Simple and delicious. These easy chicken quesadillas make great lunch box lunches. Quesadillas are a quick meal that requires little prep work but can be prepared many different ways. This recipe is simple with just chicken and cheese. Seasoning the chicken well is key to making these simple quesadillas delicious.
The seasonings used in this recipe are what I consider staple ingredients. Creating spice blends as you cook is a great way to cut out buying specific blends at the store and utilizing what you keep in your spice cabinet. This is also a great way to get familiar with the individual spice flavors.
Aside from the seasoning a lot of the flavor from this recipe comes from pan searing the chicken. Loads of flavors comes from the caramelization that happens when the chicken is browned. Brown equals flavor! You can also bake the chicken in the oven if you are needing time to do other things. I would recommend browning the chicken then finishing it in the oven for the best flavor.
Spices Needed
- Garlic Powder
- Ground Cumin
- Chili Powder
- Chipotle Powder
- Onion Powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
How to Make Easy Chicken Quesadillas
- Cook the chicken– Season the chicken all over with the spice blend. Cook over medium heat, Browing both sides, until the internal temperature reaches 165° degrees. Or you can brown the chicken then place in a 375° F oven for 20-30 minutes.
- Cool and cut the chicken– Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, cut into bite sized pieces and set aside.
- Assemble Quesadillas– Lay a flour tortilla out and sprinkle some of both cheeses all over the tortilla (or half if you are folding the tortilla instead of cooking a whole quesadilla) then top with cut chicken. Sprinkle on a little more cheese. Place another tortilla on top.
- Cook the quesadillas– In a large skillet over medium drizzle a little olive oil. Once hot place one quesadilla in the pan and gentle swirl around to coat the whole tortilla in the oil. Drizzle the top tortilla with a little oil. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until browned and crispy. Flip over and cook the other side. Continue 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.
What 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 recipe is easily customizable. I love my quesadillas loaded with veggies, but my kiddos don’t care for veggies inside their quesadillas. Aside from black beans. They don’t mind those. Here are a few great ideas to change up this quesadilla recipe.
- Sautéed bell peppers
- Sauteed onions
- Black beans
- Different types of cheeses- this recipe uses cheddar and queso fresco
- Avocado
- Refried beans
Here are a few products that I like to use in my kitchen.
Handpicked Recipes
Easy Chicken Quesadillas
Perfect for school lunches or a quick lunch at home. These Easy Chicken Quesadillas are really easy to make and can be customized in many different ways.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Season the chicken on both sides with all of the spices.
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Place a skillet over medium heat and add in the olive oil. Once hot add in the chicken and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165° F. Remove from the skillet and set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
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Cut the chicken into bite sized pieces.
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Lay a flour tortilla out and sprinkle some of both cheeses all over the tortilla (or half if you are folding the tortilla instead of cooking a whole quesadilla) then top with cut chicken. Sprinkle on a little more cheese. Place another tortilla on top.
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In a large skillet over medium drizzle a little olive oil. Once hot place one quesadilla in the pan and gentle swirl around to coat the whole tortilla in the oil. Drizzle the top tortilla with a little oil.
Cook for 3-5 minutes or until browned and crispy. Flip over and cook the other side. Continue with the remaining quesadillas. Enjoy!
