🔥 Chicken Quesadilla Recipes – Easy, Quick & Delicious

Did you know that an Easy Chicken Quesadilla has 551 calories? Yet, it’s both tasty and filling. This article shares a simple, under 15-minute recipe great for busy nights or casual meet-ups.

This dish has shredded chicken, melted cheese, and zesty flavors in a soft tortilla. It’s perfect for families or if you’re craving Mexican food. You can change it up to match what you like. If you want a meal that’s quick and satisfying, this dish is perfect.

We’ll go over what you need, the steps, tips, and ways to make it your own at home. With this recipe, you’ll make a top-notch chicken and cheese quesadilla. Get ready to enjoy an amazing tortilla snack and fulfill your Tex-Mex food desires.

Key Takeaways

• A single serving of the Easy Chicken Quesadilla contains 551 calories, 22g of total fat, and 32g of protein.
• The recipe takes less than 15 minutes to prepare, making it a great option for quick meal ideas.
• Chicken quesadillas are a classic Tex-Mex dish featuring shredded chicken, melted cheese, and zesty flavors wrapped in a soft tortilla.
• The recipe can be easily customized with various fillings and toppings to cater to personal preferences.
• Chicken quesadillas are a family-friendly and kid-friendly recipe that can be enjoyed anytime.

What is a Chicken Quesadilla?

A Tex-Mex Delight

A chicken quesadilla is a beloved Tex-Mex dish. It’s made by filling a flour tortilla with shredded chicken, cheese, and other goodies. These can be sautéed veggies, seasoning, and herbs. Then, the whole thing is cooked until the cheese is gooey and the outside is crunchy. It’s a tasty, easy-to-eat meal.

Melty Cheese and Juicy Chicken

The best part about a chicken quesadilla is the mix of melted cheese and seasoned chicken. The cheese, which is usually Monterey Jack or cheddar, makes it creamy. It’s a perfect match for the flavorful chicken. Together inside a tortilla, they make a tasty Tex-Mex treat.

Easy and Quick Meal

Chicken quesadillas are known for being simple and quick to make. You can whip them up in less than 30 minutes. This makes them perfect for busy evenings or whenever you’re in a hurry. With just a few ingredients and some time, you’ll have a meal that’s both delicious and satisfying.

5 Chicken Quesadilla Recipes: Easy, Simple & Fast

Chicken quesadillas are a quick and delicious meal that can be customized to suit any taste. With their crispy tortilla shells and savory fillings, these quesadillas are sure to be a hit. Here are five easy, simple, and fast chicken quesadilla recipes you can try at home.

Classic Chicken Quesadilla

Time Required: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• Cooking spray or vegetable oil

Instructions:

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with cooking spray or oil.

Step 2: Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the tortilla.

Step 3: Spread 1 cup of shredded chicken over the cheese and sprinkle with cilantro.

Step 4: Top with another tortilla and cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt. Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Remove from the skillet, cut into wedges, and serve with salsa.

Tip: Add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for extra flavor.

Spicy Chicken Quesadilla

Time Required: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• Cooking spray or vegetable oil

Instructions:

Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss the shredded chicken with hot sauce until well coated.

Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with cooking spray or oil. Add the chopped bell pepper and onion, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the pepper jack cheese over the tortilla.

Step 4: Spread 1 cup of the spicy chicken over the cheese and top with sliced jalapeños and the cooked peppers and onions.

Step 5: Top with another tortilla and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Remove from the skillet, cut into wedges, and serve with extra hot sauce.

Tip: For a milder version, omit the jalapeños and reduce the amount of hot sauce.

BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Time Required: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1/2 cup sliced red onion
• Cooking spray or vegetable oil

Instructions:

Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until well coated.

Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with cooking spray or oil.

Step 3: Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the tortilla.

Step 4: Spread 1 cup of BBQ chicken over the cheese and top with sliced red onion.

Step 5: Top with another tortilla and cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Remove from the skillet, cut into wedges, and serve with additional BBQ sauce.

Tip: Add some chopped cilantro or green onions for an extra burst of flavor.

Southwestern Chicken Quesadilla

Time Required: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup corn kernels
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Cooking spray or vegetable oil

Instructions:

Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with cumin and chili powder.

Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with cooking spray or oil.

Step 3: Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the Colby Jack cheese over the tortilla.

Step 4: Spread 1 cup of the seasoned chicken over the cheese, followed by black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.

Step 5: Top with another tortilla and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Remove from the skillet, cut into wedges, and serve with salsa or sour cream.

Tip: Add a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh and tangy finish.

Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla

Time Required: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1/4 cup Buffalo wing sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• Cooking spray or vegetable oil

Instructions:

Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss the shredded chicken with Buffalo wing sauce until well coated.

Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with cooking spray or oil.

Step 3: Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the tortilla.

Step 4: Spread 1 cup of the Buffalo chicken over the cheese and sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese and chopped green onions.

Step 5: Top with another tortilla and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Remove from the skillet, cut into wedges, and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Tip: Add a side of celery sticks for a classic Buffalo wing experience.

Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

The base of a yum chicken quesadilla is the tortilla. Go for flour tortillas – they are soft and easy to fold. Large, fresh ones work best as they hold your fillings without tearing.

Flour Tortillas

Cooked chicken is the shining star in a quesadilla. You can pull apart a rotisserie chicken or shred your own. It’s important to season your chicken well for the best taste, using spices from the store or your kitchen.

Shredded Chicken

Can you imagine a quesadilla without melted cheese? Choose from Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a mix. These cheeses melt perfectly, giving your quesadilla a creamy and tasty layer.

Cheese Options

If you want your quesadilla healthier, add some veggies. Sautéed or roasted options like onions, bell peppers, and spinach will do. They bring extra flavor, texture, and nutrients to your meal.

Veggies for Added Nutrition

chicken quesadilla recipe

Prep the Ingredients

Start by getting everything ready for the chicken quesadillas. Shred or dice the chicken, grate the cheese, and chop your veggies. This step makes putting the quesadillas together fast and simple.

Assemble the Quesadilla

For the quesadilla, lay a tortilla flat and add chicken, cheese, and veggies on one side. Then, fold it over, making a half-moon shape. Next, cook it on a skillet or griddle.

Cook and Serve

Cook each side of the quesadilla for 1-2 minutes until crispy and the cheese melts. Cut it into slices and serve with your favorite toppings. Good choices are salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Tips for the Best Chicken Quesadilla

For a simple way to make a chicken quesadilla, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. The chicken is already flavored and tender. It saves time for this dish.

Use Rotisserie Chicken

The type of cheese you use is very important in a chicken quesadilla. Try using Monterey Jack or cheddar for a classic taste that melts well. For something different, experiment with cheeses like Oaxaca, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend.

Choose the Right Cheese

Add sautéed or roasted vegetables for more taste and nutrition. Options include onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. The veggies go well with the chicken and cheese.

Add Flavorful Veggies

Variations and Customizations

The classic chicken quesadilla is delicious. But, you can make it your own. Add what you love. This could be veggies, a spicy zing, or a morning twist. The choice is yours.

Vegetarian Quesadillas

For those who don’t eat meat, switch out the chicken. Fill the tortillas with yummy veggies. Think bell peppers, onions, and spinach. You can’t go wrong. Add beans, corn, or avocado for more taste and goodness.

Spicy Quesadillas

Feeling bold? Add some heat. Try jalapeños or a dash of chili powder. If you love spice, go for Pepper Jack cheese. It will really kick things up a notch.

Breakfast Quesadillas

Turn your quesadilla into a morning meal. Load it with eggs, breakfast sausage or bacon, and cheese. It’s perfect for a quick, tasty breakfast or brunch.

Serving Suggestions

Level up your chicken quesadillas with some yummy sides and toppings. Try them with fresh guacamole and salsa. These sides add a cool and zesty kick to your meal.

Pair your quesadillas with tasty Mexican rice, like cilantro-lime or Spanish rice. This rice makes your dish more filling and delicious. It’s a perfect match for your Tex-Mex themed meal.

Coming with a side of refried beans, quesadillas get even better. The creamy beans add protein and flavor. It makes your meal complete and tasty with every bite.

Kid-Friendly Quesadilla Recipe

Chicken quesadillas make a great meal for kids. They feature tender chicken, melted cheese, and a soft tortilla. It’s a winning combo even for picky eaters. You can change the fillings to suit your child’s likes, maybe skip some veggies or choose a mild cheese.

Start with a simple mix of seasonings for the chicken. Use 1 tbsp each of chili powder and cumin, along with garlic and onion powder. Add a little salt, just enough for taste but not too much.

Choose a cheese that’s not too strong for the quesadilla, like Monterey Jack or cheddar. Consider using only chicken and cheese for the filling. This simple mix is usually a hit with kids.

Keep the quesadilla’s flavors easy and pleasing for kids. Little tweaks can make a meal both you and your children will love.

Meal Prep and Leftovers

Chicken quesadillas are perfect for quick meals later on. First, make the quesadillas but hold off cooking them. Next, wrap them up well in plastic or foil, and freeze. To eat, reheat them in the oven or on a skillet until they’re warm and the cheese has melted.

Reheating Instructions

For leftover chicken quesadillas, here’s how to make them tasty again. Start by setting your oven to 350°F and place the quesadillas on a baking sheet. Let them heat up for 5-10 minutes. Or, you can warm them up in a skillet over medium heat. Just flip them now and then until they are heated through.

Health Benefits of Chicken Quesadillas

Chicken quesadillas pack a punch of protein with the shredded chicken. Protein helps you stay full. It’s perfect for a meal that’s both balanced and filling. Each serving is 300 calories with 27 grams of protein, giving your body what it needs.

Throw in some sautéed or roasted veggies to up the nutrition. Things like bell peppers and spinach add vitamins and fiber. This turns a simple meal into something that’s good for you.

Choosing healthier ingredients is key. Go for whole grain or low-carb tortillas and go easy on the cheese. Fill them up with goodies like black beans and corn. This way, your quesadilla will be tasty and good for you.

Conclusion

Chicken quesadillas are a tasty Tex-Mex meal that’s easy to make. They offer a flexible recipe and you can choose your fillings. This dish is great for any meal – from a quick dinner to a fun appetizer – it’s full of flavor, easy, and good for you.

This chicken quesadilla recipe wins over many with its 5-star rating from 33 votes. It’s quick to cook, taking just 22 minutes from start to finish. It serves 2 people and has about 432 calories per serving, making it a balanced choice.

The key to its great taste is in the ingredients. It uses shredded chicken, Colby Jack, and sharp cheddar cheeses. Plus, it’s loaded with fresh veggies. Whether it’s for dinner or as a starter, this quesadilla will meet your Tex-Mex dreams and quickly become a top pick in your home.