Delicious homemade chicken quesadillas served with salsa and guacamole.

Chicken Quesadillas

ByCasey Monroe

Why make this recipe

Chicken quesadillas are a fantastic choice for a quick and delicious meal. They are easy to make, filling, and packed with flavor. This recipe combines the crunch of fresh vegetables with tasty chicken and melted cheese, making it a hit for both kids and adults. They also make a great dish for parties or family gatherings, thanks to their simple preparation and fun presentation.

How to make Chicken Quesadillas

Ingredients:

  • 6 Tbsp. vegetable oil, divided
  • 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • 1/2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
  • 4 medium flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey jack cheese
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • Sour cream, for serving

Directions:

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion, and season with salt. Cook them until soft, about 5 minutes. After cooking, transfer the veggies to a plate.
  2. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Then, add the sliced chicken. Season the chicken with chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, and more salt. Cook the chicken until it’s golden and cooked through, which will take about 8 minutes. Once done, move the chicken to a plate and wipe out the skillet.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in the skillet again. Place one flour tortilla in the pan. On one half of the tortilla, layer with Monterey jack cheese, a quarter of the cooked chicken, a quarter of the pepper-onion mixture, a few slices of avocado, and some scallions.
  4. Fold the tortilla over to cover the filling. Cook it for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Repeat this process with the remaining ingredients to make 4 quesadillas.
  5. Slice the quesadillas into wedges and serve them with sour cream.

How to serve Chicken Quesadillas

Serve chicken quesadillas hot, straight from the skillet. They are perfect on their own or with sides like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa. You can also add a fresh salad or some Mexican rice for a complete meal.

How to store Chicken Quesadillas

If you have leftovers, let the quesadillas cool down completely. Then, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.

Tips to make Chicken Quesadillas

  • Make sure not to overfill the quesadillas, or they may burst while cooking.
  • For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in your favorite spices or dressing before cooking.
  • You can add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for additional nutrition.

Variation

You can easily modify this recipe by using different kinds of cheese, such as pepper jack for a spicier kick. You might also try substituting the chicken for cooked beef, pork, or tofu for a vegetarian option.

FAQs

1. Can I use different tortillas?
Yes, you can use corn tortillas or whole wheat tortillas if you prefer.

2. How do I make these quesadillas spicier?
Add some diced jalapeños or spicy salsa to the filling for an extra kick.

3. Can I freeze chicken quesadillas?
Yes, you can freeze them. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven after thawing for the best texture.