If you’re looking for the ultimate Tex-Mex comfort food, be sure to try the Sizzling Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla. It’s a quick, cheesy, and crispy dish that you can create at home.
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Sizzling Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla: The Ultimate Tex-Mex Recipe
Want a quick, crisp, and cheesy dish that tastes like restaurant food but is easy to make in your own kitchen? The Sizzling Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla is simply amazing, and there’s nothing quite like it. It’s a juicy, golden brown dish, filled with melted cheese and a delicious seasoning that comes together in every bite.
The step-by-step instructions for the Sizzling Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla recipe are explained in very simple terms. Even if you’re a beginner, you’ll learn how to make the best chicken quesadilla recipe.
The recipe details all the easy steps, from marinating the chicken to crisping the tortillas to perfection. Finally, it answers your most frequently asked questions, so you can learn how to fix mistakes and customize this recipe to your liking. Let’s get started!
Sizzling Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla Time –
- Servings – 4 quesadillas
- Prep time 13 to 15 minutes
- Cook time 15 minutes
- Total time 30 minutes
Why is the Sizzling Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla so popular?
- It’s crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside.
- It’s so easy to make, it can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.
- All the ingredients in this recipe are readily available in your pantry.
- It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a game-day snack.
- Great for meal prep and freezing.
All the ingredients you need –
Ingredients for the Chicken Filling –
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoke factory seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or shredded; grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken is great
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients for the Quesadilla –
- 8 flour tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups grated cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack
- Oil or butter for cooking
Some optional ingredients –
- Sliced olives
- Fresh cilantro
- Jalapeños
- Corn kernels
- Black beans
Serving ingredients –
- Picodigalo or salsa
- Sour cream
- Avocado slices or guacamole
Follow all the step by step instructions to make Sizzling Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla –
1. Preparing the Chicken
When using raw chicken breast:
- Use a pan over medium heat and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the chicken breast, season with black pepper, salt, chili powder, paprika, chili, and cumin. Serve as desired.
- Cook for 6 to 7 minutes, until cooked through and golden brown on all sides.
- After cooling slightly, shred or cut into small pieces if using rotisserie chicken.
- Grate two cups of chicken, add seasoning and a little olive oil to enhance the flavor, and mix everything together.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- Use the same pan again, add a little olive oil,
- add the bell peppers and onions, sauté until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the pan, mix well, and continue cooking for 2 minutes to combine.
- Now taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Tip: Skipping the lemon juice at this step adds a refreshing touch.
3. Assembling the Quesadilla
- Take a tortilla and place it flat on a clean surface.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cheese evenly over one half of the tortilla.
- Add a layer of the chicken mixture, then lightly sprinkle more cheese on top. This helps the quesadilla stick together.
- Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling.
- Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas.
4. Cooking the Quesadilla
- Use a non-stick skillet or griddle and heat over medium heat.
- Add a little butter or oil.
- Now, use a shaved quesadilla and gently place it in the skillet.
- Now continue cooking by gently pressing on both sides for 3 to 4 minutes until your tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted nicely.
- Remove from the pan and let it rest at room temperature for 1 to 2 minutes before cutting.
- Repeat the same process for the remaining quesadillas.
- The sizzling cheesy chicken quesadilla is ready. Serve it with the family.
Tips – Always use medium heat. If you melt the cheese on very high heat, the tortilla will burn.
5. Slicing and Serving
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut each Sizzling Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla into 3 to 4 neat slices.
- Serve hot with your favorite dip, such as guacamole, sour cream, or salsa.
Variations for Flavor –
If you want to give the Sizzling Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla a fun twist, try these delicious versions:
- For the Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla – Marinate the cooked chicken in Buffalo sauce and serve with ranch dip, which is incredibly flavorful.
- For the Breakfast Quesadilla – Add bacon, a fried egg, and cheese.
- For the Barbecue Chicken Quesadilla – Skip the chili powder; substitute barbecue sauce and caramelized onions.
- For a Spicy Chipotle Quesadilla – When you want smoky spiciness, add chipotle chilies to this adobo sauce.
- For a vegetarian quesadilla – Skip the chicken; substitute roasted mushrooms, beans, and spinach instead.
A few tips for making the Sizzling Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla every time –
- Don’t overstuff the quesadilla; overstuffing can be tricky when flipping.
- For a great flavor and melting effect, use two types of cheese: Monterey Jack and cheddar, which is a classic.
- To cut the Sizzling Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla, let it sit at room temperature for 1 minute to firm up.
- Store any leftover quesadillas in the refrigerator. Wrap the chilled quesadilla tightly in foil and store it for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestion –
- Can be served as finger food at parties or game nights.
- For a full meal, serve with Mexican rice or black bean salad.
- For a restaurant-like taste, garnish with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge for a classic look.
- If you’re looking to enjoy a summer barbecue, serve with corn on the cob.
Storage
Leftover Sizzling Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas can be stored in a container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Reheating –
- For a super crispy finish, heat them thoroughly in a pan for 3 to 4 minutes on all sides.
- Can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Avoid microwave cooking as the tortillas become soggy very quickly.
Freezing –
- Wrap all cooked quesadillas tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- For long-term storage, use the freezer bag and store for up to 2 months.
- Reheat frozen dishes directly in the oven or in a pan.
Nutrition per serving –
- Protein 28g
- Fiber 3g
- Calories 420
- Fat 20g
- Sugar 2g
- Carbohydrate 30g
FAQ
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions for the Sizzling Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla –
Q. What’s the best cheese for a quesadilla?
For a super flavor boost, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend work great.
Q. Can I use corn tortillas?
Yes! However, corn tortillas are much smaller and more delicate and tear easily, so be sure to warm them slightly before cooking to make them pliable.
Q. How can I make a quesadilla healthier?
To make it healthier, use low-fat cheese, whole wheat tortillas, and grilled chicken breast. Add mushrooms, spinach, or vegetables to enhance the nutrition.
Q. Can I make a chicken quesadilla ahead?
Yes! You can refrigerate chicken quesadillas without cooking them for up to 24 hours and then cook them fresh in a pan before serving.
Final Thoughts
The Sizzling Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla embodies all the things you love about Tex-Mex food, with its cheesy, crunchy, and tangy flavors.
This easy-to-make homemade quesadilla is a family-friendly meal that satisfies any craving. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, lunch box, get-together, or party snack, this quesadilla is always a favorite.