Chicken Quesadilla
Chicken quesadilla is a mouthwatering Mexican dish that features a delicious combination of seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and flavorful vegetables, all sandwiched between two tortillas. This quick and easy recipe makes for a satisfying lunch or dinner option that the whole family will love.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, chopped cilantro
INSTRUCTIONS
In a medium-sized skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
Add the diced bell peppers and red onion to the skillet. Cook until they are softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and sprinkle with chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken thoroughly.
Remove the chicken and vegetable mixture from the skillet and set it aside.
Wipe the skillet clean and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little oil.
Place one flour tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top of it.
Spoon the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly over the cheese.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of the chicken mixture.
Place the second tortilla on top to cover the filling, forming a quesadilla.
Press down gently with a spatula to help the quesadilla stick together.
Cook the quesadilla over medium heat until the bottom tortilla is golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
Carefully flip the quesadilla to cook the other side until it is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted, another 2-3 minutes.
Once both sides are cooked, remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it cool slightly.
Cut the quesadilla into wedges and serve hot with optional toppings like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or chopped cilantro.
TIPS
- You can add other ingredients like black beans, corn, or jalapenos to the chicken filling for extra flavor and texture.
- To save time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken instead of cooking the chicken from scratch.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for a variety of flavors. Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack are all excellent choices.
- Use a non-stick skillet or a griddle for easier flipping and to prevent sticking.
- Feel free to customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili powder and adding hot sauce if desired.
- For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat tortillas and reduce the amount of cheese and oil used.
NUTRITION VALUE
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving (1 quesadilla)
- Protein: Around 20-25 grams per serving
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30 grams per serving
- Fat: Around 15-20 grams per serving
