Hey y’all! Ready for something utterly scrumptious that will have everyone asking for seconds? This Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas Recipe is loaded with melty cheese, tender chicken, and bold Mexican flavors—all sandwiched between crispy golden tortillas. It’s the perfect easy meal for weeknights, parties, or a satisfying snack! Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
- Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes.
- Flexible—customize with your favorite cheese or veggies.
- Family-friendly and perfect for gatherings or lunchboxes.
- Deliciously crispy outside with gooey, flavorful filling.
- Uses simple, readily available ingredients.
Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas Recipe Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 6 large flour tortillas (about 10-inch size)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for cooking)
- Optional: salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for serving
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas Recipe: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, shredded cheese, diced bell peppers, red onion, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toss until everything is evenly coated and mixed.
Step 2: Assemble the Quesadillas
Lay out 3 tortillas. Evenly spread the chicken mixture over each, leaving about 1/2-inch border. Top each with another tortilla and press down gently to seal.
Step 3: Cook the Quesadillas
Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a light layer of olive oil. Place one quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining quesadillas, adding more oil as needed.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
Remove from skillet and let cool 1-2 minutes before slicing into wedges. Serve warm with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas Recipe Notes
- Shred your own cheese for better melt and flavor compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese. Learn more about why it matters.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save prep time and add extra flavor.
- Don’t overfill tortillas to avoid leakage while cooking.
Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas Recipe Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
- Veggie-Packed: Include sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or corn for a nutritious twist.
- BBQ Chicken: Toss the chicken in BBQ sauce for a smoky-sweet flavor.
Equipment Needed for Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
- Large non-stick skillet or griddle (12-inch preferred)
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side for best crispiness, or microwave for 30-45 seconds (note: tortillas may soften). For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. See refrigeration safety tips here.
Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
- Pair with a fresh salad or Mexican rice.
- Serve alongside black beans or refried beans.
- Enjoy with a cold glass of horchata or a zesty margarita.
Pro Tips for the Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
- Use medium heat—too high and the tortillas burn before the cheese melts. Get expert quesadilla tips here.
- Cut quesadillas with a pizza cutter for quick, clean slices.
- For extra crispy tortillas, brush the outside lightly with melted butter before cooking.
Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas Recipe FAQ
-
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble ahead and store in the fridge, then cook fresh for the best texture. -
What’s the best cheese to use?
Mexican blend melts great, but Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack also work deliciously. -
Can I use corn tortillas?
Yes, but use two stacked for each side; they’re more delicate and may break during flipping.
Hungry for more simple, delicious meals? Explore ingredient choices and nutrition for this Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas Recipe from certified dietitians.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 8 medium flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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1In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper.
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2Lay out 4 tortillas on a flat surface. Evenly spread the chicken and cheese mixture over each tortilla, then top with the remaining tortillas.
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3Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place one quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden and cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining quesadillas, adding oil as needed.
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4Remove cooked quesadillas to a cutting board and let cool for 1-2 minutes before cutting into wedges.
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5Serve warm with your favorite salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
420 caloriescal
Protein:
28gg
Fat:
19gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
34gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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