Crispy Spinach Artichoke And Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

Fresh Spinach Artichoke And Chicken Quesadilla Recipe to Savor

Melted cheese and crispy tortillas combine in this mouthwatering spinach artichoke and chicken quesadilla that promises a flavor explosion.

Packed with tender chicken and creamy artichoke chunks, this recipe delivers comfort in every bite.

The spinach adds a vibrant green touch and extra nutrition to this classic Mexican-inspired dish.

Each quesadilla comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.

Layers of savory ingredients create a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Crisp edges and gooey center guarantee a delightful textural experience that keeps you coming back for more.

Serve these quesadillas hot and watch them disappear in minutes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into Spinach Artichoke And Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

For Filling Base:
  • Olive Oil: Adds rich flavor and helps prevent sticking while sautéing ingredients.
  • Garlic: Provides aromatic depth and enhances overall savory profile of the dish.
  • Spinach: Delivers vibrant color, nutrients, and earthy taste to the quesadilla filling.
  • Frozen Spinach: Convenient alternative with similar nutritional benefits, requires thawing before use.
  • Artichoke Hearts: Brings tangy, slightly nutty flavor and soft texture to the mixture.
For Protein and Cheese Components:
  • Shredded Chicken: Lean protein source that adds substantial texture and satisfying heartiness.
  • Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, creamy consistency and binds ingredients together.
  • Mozzarella: Provides classic melting quality and mild, stretchy cheese experience.
  • Parmesan: Introduces sharp, salty notes that elevate overall flavor complexity.
For Quesadilla Structure:
  • Tortillas: Soft, flexible wrapper that holds filling and creates crispy exterior when cooked.
  • Cooking Spray: Helps achieve golden, non-stick surface for perfect quesadilla texture.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the combined flavors of ingredients.
  • Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and subtle spiciness to the filling.

Helpful Tools For Spinach Artichoke And Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

  • Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing spinach, cooking filling, and grilling quesadillas.
  • Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and flipping quesadillas.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for prepping ingredients and chopping if necessary.
  • Sharp Knife: Helpful for cutting ingredients and slicing quesadillas into wedges.
  • Measuring Spoons: Useful for accurately measuring salt and pepper.

How To Prepare Spinach Artichoke And Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

  • Sizzle Aromatic Garlic

In a searing skillet, dance olive oil and garlic until they whisper their fragrant secrets. Toss in fresh spinach, letting it wilt into vibrant green ribbons.

  • Blend Creamy Goodness

Fold artichokes, cream cheese, tender shredded chicken, and melty cheeses into the spinach mixture. Stir until everything melds into a luxurious, creamy harmony. Season with salt and pepper for a flavor explosion.

  • Craft Crispy Quesadillas

Spread the luscious filling across half a tortilla, then fold into a half-moon. Nestle each quesadilla onto a sizzling skillet, cooking until each side turns a gorgeous golden brown and cheese oozes invitingly.

  • Slice and Celebrate

Cut your masterpiece into tempting wedges. Serve with a dollop of cool sour cream, zesty salsa, or creamy ranch for the ultimate flavor adventure.

Easy Tips For Spinach Artichoke And Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

  • Drain Excess Moisture: Squeeze thawed spinach in a clean kitchen towel to remove extra water, preventing soggy quesadillas and ensuring a crispy texture.
  • Swap Chicken Options: Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation, or replace with turkey, shredded beef, or plant-based protein like seasoned tofu for diverse dietary needs.
  • Cheese Blend Magic: Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack for heat, gouda for smokiness, or sharp cheddar for extra tang, creating unique flavor profiles.
  • Gluten-Free Twist: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free version. For low-carb alternatives, wrap the filling in large lettuce leaves or use cauliflower tortillas.
  • Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare filling in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble quesadillas right before cooking to maintain optimal crispiness and fresh flavor.

Serving Ideas For Spinach Artichoke And Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

  • Party Plate Presentation: Arrange quesadilla wedges artfully on a colorful platter with small dipping bowls of sour cream, salsa, and ranch dressing placed strategically around the edges for easy access.
  • Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or green onions over the top of the quesadillas just before serving to add a bright, zesty pop of color and extra flavor.
  • Southwestern Side Kick: Complement the quesadillas with a quick black bean and corn salad or a crisp mixed green salad with a light lime vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy filling.
  • Movie Night Munch: Cut quesadillas into smaller bite-sized triangles for perfect handheld appetizers during game nights, movie marathons, or casual gatherings with friends.

Storage Plans For Spinach Artichoke And Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

  • Quick Batch Preparation: Make multiple quesadillas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for easy weeknight meals. Wrap each quesadilla individually in aluminum foil for convenient reheating.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Stack quesadillas between parchment paper, place in a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Efficient Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated or thawed quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave heating to maintain texture.
  • Smart Leftover Management: Store unused filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Use as a delicious topping for salads, crackers, or additional quesadilla batches.
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Crispy Spinach Artichoke And Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

Crispy Spinach Artichoke And Chicken Quesadilla Recipe


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4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Homemade spinach artichoke and chicken quesadilla brings creamy Mediterranean flavors to Mexican-inspired cuisine. Each crispy tortilla layer delivers rich, melted cheese and tender chicken that satisfies hungry diners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 2 cups (473 ml / 16 oz) cooked chicken, shredded
  • 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (237 ml) fresh spinach
  • 1 cup (237 ml) canned artichoke hearts, chopped
  • 1 cup (237 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (118 ml) shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Cooking spray or additional olive oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, then introduce fresh spinach, wilting it into a vibrant green base.
  2. Blend Filling: Fold in artichoke pieces, cream cheese, shredded chicken, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper, stirring until the mixture becomes a smooth, cohesive blend with melted cheese.
  3. Assemble Quesadilla: Spread the spinach artichoke chicken mixture evenly across half of a large tortilla, then fold into a half-moon shape, creating a compact flavor package.
  4. Crisp and Cook: Lightly coat a skillet or griddle with cooking spray or olive oil. Place the quesadilla on the heated surface, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy, with a caramelized exterior and melted interior.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Transfer to a cutting board and slice into triangular wedges. Accompany with sour cream, salsa, or ranch dressing for an enhanced flavor experience.

Notes

  • Optimize Cheese Melting: Grate cheeses at room temperature for smoother, faster melting and more even distribution throughout the quesadilla filling.
  • Prevent Soggy Tortillas: Pat spinach and artichoke dry after cooking to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp and golden tortilla exterior.
  • Control Heat Intensity: Use medium-low heat when cooking quesadillas to achieve a perfectly golden-brown crust without burning the tortilla or overcooking the filling.
  • Dietary Adaptation: Swap regular tortillas with gluten-free alternatives, use dairy-free cheese substitutes, or replace chicken with plant-based protein for specialized dietary needs.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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