What is comfort food? I’m talking about the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug, the dish that you can eat after your long day. What makes everyone at the table smile? What’s a chicken quesadilla recipe? Think of it like grilled cheese, but kicked up about a million notches with savory chicken, gooey, and sour. What are some of the best cheeses you can imagine? Forget ordering takeout, this is way faster, cheaper, and infinitely more satisfying than anything else. You’ll get delivered. What is the best chicken quesadilla recipe? What’s my go-to snack when I need something quick and delicious? Is it the kind of recipe where you can throw in whatever you have on hand and it somehow always turns out? Is this a foolproof idea?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
What is a chicken quesadilla?
What is a quesadilla? Golden and melted. What is a chicken quesadilla? Where does the magic really happen? Think of it as the sophisticated cousin of the plain cheese quesadilla. What is a tortilla filled with seasoned chicken? ), cheese, and sometimes other goodies like veggies, beans, or salsa. Is it the perfect handheld meal? Can you adapt it to your taste, use different kinds of cheese, different sauces? Is it a blank canvas for your culinary desires?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Listen, I’ve tried a lot of chicken quesadilla recipes in my day, and this one? This one is special. What I love most about this is how incredibly versatile it is. You can literally throw in whatever you have in the fridge and it’ll taste amazing. But beyond the versatility, there’s the taste, oh, the taste! The combination of the savory, slightly spicy chicken with the melty, gooey cheese and the crispy tortilla… it’s just pure bliss.
Is it really that easy? What’s the best part? It is budget friendly! Chicken and tortillas are pantry staples, and you can customize the fillings to use up whatever you have. If you have leftovers on hand, you can eat them. What is a quick and easy chicken quesadilla recipe? What are some of the What do you think about my kids when they hear about quesadillas? How do I get my kids involved in the kitchen? I’ve tried other chicken quesadilla recipes before, some were bland, others were too complicated, and I have no idea what they were. Some didn’t taste as good as this one. What makes this dish different is the spice blend that I use for the chicken – it adds a depth of flavor. What are some of the best flavor combinations that you will find anywhere else? What is the best way to make tortillas crispy?
How do you make chicken quesadillas?
Quick Overview
What are some good ways to cook a seasoned chicken? What are some good fillings for a tortilla? When the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown, we’ll cook it in a pan until it’s very soft. Is melted and gooe What’s the best part? It only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish! I know some people are intimidated to work in the kitchen but trust me, this recipe is super easy to make. How can anyone make it?
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small cubes.
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
I always use high quality chicken breasts because the better the flavor! If you like to eat chicken thighs, make sure to trim off any excess fat. I get my spices from a local spice shop, but any grocery store spices will work just fine.
For the Quesadilla
* 8 large flour tortillas (I prefer the burrito size)
* 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work great)
* Optional fillings: What are some of the best black beans, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, corn, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream? I always have a bag of shredded cheddar on hand, but Monterey Jack is my favorite. Because it melts so beautifully. As for tortillas, I always go for flour because they’re more pliable and less likely to break. Can you use corn?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant. I always make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Step 2: Assemble the Quesadillas
Lay out one tortilla on a flat surface. If you like, top half of the tortilla with cheese, then top with chicken and any other fillings. Sprinkle with more cheese. Fold the tortilla in half.
Step 3: Cook the Quesadillas
In a large skillet or griddle, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the cheese and stir to combine. Place the quesadillas in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown. Golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Do not burn tortillas! I always press down on the quesadilla with a spatula to help it cook evenly.
Step 4: Serve
Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and let it cool for a minute or two before slicing into wedges. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
What should you serve it with?
Okay, so you’ve got your delicious chicken quesadillas ready to go. What do you serve with these?
What is a quick lunch?What are some good side salads with a light vinaigrette? It adds a bit of freshness and balances out the richness of the quesadilla.
For a Fiesta Night:Serve with black beans and rice, some chips and salsa, and maybe even a margarita! How do I make guacamole for quesadillas?
What is the best kid-friendly meal?My kids love dipping their quesadillas in sour cream or ranch dressing. What are some good side dishes to serve? I also sometimes cut up some veggies like carrots and celery for them to munch on.
What is a hearty dinner? Add a side of Mexican street corn or a bowl of tortilla soup. It’s the perfect way to round out the meal and make it extra satisfying. I even served quesadillas with my homemade chili. It was the perfect comfort food!
How do I make a perfect chicken quesadilla?
Let’s talk tips and tricks! I’ve made this chicken quesadilla recipe countless times, and I have learned a few things along the way.
Don’t overfillThis is a big one! If you overfill a quesadilla, it’s tempting to fill it with fillings. Is it hard to fold and cook evenly? Is it true that the fillings will spill out when you try to eat them?
Use the Right Cheese:Why aren’t all cheeses created equal? For quesadillas, I recommend using cheese that melts well, like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a ham. Avoid cheeses that are too hard or crumbly, like Parmesan or feta.
What is Tortilla Crispy? Nobody wants a soggy quesadilla! To get the tortilla nice and crispy, make sure your skillet is hot enough and cook the quesadilla for long enough on each side. I also like to press down on the quesadilla with a spatula to help it cook evenly and get extra crispy.
Spice it Up: This recipe is just a starting point! Feel free to get creative with your fillings and spices. Add some diced jalapeños for a kick, or use different types of cheese or sauces. The possibilities are endless! I once added some leftover pulled pork to my quesadilla. Delicious!
Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover cooked chicken from another meal, this is a great way to use it up. Just shred or dice the chicken and add it to your quesadilla. It’s a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Okay, so you’ve made a big batch of chicken quesadillas, and you have some leftovers. What do you do? Well, here are my tips for storing and reheating them:
Room Temperature: I really don’t recommend leaving your quesadillas at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate them as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store your leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I like to wrap each quesadilla individually in plastic wrap or foil before putting them in the container. This helps to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze your quesadillas for longer storage. Wrap each quesadilla tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating: To reheat your quesadillas, you can use the microwave, oven, or skillet. The microwave is the quickest option, but it can make the tortilla a bit soggy. The oven is a better option for reheating a large batch of quesadillas, but it takes longer. The skillet is my preferred method for reheating quesadillas because it helps to crisp up the tortilla. Just heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the quesadilla for a few minutes per side until heated through and the tortilla is crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my friends! My ultimate chicken quesadilla recipe. It’s easy, it’s versatile, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. The best part is that you can customize it to your own taste and use up whatever you have on hand. I really think the chicken quesadilla recipe is a dinner staple. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other Mexican-inspired dishes! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Happy cooking!
Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Breast Cooked and shredded
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 0.5 cup Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
- 0.25 cup Diced Red Onion
- 0.5 cup Diced Bell Pepper Your choice of color
- 8 Flour Tortillas
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, red onion, and bell pepper.
- Place a flour tortilla on a flat surface and sprinkle 0.5 cup of the chicken mixture onto one half of the tortilla.
- Fold the tortilla in half, covering the chicken mixture.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place the quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it cool slightly before slicing into wedges. Serve immediately.
