Crispy Chicken Quesadillas

Chicken Quesadillas offer a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. These golden, melty quesadillas are filled with seasoned chicken, a blend of your favorite cheeses, and an array of optional add-ins. Whether you’re enjoying them as a quick lunch, dinner, or snack, this dish is ready in no time and offers plenty of room for customization to suit your taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A crispy, golden tortilla filled with juicy chicken and melted cheese
• Quick and simple to prepare—ready in under 30 minutes
• Completely customizable with various cheeses, veggies, and sauces
• A versatile dish that works well for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer
• Can be cooked on the stovetop, in the oven, or using an air fryer
• Great for those looking for a comforting meal with lots of flavor

Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs)
• Olive oil
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and pepper
• Large flour tortillas
• Shredded cheese (such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
• Butter (for crispier tortillas)
• Optional add-ins: bell peppers, onions, jalapeños, black beans, or corn

Toppings (optional):

• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Fresh cilantro
• Hot sauce

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Directions

1. Cook the Chicken: Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté the chicken until it is golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding or chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Assemble the Quesadillas: Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. On one half of the tortilla, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese. Then, layer on the cooked chicken, followed by any optional add-ins like bell peppers, onions, or jalapeños. Top with another layer of cheese and fold the tortilla in half to encase the filling.
3. Cook the Quesadillas: In a skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of butter. Place the assembled quesadilla in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has fully melted. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
4. Slice and Serve: Once the quesadillas are cooked, remove them from the skillet and slice them into wedges. Serve with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder for a spicier version.
• BBQ Chicken Quesadilla: Toss the chicken in BBQ sauce before adding it to the tortilla for a smoky, tangy flavor.
• Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla: Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch dressing for a spicy, creamy twist.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or black beans for a delicious vegetarian quesadilla.
• Low-Carb: Use low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps instead of regular tortillas for a keto-friendly option.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap each quesadilla individually in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
• Reheating: For the best results, reheat quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the tortillas soggy.

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Chicken Quesadilla

These crispy, cheesy chicken quesadillas are filled with seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and crispy tortillas. Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or snack!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Dish, Snack

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4 people

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ▢ 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon cumin
• ▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• ▢ 4 large flour tortillas
• ▢ 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
• ▢ 2 tablespoons butter for crispier tortillas
• ▢ 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced (optional)
• ▢ 1/2 cup onions, diced (optional)

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and golden brown. Let rest before chopping or shredding.
• Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle half with shredded cheese, then layer the cooked chicken and any optional add-ins (like bell peppers or onions). Add another layer of cheese and fold the tortilla in half.
• Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place the assembled quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
• Once cooked, remove the quesadilla from the skillet and slice into wedges. Serve with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or cilantro.

Notes

For extra crispy quesadillas, brush the tortillas with butter before cooking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1peopleCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

Keyword Cheesy, Chicken Quesadilla, Quick Meal

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FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken?
  Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe.
• What’s the best cheese for quesadillas?
  Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all melt wonderfully and provide a deliciously gooey interior.
• Can I bake the quesadillas instead of pan-frying?
  Yes, preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the quesadillas on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
• How can I prevent my quesadilla from getting soggy?
  Make sure you don’t overload your quesadilla with fillings, and cook it on medium heat to ensure the tortilla gets crispy without burning.
• Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
  Yes, corn tortillas can be used, but keep in mind they may be more fragile, so handle them gently while cooking.
• How do I make the quesadillas extra crispy?
  Brushing the tortillas with a little butter or oil before cooking will help create an extra-crispy exterior.
• Can I make these ahead of time?
  Yes, you can prepare the quesadillas and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them. When ready to eat, simply heat them in a skillet or oven.
• What’s the best way to cut quesadillas?
  Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to slice the quesadillas into wedges for clean cuts.
• Can I air-fry quesadillas?
  Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through for a golden and crispy result.
• What sides go well with quesadillas?
  Quesadillas pair perfectly with rice, beans, a side salad, or chips and salsa.

Conclusion

Chicken quesadillas are an easy, satisfying meal that comes together quickly and offers tons of flavor. With crispy tortillas filled with juicy chicken and gooey cheese, you can easily customize them to fit your preferences. Serve them with your favorite dips and toppings for a delicious, homemade quesadilla experience that everyone will love. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit every time.