Description
Chicken quesadillas are a quick and delicious Tex-Mex meal perfect for any day of the week. This recipe features tender, seasoned chicken with sautéed onions and bell peppers, all melted together with Monterey Jack cheese in warm, crispy flour tortillas. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a satisfying dish that combines savory flavors and gooey cheese with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Filling
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into small cubes
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning or fajita seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Quesadilla Assembly
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or any cheese blend)
- 4 large flour tortillas
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breast in a single layer, cooking for about 2 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and golden. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
- Combine Chicken and Seasoning: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the mixture and stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Quesadillas: Lay out the flour tortillas on a clean surface. Brush one side of each tortilla with a little olive oil, then place the tortillas oil-side down. On one half of each tortilla, evenly distribute a quarter of the chicken and vegetable mixture, then top with ½ cup of shredded cheese. Fold the other half over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
- Cook Quesadillas: Heat a nonstick pan over medium-low heat. Carefully place one folded quesadilla at a time into the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside has fully melted. Remove from heat and repeat with remaining quesadillas.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken breast with cooked shredded chicken or even turkey.
- Use a different cheese if Monterey Jack is unavailable, such as cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend.
- For extra flavor, add fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice to the chicken mixture before assembling.
- If no flour tortillas are available, whole wheat or corn tortillas can be used, though cooking times may vary slightly.
- Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for additional taste.
