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Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

Savor a truly authentic chicken quesadilla with layers of traditional Mexican spices, juicy chicken, and melted cheese. This dish is a quick solution for busy weeknights and pairs excellently with salsas and sides for a delightful meal.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken breasts or tenders thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced small
  • 1 white onion diced small
  • 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese freshly shredded
  • 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from chipotle peppers in adobo
  • 2 canned chipotle peppers minced
  • ¼ cup cilantro chopped
  • ½ cup low-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 lime juiced
  • 4 soft taco-sized flour tortillas white or whole wheat
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt divided
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Olive oil for frying

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced chicken with chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and ½ teaspoon of salt, coating the chicken evenly with the spices.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a clean bowl.
  • Using the same skillet, sauté the diced red bell pepper and onion until they become tender and slightly caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Transfer this mixture to the bowl with the chicken, then add the minced chipotle peppers, 1 tablespoon of adobo sauce, and chopped cilantro. Stir until well-combined.
  • In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lime juice, remaining ½ teaspoon of salt, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of adobo sauce. Set aside as a dipping sauce.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-low. Sprinkle ¼ cup of shredded cheese over one side of each tortilla. Spread ¼ of the chicken and pepper mixture on top of the cheese, followed by another ¼ cup of cheese. Fold each tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
  • Lightly coat the skillet with olive oil and place a quesadilla in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the cheese has melted and the exterior is golden and crisp. Remove from the skillet and let rest on a cutting board for 2 minutes before slicing into thirds.
  • Serve warm with the chipotle Greek yogurt sauce and additional chopped cilantro if desired.

Notes

  • For the crispiest results, enjoy quesadillas immediately; refrigeration may reduce their texture.
  • Pepper Jack, cheddar, or mozzarella can be substituted for Monterey Jack.
  • Adjust the level of chipotle peppers to suit your spice preference, as they bring a smoky and mildly spicy flavor.
  • Avoid high heat when cooking quesadillas, as it may cause the exterior to burn before the cheese melts.
  • To lighten the recipe, consider using low-fat cheese and low-carb tortillas.