Easy Chicken Quesadillas Recipe: A Quick and Delicious Meal
Are you looking for a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight dinner? Look no further than this simple chicken quesadilla recipe! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to cook but still want a satisfying and flavorful meal. It's also incredibly versatile – easily adaptable to your favorite fillings and spice levels.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous meal. You probably already have most of them in your pantry!
- 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend!)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe is so easy, even beginner cooks can master it! Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked quesadillas every time.
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, until softened.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Spices
Stir in the cooked chicken, Rotel, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas
Lay out one tortilla on a flat surface. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture evenly over half of the tortilla. Top with about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese.
Step 4: Fold and Cook
Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Carefully remove the quesadilla from the skillet and cut it into wedges. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or a side salad.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Get creative with cheese: Experiment with different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend.
- Add veggies: Include other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken and substitute with black beans, corn, or your favorite vegetarian protein.
Why This Recipe is a Winner:
This easy chicken quesadilla recipe is a winner for several reasons:
- Speed and Simplicity: It's quick to prepare and cook, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of chicken, cheese, and spices creates a delicious and filling meal.
- Adaptable: You can easily customize it to your liking with different fillings and spices.
- Budget-Friendly: It uses affordable and readily available ingredients.
This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual lunch, or even a fun appetizer for a party. Enjoy!
