Frederic Melton
Chicken and cheese quesadillas are a quick, easy, and delicious meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. The dish is also highly customizable, allowing you to experiment with different ingredients and toppings. To make chicken and cheese quesadillas, you'll need tortillas, cheese, chicken, and some seasonings. You can also add vegetables like onions, peppers, and avocados for extra flavor and nutrition. The process involves cooking the chicken and vegetables, assembling the quesadillas, and then cooking them in a pan or skillet until golden brown and crispy. This simple recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be paired with various side dishes, such as a side salad, refried beans, or fried rice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Chicken, cheese, tortillas, oil, salt, spices, vegetables |
| Cooking Method | Fry chicken and vegetables in oil, add to tortilla with cheese, fold, cook in pan until golden brown |
| Time | Under 15 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Calories | 478kcal |
| Storage | Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days, freeze for up to 2 months |
| Sides | Salad, refried beans, fried rice, salsa, sour cream, guacamole |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken and cheese quesadilla ingredients
Chicken and cheese quesadillas are a great, quick and easy meal that can be made with a variety of ingredients. The key ingredients are flour tortillas, chicken, and cheese.
For the tortillas, flour tortillas are typically used as they are soft and easy to use. Corn tortillas can also be used, but they won't have the same softness as flour tortillas.
For the chicken, you can use chicken breast or chicken thighs. The chicken can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as baking, shredding, air frying, or grilling. It can be seasoned with spices such as salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and cumin. You can also use pre-cooked chicken breast strips or leftover chicken.
For the cheese, it is recommended to grate your own cheese for the best melting results. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as white cheddar, or a combination of different cheeses.
In addition to these main ingredients, you can also add various vegetables, such as peppers, onions, and fajita-style vegetables. You can also add spices and seasonings like taco seasoning, garlic salt, cumin, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Other optional ingredients include salsa, sour cream, avocado, green onions, cilantro, and lime wedges for serving.
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How to cook the chicken
Chicken quesadillas can be made with either chicken breast or chicken thighs. The chicken should be cooked before adding it to the quesadilla.
To cook the chicken, first, season the chicken with spices. You can use a combination of onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, cumin, chili powder, paprika (smoked or regular), salt, and black pepper. You can also use taco seasoning. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.
Next, heat oil in a pan over medium to medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the pan and cook until it is golden and cooked through, stirring occasionally. This should take around 8-10 minutes.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a plate. You can now use the cooked chicken to assemble your quesadillas.
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How to assemble the quesadilla
To assemble the quesadilla, start by placing a tortilla in a pan and swirling it around to coat the bottom with oil. You can use a non-stick pan with no oil or a bit of non-stick spray, or a regular pan with a thin layer of oil. Next, sprinkle cheese over the tortilla, leaving a ½-inch border. Melting the cheese before adding other ingredients helps to "glue" the quesadilla shut and prevents the filling from falling out.
Add your desired fillings to half of the tortilla. You can sauté peppers, onions, and chicken beforehand and season them with salt, pepper, and other spices to taste. You can also add avocado, sliced green onions, and other toppings of your choice. Be careful not to overload the tortilla with too much filling.
Finally, fold the tortilla in half, pressing down lightly to seal it shut. Cook the quesadilla until it is crispy and golden, about 1-2 minutes per side. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and fillings.
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How to cook the quesadilla
Chicken and cheese quesadillas are a fun and easy meal to make. They are also versatile, as you can use a variety of ingredients and methods to cook them. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook chicken and cheese quesadillas:
Ingredients
First, gather your ingredients. You will need tortillas, cheese, chicken, and some oil or butter for cooking. You can also add vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, and avocados, as well as spices and seasonings like taco seasoning, garlic salt, cumin, and red pepper flakes.
Preparation
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces or shredding it. You can also use pre-cooked chicken strips or leftover chicken. If you are using vegetables, cut them into thin slices or strips. You can sauté the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste before adding the chicken, or cook the chicken first and then add the vegetables. It is recommended to cook the chicken until it is golden and cooked through, and the vegetables should be soft. You can also add your desired spices and seasonings to the chicken and vegetables while cooking.
Assembly
Now it's time to assemble your quesadillas. Take a tortilla and spread your desired sauce, mayonnaise mixture, or shredded cheese on one side. You can also sprinkle the cheese over the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges. This will help to "'glue'" the quesadilla shut. Then, add the desired amount of chicken and any other fillings you like, such as vegetables or avocado slices. Finally, place another tortilla on top to create a sandwich.
Cooking
To cook the quesadillas, heat some oil or butter in a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. You can also use a nonstick pan with a small amount of oil or nonstick spray. Place the assembled quesadilla in the pan and cook until it is golden brown and crispy, which should take around 1-2 minutes per side. Be careful not to burn the tortilla, and adjust the heat as necessary. Flip the quesadilla and cook the other side until the cheese is melted and the filling is heated through.
Serving
Once the quesadillas are cooked, let them rest for a few minutes before cutting them into wedges. This will help the filling to set and prevent it from spilling out. You can serve the quesadillas with your favourite dips and toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or lime wedges. Enjoy your delicious and cheesy chicken quesadillas!
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Sides and toppings
Chicken and cheese quesadillas are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and toppings. Here are some ideas to elevate your quesadilla-making experience:
Sides
Sides are a great way to add variety and texture to your meal. Here are some options to consider:
- Salad: A side salad can be a refreshing accompaniment to the hearty quesadillas. You can keep it simple with a basic garden salad or get creative with different greens, vegetables, and dressings.
- Refried beans: Beans are a classic side dish in Mexican cuisine and go well with quesadillas. You can make them from scratch or opt for the convenience of canned refried beans.
- Fried rice: This may seem like an unexpected pairing, but fried rice can complement the flavours of the quesadillas. It adds a different texture and makes the meal more substantial.
- Vegetables: Grilled or sautéed vegetables, such as fajita-style veggies, can be a healthy and tasty side dish. You can also serve them with a dip like Mexican corn dip.
Toppings
Toppings are essential to the quesadilla experience, allowing you to customise your creation. Here are some popular options:
- Sour cream: This adds a creamy, tangy element to the quesadillas. It can be served on the side as a dip or spread directly on top.
- Salsa: Whether it's a mild salsa or something with more kick, this topping adds freshness and flavour. It pairs well with the chicken and cheese.
- Guacamole: Avocado in the form of guacamole adds a creamy, rich dimension to the quesadillas. It's a popular choice for Mexican-inspired dishes.
- Green onions and cilantro: These herbs and scallions bring a bright, fresh flavour to the dish and can be sprinkled on top or mixed into the filling.
- Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime juice adds a burst of acidity and freshness to the quesadillas. It can enhance the flavours of the other ingredients.
- Cheese: While there is already cheese inside the quesadillas, you can also sprinkle some extra cheese on top, such as grated white cheddar, for an extra gooey and indulgent experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken, cheese, and tortillas are the foundation of this dish. You can also add salsa, cumin, garlic, and peppers.
First, heat oil in a frying pan or skillet. Add chicken, onions, and peppers, then sprinkle with seasonings. Stir and cook until the chicken is cooked through. Add a tortilla to the pan, sprinkle cheese on one half, then add chicken, and fold. Cook until golden brown, then serve.
You can serve quesadillas with a variety of sides, such as a side salad, refried beans, fried rice, salsa, or sour cream.
Leftover quesadillas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
