why make this recipe
Chicken Quesadillas are a fantastic choice for a quick meal that’s both filling and delicious. They are perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers with family and friends. With just a few ingredients, you can create a savory dish that is quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Additionally, quesadillas are versatile; you can use different fillings based on what you have on hand, making them a great way to use up leftovers.
how to make Chicken Quesadillas
Ingredients:
- 6 Tbsp. vegetable oil, divided
- 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- Kosher salt
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 4 medium flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Monterey jack
- 2 cups shredded cheddar
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- Sour cream, for serving
Directions:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Add the bell peppers and onion, season with salt, and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Transfer them to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil and then the chicken. Season with chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate and wipe out the skillet.
- Add 1 tablespoon of oil back to the skillet. Place one tortilla in the skillet and top half of it with cheese, chicken mixture, cooked peppers and onions, avocado, and scallions.
- Fold the tortilla over and cook until golden, about 3 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make 4 quesadillas.
- Slice and serve with sour cream.
how to serve Chicken Quesadillas
Serve your Chicken Quesadillas warm, cut into wedges. They pair well with sour cream for dipping, making them a fun and interactive meal. You can also add some salsa or guacamole on the side for extra flavor.
how to store Chicken Quesadillas
Store any leftover Chicken Quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but the quesadillas may become a bit soft.
tips to make Chicken Quesadillas
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the quesadillas. This helps them get crispy.
- Do not overload the tortilla with too much filling, as this can make it difficult to cook evenly.
- Experiment with different cheeses or add other veggies like spinach or mushrooms to customize your quesadillas.
variation
You can easily switch up the protein in this recipe. Ground beef, shrimp, or even beans for a vegetarian option can be used instead of chicken. You can also add spices or fresh herbs like cilantro to change the flavor profile.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Chicken Quesadillas ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and assemble the quesadillas when you’re ready to eat.
Q: What other dips can I serve with Chicken Quesadillas?
A: In addition to sour cream, you can serve them with salsa, guacamole, or a spicy aioli for extra flavor.
Q: Can I freeze Chicken Quesadillas?
A: Yes, you can freeze them before cooking. Wrap each quesadilla tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To cook from frozen, heat them on a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
