Description
This Chicken Quesadilla recipe offers a quick and flavorful meal featuring tender seasoned chicken, melted Mexican cheese, and a hint of salsa, all sandwiched between crisp, golden flour tortillas. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner, it combines simple ingredients with straightforward stovetop cooking for delicious results in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breast, diced into small cubes
- 1 ounce taco seasoning (1 package)
Other Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- ¼ cup salsa
- 4 flour tortillas (burrito size)
Instructions
- Preheat Skillet: Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Season Chicken: Cut the chicken into small cubes and place in a medium mixing bowl. Add the taco seasoning and mix until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Sauté Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Place the seasoned chicken in an even layer and sauté for 3-4 minutes on one side until slightly browned but not fully cooked through.
- Add Salsa and Finish Cooking: Top the chicken with salsa, toss to coat evenly, and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is fully cooked.
- Remove Chicken & Lower Heat: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and reduce the skillet temperature to medium-low for making the quesadillas.
- Assemble Quesadillas: Lay a tortilla flat on a cutting board. Spread cheese on half of the tortilla, add some cooked chicken on top, then sprinkle more cheese before folding the tortilla into a half-moon shape.
- Cook Quesadillas: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Place two assembled quesadillas in the pan and cook until the underside is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- Flip and Brown Other Side: Carefully flip the quesadillas and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Remove the quesadillas from the skillet, slice into portions, and serve immediately while warm and melty.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Feel free to add additional toppings like diced onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños inside the quesadilla for extra flavor and texture.
- Flour tortillas can be substituted with whole wheat or gluten-free options if desired.
- To keep quesadillas crispy, avoid stacking them before serving.
- If you prefer spicier quesadillas, add hot sauce or extra taco seasoning to the chicken.