Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

Introduction

Chicken quesadillas are a quick and satisfying meal that combines warm, crispy tortillas with savory chicken and melted cheese. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack, they bring delicious comfort with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• Salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil or butter.
2. Step 2: If using, sauté the chopped bell pepper and onion until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Place one tortilla in the skillet and evenly spread a layer of shredded chicken over half of it.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle cheese over the chicken, then add the sautéed vegetables if using.
5. Step 5: Fold the tortilla over to cover the filling and press down gently.
6. Step 6: Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy, then carefully flip and cook the other side until cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown.
7. Step 7: Remove from the skillet and let it cool slightly before slicing into wedges.
8. Step 8: Serve warm with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Tips & Variations

• Use different cheeses such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
• Add cooked corn or black beans for extra texture and protein.
• For a spicier quesadilla, sprinkle some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of chili powder into the filling.
• To make it vegetarian, substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.

Storage

Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or oven to keep the tortillas crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the quesadillas soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred it before adding to your quesadillas.

How can I make quesadillas crispy without oil?

You can cook them in a non-stick skillet over medium heat without added oil, but be sure to watch closely and flip carefully to prevent sticking and burning.

Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.8 from 351 reviews

This Chicken Quesadilla recipe is a quick and delicious meal perfect for lunch or dinner. It combines tender shredded chicken, melted cheese, and optional veggies, all wrapped in a flour tortilla and cooked to crispy perfection on the stovetop. Serve with your favorite salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for a satisfying and flavorful dish.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 quesadillas (serves 2-4) 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Filling

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)

Tortillas and Cooking Fat

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

Serving

• Salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with the chopped bell pepper and onion if using. This will create a flavorful filling layered with veggies.
2. Assemble the Quesadillas: Lay one flour tortilla flat and evenly sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over one half of the tortilla. Add a generous portion of the chicken mixture on top of the cheese, then sprinkle a little more cheese on top of the chicken. Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling, creating a half-moon shape.
3. Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or non-stick pan on medium heat and add half of the olive oil or butter, allowing it to melt and coat the pan evenly.
4. Cook the Quesadilla: Carefully place the folded quesadilla in the hot pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, then carefully flip it over using a spatula. Cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until crispy and the cheese inside is melted.
5. Repeat: Remove the cooked quesadilla from the pan and keep warm. Add the remaining oil or butter to the pan and repeat the process with the second quesadilla.
6. Serve: Slice the quesadillas into wedges and serve hot with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side for dipping.

Notes

• You can customize fillings by adding cooked corn, jalapeños, or black beans for extra flavor and texture.
• Use a non-stick pan or cast iron skillet for best results and even browning.
• Make sure not to overfill the quesadilla to avoid spilling the filling while cooking.
• Leftover quesadillas reheat well in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: chicken quesadilla, Mexican quesadilla, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, stovetop quesadilla, shredded chicken, melted cheese