Name: Chicken Quesadillas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced (optional); 1/2 cup onions, diced (optional); 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 4 large flour tortillas; 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter; Sour cream, for serving (optional); Salsa, for serving (optional); Guacamole, for serving (optional)

Short description

Chicken quesadillas are a quick and satisfying meal featuring seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and optional vegetables all folded into a crisp, golden-brown tortilla. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this dish is flavorful, customizable, and simple to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and fast to make—ideal for busy evenings
Requires minimal ingredients and uses leftovers well
Crisp outside with a savory, cheesy filling
Highly customizable for different diets and tastes
Family-friendly and appealing to both adults and children

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Olive oil or butter for cooking
Cooked chicken, shredded or diced
Diced onion
Diced bell pepper (optional)
Spices (such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, or a pre-made taco seasoning blend)
Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend)
Flour tortillas (preferably burrito-size)
Optional additions: black beans, jalapeños, chopped cilantro, green onions, avocado, sour cream, salsa, or guacamole

directions

Prepare the filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Sauté the onion and bell pepper until softened. Add the chicken and spices, cooking until everything is well heated and fragrant.
Assemble the quesadilla: Lay a tortilla flat and sprinkle cheese over half. Add a portion of the chicken mixture, then top with additional cheese if desired. Fold the tortilla in half.
Cook the quesadilla: In a clean skillet, heat a little oil or butter over medium heat. Place the folded tortilla in the pan and cook until golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side.
Serve: Remove from the pan, let rest briefly, then cut into wedges. Serve hot with your favorite sides or dipping sauces.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 quesadillas (serves 2–4 people)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: Add barbecue sauce to the chicken for a sweet and smoky flavor.
Vegetarian Quesadillas: Replace the chicken with black beans, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted vegetables.
Spicy Quesadillas: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
Breakfast Quesadillas: Swap the chicken for scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage.
Healthy Quesadillas: Use whole-wheat tortillas, reduced-fat cheese, and add spinach or zucchini.

storage/reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap individually in parchment paper and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for best results. Alternatively, reheat in an oven or toaster oven. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve crispiness.

FAQs

What cheese is best for quesadillas?

Cheeses that melt well, such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack, are ideal for quesadillas.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes, this recipe works well with rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken.

Do I need to use flour tortillas?

Flour tortillas are recommended for their flexibility and crispiness, but corn tortillas can be used if preferred.

Can I make quesadillas in the oven?

Yes, you can bake them at 425°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping once for even crispiness.

Are quesadillas freezer-friendly?

Yes. Freeze assembled but uncooked quesadillas, then cook them from frozen as needed.

What can I serve with chicken quesadillas?

Common sides include guacamole, sour cream, salsa, Mexican rice, or a fresh salad.

How do I keep quesadillas from getting soggy?

Use minimal fillings with high moisture, and cook them in a hot skillet to crisp up the outside.

Can I prepare them in advance?

You can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble and cook the quesadillas when ready to eat.

What vegetables go well in quesadillas?

Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, corn, and spinach are great vegetable options.

Are quesadillas suitable for meal prep?

Yes. Cooked quesadillas store and reheat well, making them ideal for prepping several meals at once.

Conclusion

Chicken quesadillas are a simple yet delicious dish that balances a crispy tortilla with savory, cheesy filling. Whether you’re making them for a quick dinner, packing them for lunch, or preparing them ahead of time, they’re versatile enough to suit nearly every occasion. Enjoy them fresh off the skillet with your favorite sides or customize them to your liking for a new flavor experience every time.

Chicken Quesadillas