Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas

Cheesy chicken quesadillas are a crowd-pleasing favorite that brings together the best of Tex-Mex cuisine. This versatile dish combines tender chicken, melted cheese, and a blend of spices, all tucked into a crispy tortilla. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a hearty snack, these quesadillas are sure to satisfy your cravings.

The Recipe:

Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas & Fiesta Sides

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half with cheese.
4. Add a layer of the seasoned chicken over the cheese.
5. Fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
7. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
8. Cut into wedges and serve hot.

Variations:

• For vegetarian version, replace chicken with black beans or grilled vegetables.
• To make it spicy, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
• For breakfast meal, include scrambled eggs and bacon.

Tips:

• Use freshly grated cheese for better melting.
• Don’t overstuff the quesadillas to ensure even cooking.
• Let the quesadillas rest for a minute before cutting to prevent filling from spilling out.
• Use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken strips.
• Prepare the chicken mixture in advance and refrigerate.
• Make a large batch and freeze for quick future meals.

The Side Dishes:

Steamed Green Beans and Corn:

• Steam green beans for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
• Mix with thawed corn kernels and season with butter, salt, and pepper.

Brown Rice with Black Beans:

• Cook brown rice according to package instructions.
• Heat canned black beans with diced tomatoes and green onions.
• Mix beans with rice and season with cumin and lime juice.

Sliced Honeydew Melon:

• Cut melon in half, remove seeds.
• Slice into crescents or cubes as preferred.

Equipment & Ingredients:

To make your very own Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas, you may have to consider purchasing some of the following items on Amazon:

Equipment:

• Large Non-Stick Skille
• Cheese Grater
• Mixing Bowls
• Spatula
• Steamer Basket
• Rice Cooker
• Sharp Chef’s Knife
• Cutting Board
• Tortilla Warmer

Ingredients:

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Garlic powder

This dish is a winner for busy weeknights because it combines the ease of rotisserie chicken and pre-cooked rice with fresh and flavorful sides. It offers a satisfying mix of protein, veggies, whole grains, and fruit for a balanced and delicious meal.