Family Favorite Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

Introduction

This family favorite chicken quesadilla recipe is a delicious and comforting meal that comes together in just 40 minutes. Filled with seasoned shredded chicken, melted cheeses, and sautéed vegetables, it’s perfect for a quick dinner or casual gathering.

Ingredients

• 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 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
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the shredded chicken by mixing it with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This will add rich flavor to the filling.
2. Step 2: Dice the bell pepper and finely dice the red onion into small, uniform pieces about ¼-inch in size. This ensures even cooking and balanced flavor in every bite.
3. Step 3: Lay one tortilla flat and sprinkle half of the Mexican cheese blend over one half of the tortilla. Top with a layer of seasoned chicken, followed by diced vegetables, Monterey Jack cheese, and then the remaining Mexican cheese blend.
4. Step 4: Fold the tortilla over to form a half-moon shape, enclosing the filling.
5. Step 5: Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the quesadilla for 3-4 minutes on each side until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheeses have melted completely. Use moderate heat to avoid burning.
6. Step 6: Remove the quesadilla from the pan and let it rest for 2-3 minutes so the cheese can set slightly, which helps prevent the filling from oozing out when sliced.
7. Step 7: Cut the quesadilla into triangular wedges with a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and your favorite sides like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.

Tips & Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken for a convenient shortcut without sacrificing flavor.
• Try adding a few sliced jalapeños for extra heat if you like spice.
• Substitute the bell pepper with chopped zucchini or mushrooms for a different vegetable twist.
• For a crispier quesadilla, press down gently with a spatula while cooking.

Storage

Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispiness, or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the tortillas soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Flour tortillas work best for folding and filling in this recipe, but you can use corn tortillas if you prefer. Keep in mind they may be more fragile and less flexible when folding.

What can I serve with chicken quesadillas?

Common accompaniments include sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and fresh cilantro. A side salad or Mexican rice also pairs well for a fuller meal.

Family Favorite Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.9 from 98 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Family Favorite Chicken Quesadilla recipe delivers a perfect blend of seasoned shredded chicken, melted cheese, and sautéed vegetables wrapped in crispy flour tortillas. Cooked on the stovetop to golden perfection, these quesadillas offer a deliciously crispy exterior with a melty, flavorful interior. Easy to prepare and packed with authentic Mexican flavors, they make a fantastic meal for any occasion.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Quesadilla Ingredients

• 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (rotisserie recommended for convenience)
• 1½ cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded
• ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 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: Combine the shredded cooked chicken with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the seasoning blend, enhancing the flavor throughout.
2. Prep Your Vegetables Perfect: Dice the bell pepper and finely chop the red onion into uniform ¼-inch pieces. This consistency helps them cook evenly and blend harmoniously inside the quesadilla.
3. Build Your Quesadillas Smart: Lay one flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread half of the Mexican cheese blend evenly across one half of the tortilla. Layer the seasoned chicken on top, then the diced vegetables, followed by the Monterey Jack cheese, and finish with the remaining Mexican cheese. Fold the tortilla over to form a half-moon shape.
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 the cheese inside has completely melted. Maintain medium heat to avoid burning and to achieve perfect crispiness.
5. Rest Before Cutting: Transfer the cooked quesadilla to a plate and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. This rest time allows the cheese to set slightly, preventing the filling from spilling out when sliced.
6. Slice and Serve Hot: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the quesadilla into triangular wedges. Serve immediately while the cheese is hot and gooey, garnished with fresh cilantro alongside sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Notes

• Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds convenience without sacrificing flavor.
• Adjust the seasoning quantities to taste, especially if you prefer more or less spice.
• Ensure the skillet is at medium heat to avoid burning the tortilla before the cheese melts.
• Letting the quesadilla rest after cooking is key to neat, clean slices.
• Serve with fresh sides such as guacamole, salsa, or sour cream for enhanced flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: chicken quesadilla, Mexican chicken quesadilla, easy quesadilla recipe, stovetop quesadilla, cheesy chicken quesadilla, family meal, quick Mexican dinner