Chicken Quesadillas – Easy Recipe with Step-by-Step Instructions
Craving a satisfying meal but short on time? These chicken quesadillas are your answer! They offer a quick, flavorful, and endlessly customizable solution for busy weeknights or laid-back weekend lunches.

This recipe is more than just throwing ingredients together; it’s about creating a balanced and delicious dish that pleases everyone. Plus, you likely have most of these simple ingredients on hand.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this easy chicken quesadilla method is foolproof, promising a crispy tortilla and gooey cheese filling every time. Let’s get cooking!
Key Details About the Chicken Quesadillas
This chicken quesadilla recipe provides a quick and satisfying meal. It blends simple ingredients into a flavorful dish.
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Dietary categories: Can be made gluten-free using corn tortillas, not vegetarian
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Estimated calories per serving: 450-550 (depending on ingredients)
- Difficulty: Easy (simple assembly and cooking)
- Taste profile: Savory, cheesy, slightly spicy
Chicken Quesadillas Ingredients
Okay, let’s get our ingredients ready for these tasty quesadillas. Here is what you’ll need, broken down to make it super easy.
Main
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 flour tortillas (6-8 inch size)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Chopped cilantro
- Hot sauce
Tips for Ingredients
- For the chicken, you can use leftovers or a rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep.
- Feel free to swap out the vegetables for your favorites, such as mushrooms or zucchini.
- For cheese, a good melting cheese is best, such as cheddar or a Mexican blend.
- For the tortillas, you can use corn ones for a gluten-free option. Just note that corn ones can sometimes be more prone to breaking.
- If you are using olive oil, an extra virgin one offers a great flavor.
Equipments Required to prepare Chicken Quesadillas
Here’s what you will need to assemble Chicken Quesadillas:
- A large skillet or griddle. A cast iron skillet works great because it distributes heat evenly which helps create those crispy tortillas. If you don’t have one, a non-stick pan will do the job.
- A cutting board. This keeps your counters clean and gives you a surface for cutting up the chicken and other ingredients.
- A sharp knife. You will use it to chop the cooked chicken, vegetables and any other toppings you may want.
- Spatula. Get a wide spatula for flipping the quesadillas easily.
- Measuring spoons and cups. These will help with the spices and any other ingredients you might use.
- Mixing bowl. Useful for combining ingredients like cooked chicken with seasonings.
- Tongs. Handy for moving hot ingredients or picking up the cooked chicken.
- Cheese grater. If you are using block cheese, you’ll need one for grating. Pre-shredded cheese also works fine.
- Plate. A plate is needed to rest finished quesadillas.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Quesadillas
Let’s get cooking! This section breaks down the process of making chicken quesadillas, step-by-step. You’ll find it’s very straightforward and easy to follow.
- Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, around 1 minute, watching carefully that it doesn’t burn.
- Add cooked, shredded chicken to the skillet. Stir to combine with onions and garlic. Season with a teaspoon of chili powder, half a teaspoon of cumin, a quarter teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the spices to blend.
- Lightly grease a clean skillet or griddle with cooking oil or butter and heat over medium-low heat. Place one tortilla on the heated surface. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the tortilla.
- Spoon half the chicken mixture over the cheese. Top with remaining cheese. Place second tortilla on top.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the tortilla is golden brown and cheese is melted. Be careful not to raise the heat too high as you want to make sure the cheese has enough time to melt properly. Flip gently using a spatula and cook the second side for a similar duration.
- Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients to make a second quesadilla.
- Let the quesadillas rest for a minute, then cut each into wedges. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings. You can cut it into halves or quarters, as you prefer.
Tips & Tricks for Chicken Quesadillas
Want perfect quesadillas every time? Here are some simple tips.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. This can lower the temperature and cause the tortillas to become soggy. Cook them one or two at a time.
- Use medium heat. Too high, and the tortilla will burn before the cheese melts; too low, and it will take forever.
- Grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly.
- Warm tortillas before filling. This makes them easier to fold and prevents cracking.
- Don’t add too many fillings. An overstuffed quesadilla won’t cook evenly and can fall apart easily.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cumin or chili powder to your chicken. A squeeze of lime can also make a big difference.
- Prep ahead to save time by chopping all your veggies and cooking the chicken ahead of time.
- Consider using different types of cheese for a more complex flavor profile.
- If you don’t have a tortilla press, you can use a heavy skillet to gently flatten the quesadillas while cooking.
Chicken Quesadillas Variations and Substitutions
Want to switch things up? Chicken quesadillas are pretty flexible. Let’s see what you can do!
For vegetarians, swap out the chicken for black beans, sautéed mushrooms, or sweet potatoes. You could also use a mix of veggies like bell peppers, onions and corn.
Need a gluten-free option? Use corn tortillas instead of flour ones. Just double-check that any other ingredients you use are also gluten-free.
If you’re dairy-free, skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative. There are many good options out there that melt nicely.
Seasonal tweaks are easy. In summer, add some fresh corn or zucchini. In fall, try butternut squash or roasted sweet potatoes. It gives a seasonal vibe.
Herbs and spices can change the whole flavor profile. A sprinkle of cumin and chili powder provides warmth. A dash of smoked paprika brings a smoky taste. Try a little oregano or cilantro for a fresh twist. Have fun experimenting with your preferred seasonings.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Quesadillas
Wondering what goes well with your chicken quesadillas? Here are some ideas to create a complete meal.
For sides, think about a fresh, crisp salad. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works wonders. You could also serve them with a side of seasoned rice or some creamy black beans. If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, a corn and avocado salsa adds a burst of flavor.
Drinks can really make a difference. A refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade is perfect on a warm day. If you’re in the mood for something a little more, a light Mexican beer or a glass of white wine will complement the flavors nicely. For a family-friendly option, try some fruit juice, like orange or pineapple.
To finish off, consider a light dessert. Some fresh fruit like mango or watermelon is a great choice. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small piece of cinnamon sugar tortilla chips would also work nicely.
Chicken quesadillas are so versatile. They are great for a quick lunch, a relaxed family dinner, or even a casual get-together with friends. They are easy to customize, so everyone can have them just the way they like.
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Chicken Quesadillas
Leftover quesadillas are great for a quick meal later! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap each quesadilla tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to a month.
When you’re ready to reheat, there are a few good methods. A microwave is quickest. Try heating them in 30-second intervals, flipping once.
A skillet on the stovetop works well too. Warm it over medium heat and cook each side until heated through. For a crispier result, add a tiny bit of butter or oil.
The oven is another option. Place the quesadillas on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warm. Check the internal temperature using a food thermometer, it should reach 165°F (74°C).
To help keep them moist while reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or a little of your favorite salsa on top. This prevents them from drying out. Always be sure to reheat thoroughly and enjoy your quesadillas another time.