Go Back
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack) - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 4 large flour tortillas - 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided) - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Sour cream (for serving) Choose fresh vegetables for the best taste. Look for bright red bell peppers and firm onions. Use high-quality cheese for meltiness and flavor. Shredded cheese is convenient, but block cheese melts better. When selecting chicken, pick meat that is juicy and tender. You can use rotisserie chicken to save time. For a zesty twist, add jalapeños for heat. Black beans can boost protein and fiber. You might also try corn for a sweet crunch. Avocado or guacamole can add creaminess. Consider lime juice for a fresh kick. Each of these ingredients can elevate your quesadilla and create unique flavors. For the full recipe, check out the details above! Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally until they soften up. Season these veggies with ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This helps to blend the flavors together. Now, add the shredded chicken to the skillet. Stir it well with the sautéed vegetables. Let this mixture cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This warms the chicken and lets the flavors mix. You want everything heated through and tasty. In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Place one flour tortilla in this skillet. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly over the tortilla. Then, spread half of the chicken mixture on top. Add another layer of cheese before placing a second tortilla on top. Cook the quesadilla for about 3-4 minutes until the bottom gets golden brown and the cheese begins to melt. Carefully flip it using a large spatula, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until both sides are crispy. Remove the quesadilla and let it cool for a minute. Slice it into wedges with a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Repeat this with the remaining ingredients. Serve the warm quesadillas on a platter, garnished with chopped cilantro and a side of sour cream for dipping. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. To get a crispy quesadilla, use medium heat. Heat your skillet, then add oil. You want enough oil to cover the bottom, but not too much. Use a spatula to press down on the quesadilla while it cooks. This helps the cheese melt and brown the tortilla. Flip it carefully to keep the filling inside. Cook each side until golden brown, around 3-4 minutes. Let it cool slightly before slicing for the best crunch. You will need a few tools to make your quesadillas. Here’s what I suggest: - A large skillet for cooking - A spatula to flip the quesadilla - A sharp knife or pizza cutter for slicing - Mixing bowls for prepping the filling - Measuring spoons for spices These tools make the process easy and fun. If your quesadilla is soggy, it may need more heat. Make sure the skillet is hot enough before adding the tortilla. If the cheese does not melt, try using more cheese or a different type. For burnt quesadillas, lower the heat a bit. If your filling spills out, remember to press down gently while it cooks. Adjust these tips based on your stove and skillet for the best results. {{image_4}} You can easily make vegetarian quesadillas. Just swap out chicken for veggies. Use ingredients like black beans, corn, or spinach. For a fresh touch, add diced tomatoes or mushrooms. They add great flavor and color. You can also use different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist. If you love heat, spice up your chicken quesadillas. Add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the chicken mix. For a spicy kick, mix in hot sauce. You can even use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. This gives your quesadilla a nice, spicy flavor. Cheese is a key player in quesadillas. While cheddar is classic, try other cheeses for a new taste. Monterey Jack melts well and adds creaminess. Gouda offers a rich, smoky flavor. For a sharp taste, use aged cheddar. Blend different cheeses for a complex flavor profile. Each variation brings its own unique touch to the dish. For the full recipe, check out the Easy Chicken Quesadillas Delight above! After you enjoy your meal, let the quesadillas cool. Place them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. If you want to save space, cut them into wedges. This makes them easier to store and reheat later. To reheat, use a skillet for the best results. Heat it over medium heat. Place the quesadilla in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This keeps the quesadilla crispy. You can also use a microwave, but it might make them soft. If you use the microwave, heat for 30 seconds at a time until warm. You can freeze the quesadillas for later use. Wrap each quesadilla tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them using the skillet method for the best taste. This makes for a quick meal anytime! For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas Delight section. Yes, you can! Ground beef, turkey, or pork work great. You could also try shrimp or tofu for a fun twist. Just make sure to season them well. Each protein brings its own flavor. Cook them until done, just like the chicken. You can use an oven! Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Place the quesadillas on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip them halfway for even cooking. You can also use a microwave, but they won’t be crispy. Many sides work well! Here are some ideas: - Mexican rice - Refried beans - Guacamole - Salsa - Corn salad These sides add color and taste to your meal. They also make a complete dinner. Enjoy with your quesadillas for a full feast. For the full recipe, refer to the Easy Chicken Quesadillas section! In this blog post, we covered all you need for making delicious quesadillas. We shared the right ingredients, tips for selection, and options for extra flavor. I walked you through each step, from prepping veggies to assembly. We also discussed important tips for crispiness and tools to use, plus variations for every taste. Lastly, I provided storage info to keep leftovers fresh. Now, it’s time to create your perfect quesadilla! Enjoy this tasty dish any day of the week.

Easy Chicken Quesadillas

Satisfy your cravings with these delicious Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas! Packed with tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and melted cheese, this quick recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying snack. Follow simple steps to create crispy, golden quesadillas that everyone will love.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

4 large flour tortillas

2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Sour cream (for serving)

Instructions
 

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened. Season with ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine flavors.

    Mix in Chicken: Add the shredded chicken to the skillet, stirring until it is well incorporated with the sautéed vegetables. Allow this mixture to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.

      Prepare the Quesadilla: In a separate skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.

        Construct the Quesadilla: Place one flour tortilla in the heated skillet. Evenly sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the entire surface of the tortilla.

          Add Filling: Spread half of the chicken mixture over the cheese, then add a second layer of cheese on top. Finally, place another flour tortilla on top of this stack to form a quesadilla.

            Cook the Quesadilla: Allow the quesadilla to cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt. Carefully flip the quesadilla using a large spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side until it is golden brown and crispy.

              Slice and Serve: Once both sides are perfectly crispy, remove the quesadilla from the skillet. Let it cool for about one minute before slicing it into wedges, using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.

                Repeat: Use the remaining ingredients to prepare a second quesadilla, following the same steps.

                  Garnish and Serve: Serve the warm quesadillas on a platter, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro, and provide a side of sour cream for dipping.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4