Description
Homemade chicken quesadilla showcases Mexican culinary magic with tender shredded chicken and melted cheese. Crispy tortillas and zesty seasonings promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (475 ml) cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or grilled)
- 2 cups (475 ml) shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar, Monterey Jack)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp (5 ml) chili powder
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) cumin
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) onion powder
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) paprika
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lime juice (optional)
- ½ cup (120 ml) diced bell peppers (optional)
- ½ cup (120 ml) diced onions (optional)
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Marination: Thoroughly coat shredded chicken with a robust spice blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and lime juice, ensuring maximum flavor penetration.
- Skillet Preparation: Heat skillet over medium temperature, lightly coating the surface with olive oil or butter to create a golden, non-stick cooking environment.
- Tortilla Layering: Place tortilla in the heated skillet, strategically spreading melting cheese across one half, then evenly distribute the seasoned chicken and optional bell peppers, onions, or jalapeños for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Cheese Sealing: Add an additional cheese layer to create a molten binding that secures the quesadilla’s delectable filling.
- Folding and Cooking: Carefully fold the tortilla into a half-moon shape, pressing gently with a spatula to ensure uniform browning and complete cheese melting, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until achieving a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
- Plating and Serving: Remove from skillet, slice into triangular wedges, and present immediately with complementary accompaniments like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for a vibrant Mexican-inspired culinary experience.
Notes
- Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow spices to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat, creating more robust taste profiles.
- Control Heat Precisely: Use medium-low heat to prevent tortilla burning while ensuring cheese melts evenly and chicken remains juicy without becoming dry.
- Cheese Selection Matters: Choose melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or sharp cheddar for optimal gooeyness and rich flavor that complements the spiced chicken.
- Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular tortillas with gluten-free alternatives, use plant-based cheese for vegan versions, or replace chicken with black beans for vegetarian options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg