Best Ever Chicken Quesadillas
Crispy, cheesy chicken quesadillas that are perfect for a quick and delicious family meal.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
Full Ingredient List
- 3 ½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded medium cheddar cheese
- 6 (10-inch) flour tortillas
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Guacamole (for serving)
- Pico de gallo (for serving)
Chicken Quesadillas
Tools and Equipment
- large skillet
- medium bowl
- clean work surface
- cutting board
Ingredients
Quantity | Name | Preparation Notes | Substitutions |
---|---|---|---|
3 ½ tablespoons | extra-virgin olive oil | ||
1 pound | boneless, skinless chicken breasts | thinly sliced | |
1 | red bell pepper | seeded and diced | |
1 | green bell pepper | seeded and diced | |
1 small | yellow onion | diced | |
1 cup | corn | frozen or canned | |
1 cup | Monterey Jack cheese | shredded | |
1 cup | medium cheddar cheese | shredded | |
6 (10-inch) | flour tortillas | ||
2 teaspoons | onion powder | ||
2 teaspoons | garlic powder | ||
2 teaspoons | smoked paprika | ||
2 teaspoons | cumin | ||
2 teaspoons | oregano | ||
1 teaspoon | freshly cracked black pepper | ||
1 teaspoon | kosher salt | ||
2 tablespoons | chopped cilantro | optional |
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, season with salt, and cook until browned all over, about 6 minutes. Add the bell peppers and onion, cook and stir often until they are softened, about 4 minutes more.
- Step 2: Add the corn, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and black pepper. Cook, stirring continuously, until everything is coated and the corn is warmed through, about 2 minutes. Optionally, stir in the cilantro and transfer to a large bowl.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese. On a clean work surface, top half of each tortilla with 3 tablespoons of cheese, then add ½ cup of the chicken filling, spreading it in an even layer. Top with 2 more tablespoons of cheese and fold the tortilla over the filling.
- Step 4: Wipe the skillet from the previous use. Heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil over medium-low heat. Once glistening, add two quesadillas at a time. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and repeat with remaining quesadillas, adding ½ tablespoon oil as needed.
- Step 5: Cut the quesadillas into thirds and serve with sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo if desired. (Tips: For the best texture and flavor, serve immediately.)
Additional Information
Notes: These quesadillas are perfect for a family meal and can be paired with guacamole, sour cream, or pico de gallo for a complete experience.