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Family Favorite Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

Family Favorite Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 16 reviews

This Family Favorite Chicken Quesadilla recipe combines tender shredded chicken seasoned with authentic Mexican spices, a blend of melted cheeses, and sautéed bell peppers and onions folded inside warm flour tortillas. Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these quesadillas are perfect for a quick dinner or a tasty snack and come with easy-to-follow steps for flavorful results every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Quesadilla Filling

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (can use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • ½ medium red onion, finely diced
  • 1½ cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded (for authentic flavor)
  • ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (ensures smooth melting)

Tortillas & Cooking

  • 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch) (work best for folding and filling)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for cooking the quesadillas)

Instructions

  1. Season Your Chicken
    In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the chicken is evenly coated. This seasoning blend adds incredible depth of flavor to the filling.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables
    Dice the bell pepper and finely dice the red onion into small uniform pieces about ¼-inch in size to ensure even cooking and balanced distribution throughout the quesadilla.
  3. Build Your Quesadillas
    Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle half of the Mexican cheese blend evenly over one half of the tortilla. Layer the seasoned chicken on top, followed by the diced bell pepper and onion, then sprinkle the Monterey Jack cheese and finish with the remaining Mexican cheese. Fold the tortilla over into a half-moon shape to enclose the filling.
  4. Cook the Quesadillas
    Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until the tortilla is golden brown and crisp, and the cheese has fully melted. Cooking at medium heat ensures a crispy exterior without burning.
  5. Rest Before Cutting
    Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. This helps the cheese set slightly, preventing the filling from spilling out during slicing.
  6. Slice and Serve
    Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the quesadilla into triangular wedges. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and accompaniments like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for a restaurant-style presentation.

Notes

  • Using rotisserie chicken can save time without compromising flavor.
  • Feel free to substitute flour tortillas with whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas if preferred.
  • Adjust the amount of chili powder for desired spice level.
  • Resting the quesadilla before slicing is key to neat presentation and prevents filling spillage.
  • Serve with fresh salsa, guacamole, or sour cream to enhance taste.
  • To add extra veggies, consider adding sliced jalapeños or corn.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken quesadilla, Mexican cheese, shredded chicken, easy dinner recipe, quesadilla recipe, pan-fried quesadilla

Find it online: https://savorandsimmer.com/family-favorite-chicken-quesadilla-recipe/