool five minutes and then chop the pineapple into bite size pieces, dice the onion and chop the chicken or shred with a fork. Set aside.
- While the chicken is cooling make the pineapple-mango guacamole. Mash the avocados (I left mine pretty chunky, but go as chunky or smooth as you want) in a medium size bowl. Add the pineapple, mango, tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, lime juice and pineapple juice. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat an electric griddle or skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of olive oil.
- One at a time, place a tortilla down in the skillet, cover with a bit of the cheese, then evenly distribute the rice on top. Add the diced chicken, pineapple and onions. Then add the pickled jalapeños and sprinkle with a little more cheese. Repeat with 3 more tortillas. Place one of the tortillas with the toppings back on the griddle or skillet, then cover with a plain tortilla. Cook until the bottom is crispy and golden brown, then gently flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until crispy and golden. Repeat with the other 3 topping filled tortillas. Serve with the remaining BBQ sauce the the Pineapple-Mango Guacamole.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Well, that’s it. I’m moving in! I have never wanted a quesadilla so bad!!
Haha! You are welcome anytime!
Thanks Lauren!
Fruity! Love it! Isn’t it amazing how well the flavors of BBQ sauce and ripe, sweet fruit go together? Fantastic, Tieghan!
It really is amazing!! Thank you, Meagan!
I’ve had a massive hankering for pineapple grilled, in savory dishes, or as is lately. These look so dang good. I’ll bet they’re great with that BBQ sauce!
You have to try this then! It is perfect for your craving!!
Thanks Marcle!
Ok, now you’re just teasing with that BBQ sauce dripping down! I want to just reach through my screen and grab these… they look SO good. Every recipe is better than the last, Tieghan! Go on with your bad self in the kitchen, girl! 😉
Yes! That was my goal! LOL
Thank you so much, Georgia! Your comments are always so encouraging!! Thank you!!
These sound absolutely wonderful! Love the sweet twist!
Thank you, Rachel! The Sweetness is so good!
Stack ’em high and mighty, lil lady, these things look addicting! This is such a different spin on quesadillas. I’m a huge proponent of a great bbq sauce and with all that pineapple mango guac?? mmmmm melt in my mouth!
Thanks Julia!! That guac is killer!
My mind is having a hard time reconciling the taste of avocado and pineapple/mango but my mouth is watering. I think the mouth is going to win, have got to try this guac. Thanks
Haha! I think if you like avocados, pineapple and mangos you will probably love this!
Thank Kathryn!
I’ve never wanted a quessadilla more in my LIFE!!!
Yes! Now that is what I like to hear!
Thanks Megan!
I’m drooling! 1. Guacamole – you know how I feel about that. 2. BBQ quesadillas? Why have I never had one???
Haha! Thanks Dorothy! I think you would love these!
Oh man, this combo sounds amazing! I’m absolutely bookmarking this recipe to make later!
Thank you, Leah!! Hope you love these!
you have no idea just how totally up my alley this is. Pinnnnning it!!!!!!
Thanks Carrian! Grilled pineapple, fresh pineapple, it is all so good! Thanks for pinning!
Oh, girl! These BBQ Quesadillas of yours look phenomenal! You are after my heart. This recipe is definitely going on our summer (or anytime) rotation menu as I can already taste ’em! GORGEOUS photography, too! Drool…drool! Pinning… xo
Yay! Thank you so much, Stacy! I hope you LOVE these! Thanks for pinning too!
Those sound awesome! Really great recipe and the photography is perfect. Can’t wait to try 🙂
Happy Blogging!
Happy Valley Chow
Thank you so much!
I was just at a luncheon with Gaby and some other bloggers to celebrate her avocado book and was reading it last night and she has lots of guac recipes in it and one that reminds me of yours! I love adding pineapple to anything I can!
Okay, I am so Jealous of your lunch! That sounds like so much fun!
I am with you, I will add pineapple to anything and it is so good in guacamole! Thank you, Averie!
This looks amazing! Definitely on my to-make list!
Thanks Nessa! I hope you love them!