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Fifteen Minute Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla


  • Author: Rayne
  • Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 medium-sized chicken breasts (or 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 large flour tortillas (or whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra gooeyness)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon sour cream (optional, for serving)
  • 1 tablespoon salsa (optional, for serving)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Chicken: A lean protein that’s versatile and easy to cook quickly. Using cooked, shredded chicken also helps cut down the time even more.
  • Cheese: A mixture of cheddar and mozzarella creates the perfect melty cheese texture that is a quesadilla’s trademark.
  • Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder bring out rich, savory flavors that complement the chicken without overwhelming the dish.
  • Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas form the base of the quesadilla, and the golden-brown crispy exterior gives the quesadilla that perfect crunch.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Cook the Chicken: If using raw chicken breasts, season them with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cumin. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
  2. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. Shred it with two forks or chop it into small pieces. Set aside.

Season the Chicken:

  1. Add the Spices: In the same skillet, add the shredded chicken back in, and sprinkle over the garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Assemble the Quesadilla:

  1. Heat the Tortilla: Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Lightly brush with olive oil or use a non-stick spray. Place one tortilla in the skillet and let it warm for about 1 minute, until it’s just starting to soften.
  2. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and a tablespoon of mozzarella cheese on half of the tortilla. Layer on about ½ cup of the seasoned chicken mixture. You can also add any extras like sautéed onions, jalapeños, or tomatoes at this stage.
  3. Fold and Cook: Fold the tortilla in half, covering the filling. Press down gently with a spatula. Let the quesadilla cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the tortilla is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted. You may need to flip the quesadilla carefully to avoid spilling the contents.

Serve the Quesadilla:

  1. Cut and Serve: Once both sides are crispy and the cheese is melted, remove the quesadilla from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Slice it into wedges, and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
  2. Optional Toppings: Serve with sour cream and salsa on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 350
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Protein: 30g