Family Favorite Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
This Family Favorite Chicken Quesadilla recipe features tender shredded chicken seasoned with a blend of chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, layered with a Mexican cheese blend and Monterey Jack cheese. Combined with sautéed bell peppers and red onions, the quesadillas are cooked to golden brown perfection in a skillet, creating a crispy outside and melty inside that makes for a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal perfect for sharing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
Quesadilla Base
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1½ cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded
- ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- ½ medium red onion, finely diced
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Instructions
- Season Your Chicken Right: In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken breast evenly with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until fully coated. This spice blend infuses the chicken with authentic Mexican flavors.
- Prep Your Vegetables Perfect: Dice the bell pepper and finely dice the red onion into small, uniform ¼-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution throughout the quesadilla.
- Build Your Quesadillas Smart: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle half of the Mexican cheese blend evenly over one half of the tortilla. Layer seasoned chicken, diced bell pepper, diced onion, Monterey Jack cheese, and then the remaining Mexican cheese blend on top. Fold the tortilla over to form a half-moon shape, sealing in the filling.
- Cook to Golden Perfection: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the cheese has melted completely. Use medium heat to avoid burning and allow the cheese to melt properly.
- Rest Before Cutting: Remove the cooked quesadilla from the skillet and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. This step helps the cheese to set slightly, preventing the filling from spilling out when cutting.
- Slice and Serve Hot: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the quesadilla into triangular wedges. Serve immediately with optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for a restaurant-style presentation.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken can save time and add extra flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing chili powder to taste.
- For a crispier quesadilla, press down lightly with a spatula while cooking.
- Feel free to substitute bell pepper colors to your preference.
- Leftover quesadillas reheat well in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness.
Keywords: chicken quesadilla, Mexican cheese blend, shredded chicken, skillet quesadilla, easy dinner, family meal, Mexican cuisine