Indulge in the savory flavors of Mexico with these delectable chicken quesadillas. Originating from the vibrant streets of Mexico, quesadillas have become a beloved dish worldwide for their simplicity and mouthwatering taste.

Don’t be intimidated by the name; this recipe is beginner-friendly, promising a burst of flavors in every bite.

Marinated in a blend of spices including chili powder, paprika, and garlic paste, the chicken becomes tender and flavorful, offering a perfect contrast to the sweetness of sautéed onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes.

Wrapped in warm tortillas and oozing with melted mozzarella cheese, these quesadillas are a surefire crowd-pleaser, whether served as a snack, appetizer, or main course.

With just a few easy-to-find ingredients and simple cooking techniques, you can whip up restaurant-quality chicken quesadillas right in your own kitchen.

Expert Tip: Experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar or pepper jack for a unique twist on traditional quesadillas.

Ingredients

Chicken: Tender and juicy, chicken serves as the protein base for our quesadillas. Marinated in a blend of spices, it adds depth of flavor and succulence to each bite.

Spices: This combination of spices forms the marinade for the chicken, infusing it with warmth, aroma, and a touch of heat.

Oil: Used for both marinating the chicken and stir-frying the vegetables, oil adds richness and helps distribute flavors evenly throughout the dish.

Onion, Bell Pepper, Tomato: These fresh vegetables bring color, texture, and sweetness to the quesadillas, complementing the savory chicken and cheese filling.

Tomato Purée: Adding depth and richness to the dish, tomato purée enhances the flavor of the vegetables and helps bind the ingredients together.

Tortilla: The foundation of our quesadillas, tortillas provide a soft, pliable wrap for the flavorful filling, crisping up beautifully when cooked.

Mozzarella Cheese: Melting into gooey perfection, mozzarella cheese adds creaminess and indulgence to every bite, holding the quesadillas together and providing that irresistible stretchy cheese factor.

Expert Tip: Use a combination of red and green bell peppers for a pop of color and extra flavor complexity.

Serving Suggestions

• Homemade Salsa: Pair your chicken quesadillas with a vibrant homemade salsa for a burst of freshness and acidity. Simply combine diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, lime juice, and salt for a zesty accompaniment that perfectly complements the savory flavors of the quesadillas.
• Yellow Rice: Serve alongside fluffy yellow rice seasoned with spices like turmeric, cumin, and garlic for a satisfying and flavorful side dish. The aromatic rice provides a comforting and hearty addition to your meal, balancing out the richness of the quesadillas.
• Guacamole: Add a creamy and indulgent touch to your meal with a side of freshly made guacamole. Mashed avocados, lime juice, diced onions, tomatoes, and cilantro come together to create a creamy and tangy dip that elevates the flavors of the quesadillas.
• Mexican Street Corn: For a taste of authentic Mexican street food, serve grilled corn on the cob coated in a mixture of mayonnaise, chili powder, cotija cheese, and lime juice. The sweet and smoky flavors of the corn complement the savory quesadillas beautifully.

Expert Tip: Don’t over-marinate the chicken; 30 minutes is sufficient to infuse it with flavor without making it too salty or spicy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella cheese provides a classic and mild flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties such as cheddar, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack for a different taste experience.

Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken filling and assemble the quesadillas ahead of time. Simply refrigerate the assembled quesadillas until ready to cook, then heat them in a skillet or griddle until warmed through and the cheese is melted.

Can I freeze leftover quesadillas?

Yes, you can freeze leftover quesadillas for future enjoyment. Wrap them individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat in a skillet or oven until warmed through.

Can I customize the filling with other ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with the filling by adding ingredients like sliced jalapeños, black beans, corn, or cooked shredded beef or pork. Customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary restrictions.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Cheesy Potato Quesadillas
• Sweet Potato Black Bean Quesadilla
• Tuna Quesadillas
• Pico De Gallo
• Mexican Salsa

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Chicken Quesadillas

by Nabeela Kauser

Mexican food at its finest! This Mexican classic recipe is made with flour tortilla and a delicious chicken filling then loaded with cheese. Serve with salsa or pico de gallo to take these chicken quesadillas to the next level!

5 from 7 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Marination Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6

Calories 272 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

Marinade

• ▢ 500 g Chicken
• ▢ 1 tsp Chilli Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Paprika
• ▢ 1 tsp Black Pepper
• ▢ 1 tsp Salt
• ▢ 1 tsp Oregano
• ▢ 1 tsp Garlic Paste
• ▢ 1 tsp Cumin Powder

Stir Fry

• ▢ 4 tbsp Oil
• ▢ 1 Onions
• ▢ 1 Bell Pepper
• ▢ 1 Tomatoes
• ▢ 1 tbsp Tomato Purée
• ▢ 2 Tortilla
• ▢ Mozzarella Cheese

Instructions

• Cut the chicken into small bite-size pieces and add into a bowl along with the rest of the marinade ingredients then mix until fully incorporated and set aside for 30 minutes to marinate
• Once the chicken has marinated for at least 30 minutes in a pan heat up 2 tbsp of the oil on medium heat until hot
• Add the marinated chicken and cook on medium heat for 6-8 minutes
• As the chicken is cooking finely dice the onion and bell pepper then add into the pan and cook on medium heat for a further 4-5 minutes
• Finely dice the tomato then add into the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes
• Add the tomato purée and cook for a further 2-3 minutes on medium heat then set the mixture aside
• In a griddle pan heat up the remaining oil on medium heat until hot – ensure that you spread the oil all over the pan
• Reduce the heat to low and add a single tortilla then top with mozzarella cheese
• Add the chicken mixture on top then top with the remaining cheese and cover with another tortilla
• Increase heat to medium and cook for 3-4 minutes on one side
• Baste the top of the tortilla and flip over then cook for another 3-4 minutes
• Serve alongside a dip of homemade salsa, a side of yellow rice and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 272kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 13gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 603mgPotassium: 256mgFibre: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1111IUVitamin C: 32mgVitamin D: 0.1µgCalcium: 124mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Chicken, Chicken Quesadilla, Cooking, Food, Quesadilla, Recipe, Tortilla

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