Chicken Quesadilla
This Chicken Quesadilla recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken and melted cheese in a crispy, golden-brown tortilla. It's a simple, quick meal perfect for busy weeknights, requiring minimal ingredients while delivering maximum flavor. Serve it with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for an authentic Mexican-inspired dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast (diced into small pieces or shredded)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- 1/4 cup chopped onions (optional)
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños (optional, for a kick)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped, optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Butter or additional oil (for cooking tortillas)
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and taco seasoning. Stir and cook for 6-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and browned. (Optional: Add onions and jalapeños during the last 2 minutes.)
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Tortilla:
- Place one tortilla in the skillet over medium heat. Spread a thin layer of shredded cheese over the entire surface.
- Add the cooked chicken evenly over half of the tortilla. Sprinkle with additional cheese, cilantro, or jalapeños if desired.
Fold and Cook:
- Carefully fold the tortilla in half to create a half-moon shape. Press gently with a spatula.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted.
Slice and Serve:
- Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it cool slightly. Slice it into wedges.
- Serve warm with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.