Name: Chicken Quesadilla
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-485703H14M18S
Total time: PT-485703H14M18S
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 large flour tortillas; 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend); 1/4 cup bell peppers, diced (optional); 1/4 cup onion, diced (optional); 1/2 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp butter or oil; Salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for serving

A crispy, cheesy, and flavorful chicken quesadilla that’s quick and easy to make! This recipe combines tender seasoned chicken with melted cheese inside a golden, toasted tortilla. It’s a perfect meal for when I want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 large flour tortillas

1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)

1/4 cup bell peppers, diced (optional)

1/4 cup onion, diced (optional)

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1 tbsp butter or oil

Salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for serving

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:
I start by mixing the cooked chicken with cumin, paprika, and garlic powder in a bowl to infuse the meat with flavor. If I decide to use bell peppers and onions, I sauté them in a bit of oil until they soften and develop sweetness.

Assemble the Quesadilla:
I heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. Then, I place one tortilla in the pan and sprinkle half the cheese over one side. Next, I layer the seasoned chicken and veggies on top, followed by the remaining cheese. Finally, I fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.

Cook Until Crispy:
I cook the quesadilla for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, keeping an eye on it until the tortilla turns golden brown and crispy, and the cheese melts thoroughly inside.

Slice & Serve:
Once cooked, I cut the quesadilla into wedges and serve it with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole, depending on my mood.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2 people comfortably. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes total, making it a great option for a quick meal.

Variations

I like to switch things up sometimes by adding black beans or corn for extra texture. Sometimes I swap the chicken for cooked shrimp or even make a vegetarian version by using mushrooms and spinach. Changing up the cheese blend or adding a pinch of chili powder can give it a new flavor twist too.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store the quesadilla wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I prefer using a skillet over medium heat to crisp it back up rather than the microwave, which can make it soggy. About 2 minutes per side usually does the trick.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tortillas?

Absolutely! While flour tortillas work best for crispiness and folding, corn tortillas can also be used if I prefer a different texture or want a gluten-free option.

What kind of cheese melts best for quesadillas?

I usually use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of both because they melt well and have great flavor. Mozzarella works too, but it’s milder in taste.

Can I make this quesadilla ahead of time?

I prefer to make it fresh for the best crispy texture, but I can assemble them ahead and refrigerate the uncooked quesadillas for a few hours before cooking.

How do I make it spicier?

I add chopped jalapeños, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for some heat.

Can I freeze chicken quesadillas?

Yes, I can freeze uncooked quesadillas wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, I thaw and cook them on a skillet until crispy and heated through.

Conclusion

Making chicken quesadillas at home is one of my favorite quick meals that never disappoints. It’s easy to customize, fast to prepare, and endlessly satisfying with melty cheese and well-seasoned chicken wrapped in a crispy tortilla. Whether I’m cooking for myself or feeding friends, this recipe always brings comfort and flavor to the table.

Chicken Quesadilla

Ingredients

Directions

Servings and timing

Variations

Storage/Reheating