Kamil Perry
Chicken and cheese quesadillas are a delicious and easy meal to make. They are versatile, as you can add different types of vegetables, proteins, and cheeses to customize them to your liking. The key to a good chicken and cheese quesadilla is to have a crispy tortilla on the outside and a melty, cheesy filling on the inside. This can be achieved by using a small amount of oil in a hot pan and sprinkling cheese on the tortilla before adding the other fillings. The filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer, making it a quick and convenient option for a weeknight meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Chicken, Cheese, Tortillas |
| Chicken Type | Chicken Breasts, Chicken Tenderloins, Chicken Thighs, Rotisserie Chicken |
| Cheese Type | Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Cheddar, Oaxaca, Chihuahua, Gruyere, Havarti, Provolone, Swiss, Pepper Jack, White Cheddar |
| Tortilla Type | Flour Tortillas |
| Other Ingredients | Bell Peppers, Onions, Avocado, Scallions, Sour Cream, Lime Wedges, Guacamole, Salsa, Olive Oil, Taco Seasoning, Garlic Salt, Cumin, Red Pepper Flakes, Spinach, Mushrooms, Zucchini, Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Oregano, Salt, Pepper |
| Cooking Method | Frying, Sautéing, Microwaving |
| Cooking Time | 15 minutes, 45 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken and cheese quesadilla ingredients
Chicken and cheese quesadillas are a delicious and easy meal to make. They are also a great way to use up leftover chicken. The ingredients you will need for chicken and cheese quesadillas are:
- Chicken: You can use chicken tenderloins, chicken thighs, or chicken breasts. If using chicken tenderloins, you may want to remove the white tendon as it can be tough to chew. Cut chicken breasts into 1.5-inch strips. You can season the chicken with a variety of spices, such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Saute the chicken in olive oil until cooked through and golden brown. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken as a convenient alternative.
- Cheese: Use shredded cheese for the best melting results. You can use a blend of Mexican cheese such as Oaxaca, Chihuahua, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Cheddar, Fontina, Gruyere, Havarti, Provolone, or Swiss cheese. You can also use pre-shredded cheese, but choose a good-quality brand.
- Tortillas: Flour tortillas are the most commonly used type of tortilla for quesadillas because of their soft and easy-to-use texture. Corn tortillas can also be used, but they will have a different texture. Choose "fajita"-sized tortillas, which are usually about six inches in diameter.
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, and avocado are commonly used in chicken and cheese quesadillas. You can also add sliced green onions or scallions. Saute the vegetables in oil until soft before adding them to the quesadilla.
- Seasonings and spices: Taco seasoning, garlic salt, cumin, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and chili powder can be used to season the chicken and vegetables. You can also add hot sauce to your quesadilla or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Toppings and dips: Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and lime wedges are popular toppings and dips for chicken and cheese quesadillas. You can also add fresh cilantro or serve the quesadillas with a side salad, refried beans, or fried rice.
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How to cook the chicken
Chicken quesadillas are a fun and easy meal to make, and there are a few ways to cook the chicken depending on your preference. You can use chicken breast or chicken thighs, and you can shred the chicken or cut it into strips. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook the chicken for your quesadillas:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by trimming any tendons from the chicken tenderloins. You can do this with kitchen shears by pinching the tip of the tendon with your finger and snipping where it meets the chicken. Then, cut the chicken into 1.5-inch strips or shred it.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix together your chosen spices. A simple option is salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and cumin. You can also add chili powder, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. If you want a smokier flavor, you can use a smoky spice blend. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the chicken and stir to coat.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat some olive oil or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the pan and cook until it is golden brown and cooked through. This should take around 2-3 minutes on each side for strips and longer for shredded chicken. If you are using shredded chicken, you can also sauté it in the oil for about 15 minutes.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken (Optional)
If you have cooked your chicken in strips, you can shred it now. You can use two forks to pull the chicken apart or simply chop it with a knife. This step is optional, depending on whether you prefer shredded or sliced chicken in your quesadillas.
Step 5: Combine with Sauce (Optional)
If you want to add extra flavor to your chicken, you can combine it with a sauce. You can simmer store-bought salsa with a splash of water for a quick sauce, or use any other sauce of your choice. Stir the cooked chicken and any juices into the sauce until evenly combined.
Now your chicken is ready to be used as a filling for your quesadillas! Remember that you can adjust the seasoning and cooking time to your taste preferences. Enjoy assembling and cooking your chicken and cheese 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. Next, sprinkle cheese over the tortilla, leaving a small border. This will help to "glue" the quesadilla shut and prevent the filling from falling out.
At this point, you can add your desired fillings. Common fillings include shredded chicken, peppers, onions, avocado, and green onions. You can also add extra vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms, or switch up the protein by using beans or pork. Just be careful not to overload the quesadilla, as this can cause it to fall apart.
Once you have added your fillings, fold the tortilla in half and cook until crispy and golden, typically for 1-2 minutes per side. You can also cover the pan with a lid to help trap the heat and melt the cheese.
After cooking, let the quesadilla rest for a few minutes to allow the filling to set. Then, cut it into wedges or quarters and serve with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or lime wedges.
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How to cook the quesadilla
Chicken and cheese quesadillas are a fun, easy, and delicious meal to make. They are also a great way to use up leftover chicken. The first step is to prepare the filling. For a simple chicken and cheese quesadilla, you will need to sauté chicken breast strips in olive oil with your choice of spices. Taco seasoning, garlic salt, cumin, pepper, red pepper flakes, paprika, oregano, and garlic powder are all popular options. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and avocado to your filling. Sauté these in oil with salt and pepper to taste before adding the chicken.
Once your filling is prepared, it's time to assemble the quesadillas. Place a tortilla in a hot skillet and swirl it around to coat the bottom with oil. Sprinkle cheese over the tortilla, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Melting the cheese first will help to "glue" the quesadilla shut and keep the filling from falling out. Next, spread your chicken mixture over half of the tortilla. Once the cheese is mostly melted, fold the tortilla over to form a half-moon.
Cook the quesadilla until crispy and golden, about 1-2 minutes per side. You can also cook the quesadilla in the microwave for about 20 seconds before placing it in a hot skillet to get it crispy. Covering the pan with a lid will help trap the heat and melt the cheese. Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set. Cut into wedges or quarters and serve with your favorite toppings and dips, like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or lime wedges.
Quesadillas are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, and the filling can be frozen for later use.
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Serving suggestions
Chicken and cheese quesadillas are a versatile dish that can be served as a quick and easy weeknight meal or a fun appetizer for guests. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your quesadilla game:
Side Dishes
Quesadillas can be served with a variety of side dishes to enhance the dining experience. Some popular options include:
- Salad: A fresh side salad can add a crisp and healthy element to your meal.
- Refried Beans: For a heartier option, refried beans will complement the quesadillas nicely.
- Fried Rice: A bowl of fried rice, perhaps with a Mexican twist, can be a tasty accompaniment.
- Vegetables: Grilled or roasted vegetables can add a healthy and colourful touch to your plate.
Dips and Sauces
The fun part about quesadillas is that they can be dipped into various sauces and dips to add extra flavour. Consider the following options:
- Sour Cream: A classic choice, sour cream can be served on the side or even spread inside the quesadilla.
- Guacamole: Creamy and delicious, guacamole is a perfect match for the chicken and cheese filling.
- Salsa: Whether it's store-bought or homemade, salsa adds a fresh and spicy kick to your quesadillas. Try different types like sweet salsa verde or pico de gallo.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten up the flavours of your quesadilla.
- Queso Blanco: This creamy and cheesy dip is a perfect match for quesadillas.
- Cafe Rio Dressing: For something different, try this tangy and slightly spicy dressing as a dip.
Customisation
The beauty of quesadillas is that they can be easily customised to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some ideas to mix things up:
- Protein: Swap the chicken for beef, pork, or beans to cater to different dietary needs or simply to add variety.
- Vegetables: Pack your quesadillas with veggies like bell peppers, onions, avocado, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also offer these as side dishes.
- Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Cheddar, or Pepper Jack to find your favourite melt.
- Toppings: Fresh toppings like cilantro, green onions, or jalapeños can take your quesadillas to the next level.
Remember, quesadillas are meant to be fun and versatile, so don't be afraid to get creative with your fillings and toppings! They are a great way to use up leftover ingredients and create a simple yet satisfying meal.
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