I make these Easy Chicken Quesadillas on busy days when I need a quick meal with minimal effort. But don't let their simplicity fool you-these quesadillas are packed with flavor!
The key to flavorful quesadillas is properly seasoning the chicken. Instead of relying on store-bought blends, mix your own using pantry staples. This not only saves money but helps you understand individual spice flavors!
Another pro tip? Pan-searing the chicken adds an incredible depth of flavor. That golden-brown caramelization makes all the difference! If you're short on time, you can bake the chicken, but for the best taste, brown it first and finish it in the oven.
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How to Make Easy Chicken Quesadillas
- Cook the Chicken- Season the chicken evenly with the spice blend. Cook over medium heat, browning both sides, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, brown the chicken on the stovetop, then transfer it to a 375°F oven for 20-30 minutes.
- Cool and Cut the Chicken- Let the chicken cool until it's easy to handle, then cut it into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Assemble Quesadillas- Lay a flour tortilla flat and sprinkle an even layer of both cheeses across the entire surface (or just half if folding). Add the chopped chicken, then sprinkle a little more cheese on top. Place another tortilla over it to complete the quesadilla.
- Cook the quesadillas- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in a little olive oil. Once hot, place a quesadilla in the pan and gently swirl it around to coat the bottom tortilla in oil. Drizzle a little more oil on the top tortilla. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook the other side. Repeat with the remaining quesadillas. Enjoy!
An alternative way to cook the quesadillas is to lay them on a parchment lined baking sheet, drizzle a little oil on the top tortilla, flip and do the same to the other tortilla. Place in a 350° F and bake for 10 minutes, flip and bake for another 5 minutes or until crispy.
Toppings to Serve with Quesadillas
- Guacamole- My favorite topping for quesadillas.
- Sour Cream
- Salsa
- Hot Sauce
While these chicken quesadillas taste great by themselves, adding a topping of guacamole or salsa is a great way to elevate these simple quesadillas. All of these toppings are great to pack in a lunch box to go along with the quesadillas.
Ways to Customize Easy Chicken Quesadillas
This simple chicken and cheese quesadilla recipe is easily customizable! I love packing mine with veggies, but my kids prefer theirs plain, except for black beans, which they surprisingly don't mind. If you're looking to switch things up, here are a few great ways to customize your quesadillas.
- Sautéed bell peppers
- Sauteed onions
- Black beans
- Different types of cheeses- this recipe uses cheddar and queso fresco
- Avocado
- Refried beans
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📖 Recipe
Easy Chicken Quesadillas
Ingredients
- 1 chicken breast
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pinch chipotle powder or cayenne
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra for drizzling
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½-1 cup queso fresco crumbled
Instructions
- Season the chicken on both sides with all of the spices.
- Season the chicken evenly with the spice blend. Cook over medium heat, browning both sides, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, brown the chicken on the stovetop, then transfer it to a 375°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
- Let the chicken cool until it's easy to handle, then cut it into bite-sized pieces, or shred and set aside.
- Lay a flour tortilla flat and sprinkle an even layer of both cheeses across the entire surface (or just half if folding). Add the chopped chicken, then sprinkle a little more cheese on top. Place another tortilla over it to complete the quesadilla.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in a little olive oil. Once hot, place a quesadilla in the pan and gently swirl it around to coat the bottom tortilla in oil. Drizzle a little more oil on the top tortilla.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook the other side. Repeat with the remaining quesadillas. Enjoy!
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