Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

Chicken quesadillas are a delightful combination of tender chicken, melted cheese, and flavorful seasonings, all tucked inside a crispy tortilla. This dish is not only versatile and easy to make, but it also makes for a perfect meal or snack for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, feeding a family, or simply indulging in a personal treat, chicken quesadillas are sure to please.

In this guide, we’ll explore the ingredients, preparation methods, variations, and tips for making the best chicken quesadillas. You’ll learn how to customize them to your liking, from choosing your favorite spices to adding extra fillings.

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

1. Cook the Chicken: If you haven’t already, cook the chicken. You can poach, bake, or grill the chicken breasts until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken cool, then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Sauté the Vegetables (Optional): In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. If you’re using corn, add it during the last minute of cooking.
3. Season the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.

Step 2: Assemble the Quesadillas

1. Prepare the Tortillas: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. On one half of the tortilla, sprinkle a generous amount of cheese (about 1/2 cup), followed by a portion of the chicken filling. Top with another layer of cheese, then fold the tortilla over to form a half-moon shape.
2. Repeat: Repeat the process for the remaining tortillas, filling and folding each one until you have four quesadillas.

Step 3: Cook the Quesadillas

1. Heat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. You can add a little oil or butter if you want extra crispiness.
2. Cook the Quesadillas: Place one quesadilla in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side or until golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown.
3. Keep Warm: Once cooked, transfer the quesadilla to a plate and cover it with foil to keep warm. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining quesadillas.

Step 4: Serve

1. Slice the Quesadillas: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice each quesadilla into wedges.
2. Garnish and Serve: Serve the quesadillas warm with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top.

Tips for the Perfect Quesadilla

• Use Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut if you’re short on time. It’s already seasoned and shredded, making it perfect for quesadillas.
• Cheese Choices: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack are great options, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese blends for different flavors.
• Crispy Tortillas: For an extra crispy tortilla, lightly brush the outside of the quesadilla with olive oil before cooking.
• Keep it Warm: If making a large batch, keep the cooked quesadillas in a warm oven (around 200°F or 93°C) while you finish cooking the rest.
• Customize: Feel free to add other ingredients to the filling, such as black beans, jalapeños, or spinach, to suit your taste.

Variations

1. Veggie Quesadillas: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, and any other vegetables you love.
2. BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: Mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor. Add red onions and cilantro for extra zest.
3. Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas: Combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and blue cheese for a spicy kick.
4. Breakfast Quesadillas: Use scrambled eggs, cheese, and your choice of breakfast meats or veggies for a delicious breakfast option.

Conclusion

Chicken quesadillas are a quick and easy meal that can be customized to suit any taste. They’re perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a party snack. With this recipe, you can whip up delicious quesadillas that are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, all while tailoring them to your preferences. Enjoy this dish with your favorite sides and toppings, and don’t forget to share with family and friends!

Yield: 4 Quesadillas

Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

Print

Chicken quesadillas are a delightful combination of tender chicken, melted cheese, and flavorful seasonings, all tucked inside a crispy tortilla. This dish is not only versatile and easy to make, but it also makes for a perfect meal or snack for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party, feeding a family, or simply indulging in a personal treat, chicken quesadillas are sure to please.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (grilled, rotisserie, or leftover chicken)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• Salsa, for serving (optional)
• Sour cream, for serving (optional)
• Guacamole, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
   Season the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
   
2. Step 2: Assemble the Quesadillas
   Lay Out Tortillas: Lay the flour tortillas flat on a clean surface.
   Add Cheese and Chicken: Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese evenly over one half of each tortilla. Then, top the cheese with an even layer of seasoned chicken. Sprinkle a little more cheese on top of the chicken.
   Fold the Tortillas: Fold each tortilla in half over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
   
3. Step 3: Cook the Quesadillas
   Heat a Skillet: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt.
   Cook the Quesadillas: Place the folded quesadillas in the skillet (you may need to cook them in batches). Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted. Add more butter to the skillet as needed for the remaining quesadillas.
   
4. Step 4: Serve
   Slice and Serve: Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and let them cool slightly before slicing them into wedges.
   Serve with Dips: Serve the quesadillas with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for dipping.

Notes

• Add-Ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like sautéed onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños to the chicken mixture for extra flavor.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken filling in advance and store it in the fridge, making it even quicker to assemble the quesadillas when ready to cook.
• Cheese Options: Use any melty cheese you like—pepper jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend work great.