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Golden crispy chicken quesadilla slices served with guacamole and salsa on a white plate

Chicken Quesadilla

A crispy, cheesy chicken quesadilla made with seasoned shredded chicken, sauteed vegetables, and a melted blend of cheddar and Monterey jack cheese. Ready in 28 minutes and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 389

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3/4 cup red bell pepper chopped
  • 3/4 cup red onion chopped
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn no need to thaw
  • 4 flour tortillas 8-inch, white or whole wheat
  • 1 cup cooked chicken shredded
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt or kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded (3 oz)
  • 3/4 cup Monterey jack or pepper jack cheese shredded (3 oz)
  • guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet or grill pan
  • Medium bowl
  • Spatula
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped red bell pepper, red onion, and frozen corn. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is slightly translucent, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Place the shredded chicken in a medium bowl. Sprinkle on the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, dried oregano, and salt. Stir until evenly coated. Add the cooked vegetables and stir to combine into the filling.
  3. Assemble the quesadillas. Place a little shredded cheese on the bottom half of each tortilla, add the chicken and veggie filling, then top with more cheese before folding the tortilla over. The cheese on top and bottom holds the quesadilla together when cooking.
  4. Heat a grill pan or large skillet over medium heat. Cook two quesadillas at a time, about 2 to 4 minutes per side, until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. Lower the heat if the outside browns too quickly before the cheese melts. Slice and serve immediately with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.

Notes

Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or in an air fryer at 350 degrees for 3 to 4 minutes to restore crispiness. Freeze assembled uncooked quesadillas between parchment sheets for up to 2 months. Store toppings separately.