Chicken Quesadillas: Best Cheeses For A Delicious Dish

Chicken quesadillas are a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of cheeses. While pre-packaged cheese is convenient, it doesn't melt as smoothly as freshly grated cheese. For the perfect melt, a combination of Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, and Sharp Cheddar is recommended. However, Oaxaca, Chihuahua, Mozzarella, Fontina, Gruyere, Havarti, Provolone, Swiss, and Cream Cheese are also viable options.

Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Mozzarella

Chicken quesadillas are a delicious and easy meal to make. The cheese you choose for your quesadilla will depend on your personal preference, but Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Mozzarella are all popular options.

Monterey Jack is a mild, creamy, and slightly tangy cheese that melts well, making it a great choice for quesadillas. It pairs well with other cheeses, such as sharp Cheddar, and can be used to add a creamy texture and a subtle kick of flavour to your quesadilla.

Cheddar cheese, on the other hand, will give your quesadilla a sharper, more pungent flavour. Cheddar is a versatile cheese that comes in a range of strengths, from mild to extra sharp, so you can choose the intensity of flavour that suits your taste. Cheddar also melts well, making it ideal for quesadillas, grilled cheese sandwiches, and burgers.

Mozzarella is a soft, mild-flavoured cheese with a high moisture content, giving it a stringy, stretchy texture when melted. This makes it perfect for quesadillas, as it will create a gooey, stringy centre when combined with other melted cheeses. Mozzarella has a more subtle flavour compared to other cheeses, so it won't overpower the other ingredients in your quesadilla.

When making chicken quesadillas, you can choose to use just one of these cheeses or a combination of two or more. For example, you could pair Monterey Jack with sharp Cheddar for a blend of creamy and sharp flavours, or add Mozzarella to the mix for an even stretchier, gooey texture.

No matter which cheese you choose, or whether you decide to combine them, your chicken quesadillas are sure to be a tasty treat.

Oaxaca and Chihuahua

Oaxaca cheese is also known as Queso Oaxaca, Asadero, or Quesillo. It is a string-type cheese, similar to mozzarella, and is used mainly in Mexican or South American cuisine. It is made from cow's milk and is semi-soft and white in colour. It has a mild, buttery flavour and is known for its excellent melting properties.

Queso Chihuahua is a semi-soft cheese that comes from the Mexican state of Chihuahua. It is a traditional Mexican cheese that is known for its melting qualities. It is also a good substitute for Oaxaca cheese. It has a square or rectangular shape and is slightly drier than Oaxaca cheese.

Both of these cheeses are excellent choices for chicken quesadillas due to their melting properties and mild flavour. They will add a creamy texture and a subtle taste to the quesadilla without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Grated vs pre-grated

Grated Cheese

Grating your own cheese is generally recommended for achieving the best melt and texture in chicken quesadillas. Here are some advantages of grating your own cheese:

• Better melt and texture: Pre-grated cheese is often coated with anti-caking agents, such as potato starch or cellulose, to prevent clumping. These agents can affect the melting ability of the cheese, resulting in a less smooth and creamy texture. Freshly grated cheese, on the other hand, melts more evenly and smoothly, creating a desirable, gooey consistency in quesadillas.
• Enhanced flavour: Freshly grated cheese tends to have a stronger, more pronounced flavour. This allows you to use less cheese while still achieving a tasty result.
• Customizability: Grating your own cheese gives you the freedom to choose the exact type and blend of cheeses you prefer. You can experiment with different varieties, such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper Jack, to find the perfect combination for your quesadillas.
• Cost-effectiveness: Buying blocks of cheese and grating them yourself can often be more cost-effective than purchasing pre-grated cheese. You also have the option to freeze grated cheese to extend its shelf life and avoid waste.

However, there are also some drawbacks to consider when opting for grated cheese:

• Time and effort: Grating cheese by hand can be time-consuming and labour-intensive, especially if you're preparing a large quantity.
• Mess and cleanup: Grating cheese can be messy, and cleaning the grater afterwards can be a hassle.

Pre-grated Cheese

Pre-grated cheese offers convenience and ease of use, making it a popular choice for those short on time or seeking a quick solution. Here are some benefits of using pre-grated cheese:

• Convenience: Pre-grated cheese saves time and effort, as it eliminates the need for grating. It is ideal for busy cooks or those who want a quick snack or meal.
• Economical blends: Pre-grated cheese blends can be more economical than buying individual blocks of cheese, especially if you're using a variety of cheeses in small quantities.

However, there are also some potential downsides to using pre-grated cheese:

• Melting issues: Due to the anti-caking agents, pre-grated cheese may not melt as well as freshly grated cheese. It can result in a grainier, less smooth texture in your quesadillas.
• Flavour: The flavour of pre-grated cheese may not be as strong or distinct as freshly grated cheese, and it may contain additives that affect the overall taste.
• Limited variety: The selection of pre-grated cheese blends may be limited, and you may not find the exact combination of cheeses you prefer.

In conclusion, the choice between grated and pre-grated cheese ultimately depends on your personal preferences, budget, and time constraints. If you prioritise flavour, texture, and customizability, grated cheese is the way to go. However, if convenience and ease of use are more important factors, pre-grated cheese can be a suitable option for your chicken quesadillas.

Chicken preparation

Chicken is a key ingredient in a chicken quesadilla and its preparation is important to get right. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare the chicken for your quesadilla:

Firstly, you will need to decide on the type of chicken you want to use. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a popular choice as they are easy to work with and cook evenly. However, you could also use chicken thighs or pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken.

Once you have your chicken, you will need to season it. A simple combination of salt and pepper will work, but if you want to add more flavour, you can use a seasoning mix. One option is to use a store-bought taco or fajita seasoning mix, which will give your chicken a nice kick. Alternatively, you could make your own seasoning mix with ingredients such as chilli powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and oregano.

Now it's time to cook the chicken. Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chicken to the pan and sprinkle with your chosen seasonings. Cook the chicken until it is cooked through and golden, stirring occasionally. If you are using a seasoning mix with a lot of dry spices, you may want to add a small amount of water or broth to the pan to create a simple sauce and prevent the chicken from drying out.

Once the chicken is cooked, you can assemble your quesadilla! Place the chicken on one half of your tortilla, add cheese and any other fillings, then fold the tortilla over. Cook the quesadilla in a pan or on a skillet until the tortilla is golden and the cheese is melted.

And that's it! You now have perfectly prepared chicken for your quesadilla. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Sides and toppings

Chicken quesadillas are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of toppings and sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your chicken quesadilla experience:

Fresh and Healthy Toppings:

• Salsa and pico de gallo: Add a fresh and tangy kick to your quesadilla with some salsa or pico de gallo. The combination of diced tomatoes, onions, and chillies will complement the cheesy and meaty flavours of the quesadilla.
• Guacamole and avocado: Avocados and guacamole provide a creamy and healthy topping option. They add a nice contrast to the crispy tortilla and melted cheese.
• Sour cream: A classic condiment for quesadillas, sour cream provides a cool and tangy contrast to the other flavours. It's a must-have for many quesadilla enthusiasts.
• Greek yogurt: For a healthier alternative to sour cream, try using Greek yogurt. It has a similar tanginess and creaminess that pairs well with the other ingredients.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro leaves add a bright, herbal flavour to the dish. They can be sprinkled on top or mixed into other toppings like salsa or guacamole.
• Shredded lettuce: For a simple and refreshing topping, shredded lettuce can be added to provide a crunchy texture and a mild flavour.

Hearty and Savoury Sides:

• Refried beans: A classic Mexican side dish, refried beans are a hearty and savoury option that pairs well with the quesadilla. They can be served as a dip or on the side.
• Rice: A simple side of rice, such as Mexican rice or fried rice, can round out the meal and make it more filling.
• Salad: If you're looking for a lighter option, a side salad can add some freshness and crunch to your meal. Try a simple garden salad or a more substantial option like a Mexican street corn salad.
• Queso: For an extra cheesy experience, serve your quesadillas with a side of queso dip. It's perfect for those who can't get enough cheese!
• Corn: Grilled corn on the cob or corn kernels mixed into the quesadilla filling add a touch of sweetness and a crunchy texture.
• Tortilla chips: For an extra crunchy element, serve your quesadillas with tortilla chips on the side. They're perfect for dipping into any leftover sauce or toppings.

Feel free to mix and match these toppings and sides to create your ultimate chicken quesadilla experience! Experiment with different combinations to find your favourite flavour profiles.

Frequently asked questions