Delicious Chicken Quesadilla Recipe – Easy & Quick
Welcome to the ultimate chicken quesadilla recipe! If you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinner routine or impress your guests at a party, this recipe is perfect for you.
Quesadillas are a popular Mexican dish, and with this recipe, you can create the best chicken quesadillas that are packed with flavor and ooey-gooey melted cheese. What sets this recipe apart from others is our use of fajita-style chicken cooked in a skillet with peppers, onions, mushrooms, and your choice of seasonings. We then stuff these cheesy quesadillas with the juicy chicken and veggies and serve them piping hot.
This ultimate chicken quesadilla recipe is perfect for any occasion. You won’t believe how easy it is to make this delicious meal within 30 minutes of prep time!
Get ready to indulge in the best chicken quesadilla that you’ll ever have. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for the ultimate chicken quesadilla recipe? Look no further than this mouth-watering dish that will satisfy all of your cravings. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
Firstly, the combination of monterey jack and cheddar cheese blend in these chicken quesadillas is undeniably irresistible. The gooey melted cheese will have you drooling from the very first bite. Pair it with flour tortillas for perfect texture every time.
Secondly, these chicken quesadillas are made with boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1-2 inch pieces, giving them a fajita-style feel. The recipe ingredients also call for diced tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, peppers, onions, and other fresh veggies to give each bite a flavorful crunch.
Thirdly, the versatility of this recipe cannot be ignored. With quick substitutions and variations like swapping out the chicken for pulled pork or grilled steak, or even trying buffalo chicken or barbecue chicken quesadillas – there are endless possibilities to make it your own!
Finally, this ultimate chicken quesadilla recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd at any party or BBQ. It’s easy to make ahead and store so you can enjoy it any time as a perfect snack or meal.
In conclusion, this chicken quesadilla recipe will satisfy your taste buds from the very first bite. Its gooey melted cheese, juicy chicken pieces and fresh veggies will make it an all-time favorite party food. Don’t wait any longer to try this ultimate recipe yourself!
Ingredient List
Let’s start with the essential ingredients to make the ultimate chicken quesadilla recipe. Here’s what you will need:
For the Quesadilla Filling:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel Mexican diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (1 cup = 1 breast)
- 1 sliced red onion
- 1 sliced jalapeño pepper
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 sliced green bell pepper
- 1/2 sliced red bell pepper
For the Quesadillas:
Optional Ingredients for More Flavorful Quesadillas:
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Ultimate Rotisserie Chicken (use instead of boneless, skinless chicken breasts for less prep time!)
- BBQ Chicken
- Buffalo Chicken
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to put them together and make the ultimate chicken quesadilla! Follow these easy steps to make sure your quesadillas turn out perfectly every time.
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating a skillet with cooking spray over medium heat. Add the boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 1/2 inch pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until browned on all sides and cooked through.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Next, add sliced mushrooms, peppers, and onions to the same skillet with the cooked chicken. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until tender.
Step 3: Assemble Your Quesadillas
Place a flour tortilla in another skillet or a griddle, sprinkle liberally with a mixture of grated monterey jack and cheddar cheese blend, then add the previously cooked chicken-vegetable mix. Now top it off with another layer of jack cheese blend and fold over to close.
Step 4: Cook Quesadillas until Cheese is Melted
Cook each side of the quesadilla for about two minutes or until they are slightly crispy and gooey-melted on the inside.
Now your ultimate chicken quesadillas packed with fajita-style chicken combined with a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese are ready!
Optional Ingredients
If you want to add more flavor and texture to your chicken quesadillas, consider experimenting with different options like shredded red cabbage, corn kernels or black beans. Or if you’re feeling adventurous try adding some jalapeño, olives or avocado slices for an extra spice kick. This recipe is so customizable that you can pretty much use any vegetable you like!
Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your chicken quesadilla recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try out.
First, let’s talk about the protein. If boneless skinless chicken breast isn’t your thing, there are a few other options you can explore. For a vegetarian twist, try using sliced mushrooms or black beans instead. You can also make your quesadillas with rotisserie chicken for added flavor and convenience.
Next, let’s talk about the cheese. While we recommend using a Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend for maximum flavor, you can use any type of shredded cheese you like. Some great options to consider include pepper jack, Colby jack, or even crumbled queso fresco.
If you want to switch up the seasonings in your chicken quesadillas, try adding some fajita seasoning or taco seasoning to your cooked chicken before assembling your quesadillas. You can also add some heat with diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings and fillings. Some delicious options include sliced avocado or guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, or even a drizzle of hot sauce.
Remember that the possibilities are endless when it comes to making ultimate chicken quesadillas. Mix and match different ingredients until you find the perfect combination that makes your taste buds sing.
Serving and Pairing
When it’s time to serve your ultimate chicken quesadillas, you may want to consider adding a few sides or toppings to create a complete meal. The warm and gooey melted cheese blends perfectly with a variety of flavors, so feel free to get creative.
One of the best options for pairing is homemade guacamole, which adds a creamy and fresh taste that perfectly complements the savory filling of your quesadillas. You can also serve salsa on the side or sprinkle some diced tomatoes and green onions over the top to add an extra burst of flavor.
For a heartier meal, serve your quesadillas with a side salad or some Mexican rice. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can even make a batch of crispy sweet potato fries or loaded nachos to go alongside your cheesy creations.
If you’re hosting a party or gathering, consider creating a DIY quesadilla bar with various toppings and fillings so guests can mix and match their own combinations. This not only makes for a fun and interactive experience but ensures everyone gets exactly what they want.
Ultimately, the perfect pairing for your ultimate chicken quesadillas comes down to personal preference. Get creative and experiment with different sides to find your favorite combination.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve made the ultimate chicken quesadillas, you might have some leftovers or want to prepare them in advance. Not a problem! These easy chicken quesadillas can be made ahead of time and stored easily for later enjoyment.
To store cooked chicken quesadillas, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They will stay good for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. If you’re planning on keeping them for longer than that, it’s best to freeze them.
If you want to freeze them, the best way is to individually wrap each quesadilla in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them all together in a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly stored, they will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
To reheat your chicken quesadillas, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake them in the foil or plastic wrap they were originally stored in until heated through. Alternatively, if you want a crispy texture and don’t mind sacrificing a bit of cheese gooeyness, you could heat them up on a skillet with some oil or cooking spray until crispy on both sides.
I always recommend against reheating food more than once because it can potentially lead to foodborne illnesses. So make sure you only reheat your ultimate chicken quesadillas once and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking can sometimes be tricky, especially when it comes to getting everything just right. But with a few helpful tips and tricks, you can make the ultimate chicken quesadilla recipe with ease. Here are some tips that will help you create the perfect dish every time.
1. Preheat the skillet: For perfectly crispy tortillas, it’s important to preheat your skillet before adding the quesadilla. The pan should be hot enough that you can hear a sizzle when you add the tortilla.
2. Use cooking spray liberally: To prevent sticking, it’s best to use a generous amount of cooking spray on the skillet and the tortilla itself.
3. Shred the cheese yourself: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it doesn’t melt as well as freshly shredded cheese. To get that gooey melted cheese that we all love in our quesadillas, shred the cheese yourself.
4. Sear the chicken: To add more flavor to your chicken, sear it first in a separate skillet before chopping it up for your quesadilla filling.
5. Don’t overfill the quesadilla: It might be tempting to stuff your quesadilla with as much filling as possible, but overfilling can make it difficult to cook evenly and may cause ingredients to spill out.
6. Cook with a lid: Covering your skillet with a lid while cooking helps trap heat and melt the cheese more thoroughly.
7. Let it rest before slicing: Allow your quesadilla to rest for a few minutes after removing from heat before slicing into pieces. This helps give everything a chance to set up and prevents it from falling apart.
8. Experiment with different fillings: The classic Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend with chicken breast is deemed by some as the best chicken quesadilla recipe but there’s always room for experimentation! Try using sliced mushrooms, peppers & onions or even bbq sauce for an ultimate bbq chicken quesadilla recipe variation.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make ultimate chicken quesadillas packed with flavorful filling and cheesy goodness every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this ultimate chicken quesadilla recipe is the perfect crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual game night or a fancy dinner party, this dish is sure to impress your guests. Its gooey melted cheese, flavorful fajita-style chicken, and fresh vegetables packed in a tortilla make it both delicious and easy to eat. With various substitutions and variations, you can tailor this recipe to your specific taste preferences.
The beauty of this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed. It also serves well as leftovers for quick and easy meals throughout the week. With the tips and recommendations provided in this article, you’ll be able to create perfect chicken quesadillas every time.
So why not give it a go? With its simple yet tasty ingredients, you can make the best chicken quesadillas in no time. Plus, it’s a great way to experiment with different flavors and ingredients – you never know what delicious creations you may come up with.
As an avid home chef who loves throwing parties, I highly recommend giving this ultimate chicken quesadilla recipe a try. Your guests will surely thank you for it!
Ultimate Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
Ingredients
- PAM® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray
- 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 (10 ounce) can Ro*Tel® Mexican Diced Tomatoes with Lime Juice & Cilantro, undrained
- 4 flour tortillas (10 inch)
- 2 cups shredded monterey jack and cheddar cheese blend
Instructions
- Spray large skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium heat. Add chicken and undrained tomatoes; cook 10 minutes or until chicken pieces are no longer pink in centers and liquid has evaporated, stirring frequently.
- Spread chicken mixture evenly onto bottom half of each tortilla to within 1 inch of edge. Sprinkle 1/2 cup cheese over chicken mixture on each tortilla. Fold each tortilla in half to cover filling.
- Clean skillet. Spray with additional cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat. Cook quesadillas 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown on both sides. Cut into wedges to serve.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!