Crispy Chicken Quesadillas
Seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and flour tortillas come together in a hot skillet to make these crispy quesadillas in under 30 minutes. The key is pressing the tortilla flat against the pan so the outside crisps up while the cheese fully melts inside. Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for a fast, filling meal.
Equipment
- Skillet
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin recommended for flavor
- 1 pound chicken breast boneless and skinless, cut into strips
- 1 teaspoon chili powder smoky variety for depth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips, season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Clean the skillet if necessary.
- Lay two tortillas on a clean surface. Sprinkle an even layer of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses on each tortilla, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Distribute the cooked chicken evenly over the cheese.
- Sprinkle cilantro over the chicken and top with another tortilla, press gently.
- In the cleaned skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Carefully place the quesadilla in the skillet and cook until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Repeat for the second quesadilla. Slice into wedges and serve warm.
Notes
Lisa’s Tips:
- For extra flavor, add some sautéed onions or bell peppers.
- If you're avoiding gluten, substitute with corn tortillas.
- For a spicier kick, incorporate sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- To speed up melting the cheese, cover the skillet for the first minute.
Nutrition
Calories: 508kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 40gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 126mgSodium: 1298mgPotassium: 529mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 758IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 468mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Rate this recipe !
