chicken quesadilla

Chicken Quesadilla Recipe: A Crispy, Cheesy, and Satisfying Favorite

Chicken Quesadillas are the ultimate comfort food—crispy on the outside, melty and cheesy on the inside, and packed with seasoned chicken and your favorite add-ins. Whether served as a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or a game-day snack, these handheld delights never disappoint. With a golden-brown tortilla, a generous layer of gooey cheese, and flavorful fillings, they’re both easy to make and hard to resist. One of the best things about chicken quesadillas is how customizable they are. You can keep them simple with just cheese and chicken or load them up with veggies, spices, and sauces for something more elevated. Either way, they’re delicious every time—and perfect for dipping in salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

chicken quesadilla

What Makes This Dish Special?

Chicken quesadillas hit that perfect balance of crunchy, cheesy, and savory. The quick prep and cook time make them a go-to for busy weeknights, while the crispy tortilla and melty interior satisfy every craving. Plus, they’re endlessly versatile—mix and match cheeses, spices, and toppings to suit your mood.

Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 2 quesadillas (serves 2–4)

Ingredients

  • 2 large flour tortillas
  • 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
  • 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper (optional)
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion (optional)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for the pan)
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: salsa, guacamole, sour cream for serving

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken

In a bowl, toss the cooked chicken with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. If your chicken is already well-seasoned, you can skip this step or just warm it in a skillet before assembling.

2. Assemble the Quesadilla

Lay one tortilla flat and sprinkle half the shredded cheese over one half of the tortilla. Layer on the seasoned chicken, bell pepper, onion (if using), and the remaining cheese. Fold the tortilla in half to create a half-moon shape.

3. Cook Until Golden

Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden and crispy and the cheese is fully melted.

4. Slice and Serve

Remove from heat and let cool for 1 minute. Slice into wedges and serve with your favorite dips like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

chicken quesadilla

Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
  • Veggie Packed: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
  • BBQ Twist: Use BBQ chicken and add a drizzle of barbecue sauce inside.
  • Breakfast Quesadilla: Add scrambled eggs and bacon for a breakfast version.
  • Extra Cheese: Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, and cheddar for depth.

Equipment You’ll Need

  • Skillet or griddle
  • Spatula
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons

Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~400
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Nutrition may vary based on ingredients and add-ins.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap cooled quesadillas in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a skillet or oven until crispy.
  • Reheating: For best texture, reheat in a pan over medium heat. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep it crispy.

My Cooking Experience

With over four years of kitchen experience, chicken quesadillas are a staple in my rotation. They’re simple, fast, and incredibly satisfying. I often make a batch using leftover rotisserie chicken and throw in whatever veggies are in the fridge. They’re a hit with family and friends, especially when served with homemade salsa or spicy guac. It’s a dish that proves simple can be spectacular.

Conclusion

Chicken Quesadillas are everything you need in a quick meal—crispy, cheesy, savory, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re looking for a solo snack or a family-friendly dinner, this recipe delivers every time. Keep this one in your back pocket for those days when you need something delicious in a hurry!

chicken quesadilla
Admin

chicken quesadilla

Chicken Quesadillas are the ultimate comfort food—crispy on the outside, melty and cheesy on the inside, and packed with seasoned chicken and your favorite add-ins. Whether served as a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or a game-day snack, these handheld delights never disappoint. With a golden-brown tortilla, a generous layer of gooey cheese, and flavorful fillings, they’re both easy to make and hard to resist. One of the best things about chicken quesadillas is how customizable they are. You can keep them simple with just cheese and chicken or load them up with veggies, spices, and sauces for something more elevated. Either way, they’re delicious every time—and perfect for dipping in salsa, guacamole, or sour cream
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: chicken
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large flour tortillas
  • 1 cup cooked chicken shredded or chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend
  • 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper optional
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion optional
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter for the pan
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: salsa guacamole, sour cream for serving

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, toss the cooked chicken with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. If your chicken is already well-seasoned, you can skip this step or just warm it in a skillet before assembling.
  2. Lay one tortilla flat and sprinkle half the shredded cheese over one half of the tortilla. Layer on the seasoned chicken, bell pepper, onion (if using), and the remaining cheese. Fold the tortilla in half to create a half-moon shape.
  3. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden and crispy and the cheese is fully melted.
  4. Remove from heat and let cool for 1 minute. Slice into wedges and serve with your favorite dips like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Notes

  • Refrigerator: Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap cooled quesadillas in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a skillet or oven until crispy.
Reheating: For best texture, reheat in a pan over medium heat. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep it crispy.

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