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Family Favorite Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

4.4 from 52 reviews

This Family Favorite Chicken Quesadilla recipe features tender, seasoned shredded chicken combined with a blend of melty Mexican cheeses and fresh diced vegetables, all folded inside warm flour tortillas and cooked to crispy perfection in a skillet. A simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering, delivering classic Mexican-inspired flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Quesadilla Ingredients

  • 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • 1½ cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded
  • ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced
  • ½ medium red onion, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Season Your Chicken Right: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken until evenly coated with the seasoning blend to infuse every bite with rich, authentic Mexican flavors.
  2. Prep Your Vegetables: Dice the bell pepper and finely dice the red onion into approximately ¼-inch pieces. Uniform cutting ensures even cooking and a balanced distribution of flavors throughout your quesadilla.
  3. Build Your Quesadillas: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle half of the Mexican cheese blend over one half of the tortilla. Add a layer of the seasoned chicken, followed by the diced vegetables, then the Monterey Jack cheese, and finish with the remaining Mexican cheese blend. Fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape, enclosing the filling securely.
  4. Cook to Golden Perfection: Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crisp, and the cheese inside has fully melted. Be patient and maintain medium heat to avoid burning.
  5. Rest Before Cutting: Transfer the cooked quesadilla to a cutting board and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. This resting period allows the cheese to set slightly, helping to prevent the filling from spilling out and ensuring clean, neat slices.
  6. Slice and Serve Hot: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the quesadilla into triangular wedges. Serve immediately while the cheese remains gooey and warm. For extra flair, garnish with fresh cilantro and your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut without sacrificing flavor.
  • Adjust the seasoning according to your spice preference.
  • To make the quesadillas crispy without butter or oil, use a non-stick skillet and cook over medium heat carefully.
  • Feel free to add other fillings like corn, black beans, or jalapeños for extra texture and flavor.
  • Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream on the side for a complete meal.

Keywords: chicken quesadilla, Mexican chicken recipe, easy quesadilla, skillet quesadilla, cheesy chicken quesadilla, weeknight dinner, Mexican cheese blend