Chicken Quesadillas : These golden, crispy tortillas stuffed with melty cheese, tender chicken, and flavorful seasonings are a go-to for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Quesadillas
Chicken quesadillas are the ultimate comfort food. They’re:
- Quick and easy: Perfect for weeknight dinners, taking under 30 minutes to prepare.
- Customizable: Adaptable to your favorite fillings, seasonings, and dietary needs.
- Kid-friendly: Even the pickiest eaters love these cheesy delights.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Quesadillas
- Use leftover chicken: Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken makes this recipe even quicker.
- Don’t overfill: Overloading the tortilla can make flipping tricky. Stick to a balance of cheese and filling.
- Cook on medium heat: High heat can burn the tortilla before the cheese melts.
- Press gently: Use a spatula to lightly press the quesadilla while cooking for even crispiness.
Delicious Variations
Chicken quesadillas are endlessly customizable. Here are a few variations to try:
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling.
- BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: Mix the shredded chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce and top with red onions and mozzarella cheese.
- Vegetable-Packed: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a healthier twist.
- Breakfast Quesadilla: Include scrambled eggs, chicken sausage, and cheese for a morning treat.
- Low-Carb Option: Use low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps.
How to Serve Chicken Quesadillas
Serve chicken quesadillas as a main dish or a snack. They pair wonderfully with:
- Sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for dipping.
- A side of Mexican rice or black beans for a complete meal.
- Fresh salad with lime vinaigrette for a lighter accompaniment.
- A cold glass of agua fresca or a margarita for an authentic Mexican vibe.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Quesadillas
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap each quesadilla individually in foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Heat on a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Oven: Place in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Use sparingly, as it can make the tortilla soggy. Heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Recipe FAQs
What is the best cheese for chicken quesadillas?
A combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Oaxaca cheese works best for its creamy melt and rich flavor.
Can I make chicken quesadillas ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the quesadillas and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
What tortillas should I use?
Flour tortillas are the most pliable and easiest to work with, but you can use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
Can I use uncooked chicken?
Absolutely. Dice and cook the chicken with the onions and peppers until fully cooked before assembling.
Chicken Quesadillas
Chicken Quesadillas : These golden, crispy tortillas stuffed with melty cheese, tender chicken, and flavorful seasonings are a go-to for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- Kosher salt
- 6 Tbsp. vegetable oil, divided
- 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 4 medium flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- Sour cream, for serving
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers and onions, season with salt, and cook for about 5 minutes until soft. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add the chicken strips, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Stir occasionally and cook for 8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and wipe the skillet clean.
- Heat another tablespoon of oil in the skillet. Place a tortilla in the skillet, and on one half, layer cheeses, a portion of chicken, sautéed veggies, avocado slices, and scallions.
- Fold the tortilla over.
Cook for about 3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make 4 quesadillas. - Slice each quesadilla into wedges and serve with sour cream on the side for dipping.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1023Total Fat: 71gSaturated Fat: 26gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 39gCholesterol: 204mgSodium: 1041mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 6gSugar: 3gProtein: 67g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
With this guide, your chicken quesadillas will be a guaranteed hit every time. Experiment with flavors, toppings, and pairings to make this dish uniquely yours. Whether you’re whipping up a quick lunch or impressing guests at a dinner party, these quesadillas are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Happy cooking!
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