Shredded Chicken Quesadilla

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Shredded Chicken Quesadillas are the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy, seasoned chicken with gooey cheese in a crispy tortilla. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility—you can customize the fillings to suit your tastes, whether you prefer extra vegetables, a spicier kick, or even some fresh herbs. The best part is that they’re quick and easy to make, making them an ideal weeknight meal or a fun dish to serve at gatherings. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and stored for later!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)

• 4 flour tortillas (8-inch or 10-inch)

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)

• 1/4 cup diced onions (optional)

• 1/4 cup sliced bell peppers (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Olive oil or butter (for cooking)

• Sour cream (for serving)

• Salsa (for serving)

• Guacamole (for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. If you like, you can sauté the diced onions and bell peppers in a pan for a few minutes to soften them before adding them to the chicken.

2. Assemble the quesadilla: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly coat it with olive oil or butter. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of shredded cheese. Evenly spread a portion of the seasoned chicken mixture on top, followed by another 1/2 cup of cheese. Place a second tortilla on top to form a sandwich.

3. Cook the quesadilla: Cook the quesadilla for 3-4 minutes on one side, or until golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip it over using a spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side, until the cheese is fully melted and the tortilla is crispy and golden.

4. Repeat for the remaining quesadillas: Remove the cooked quesadilla from the skillet and let it cool for a minute before slicing into wedges. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.

5. Serve: Serve the shredded chicken quesadillas with your favorite sides, such as sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 (1 quesadilla per person)

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add beans, sautéed mushrooms, or extra vegetables like zucchini and spinach for a delicious vegetarian option.

• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.

• Cheese Lovers: Use a mix of cheeses, such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a bit of cream cheese for added creaminess.

• BBQ Chicken: Replace the cumin and chili powder with BBQ sauce for a BBQ chicken quesadilla twist.

• Avocado: Add sliced avocado or guacamole inside the quesadilla for extra creaminess and flavor.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, warm the quesadilla in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy again, or microwave for 30-45 seconds, though the tortilla may lose some of its crispness.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought shredded chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option, and it’s perfect for shredding and adding to your quesadillas.

How do I make the quesadillas extra crispy?

For an extra crispy quesadilla, make sure to use enough oil or butter to coat the skillet, and press down lightly on the quesadilla with a spatula while it cooks to help it crisp up evenly.

Can I add more fillings to the quesadilla?

Definitely! You can add extras like corn, black beans, or even diced tomatoes to the chicken mixture for more flavor and texture.

Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the quesadillas in advance, store them in the fridge, and cook them when ready to eat. They also freeze well, so you can make a batch and freeze them for later.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, you can use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas, but they may be more delicate and harder to flip. Be careful while cooking, as corn tortillas are more prone to cracking.

Can I add cheese to the chicken mixture?

Yes, you can mix cheese into the chicken mixture for extra gooeyness, or sprinkle some cheese directly on the chicken before adding it to the tortilla.

How do I keep the quesadillas from falling apart?

Make sure to use enough cheese as a binding agent between the chicken and tortillas. Also, pressing the quesadilla gently while cooking will help keep everything in place.

How do I know when to flip the quesadilla?

Flip the quesadilla when the first side is golden brown and crispy, and you can see the cheese beginning to melt on the inside. Be careful not to burn it while waiting for the cheese to melt.

Can I use a different protein in the quesadilla?

Yes! You can use ground beef, turkey, shrimp, or even a plant-based protein like tofu for a different variation of this dish.

What can I serve with shredded chicken quesadillas?

These quesadillas go great with sides like a simple salad, Mexican rice, or beans. You can also serve them with fresh salsas, guacamole, or a tangy sour cream dip.

Conclusion

Shredded Chicken Quesadillas are the perfect quick and tasty meal that can be customized to suit any flavor preference. With juicy, seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and a crispy tortilla, they’re an easy choice for lunch, dinner, or a fun snack. They’re quick to make, customizable with your favorite fillings, and perfect for serving family or guests. Serve them with your favorite sides, and you have a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy!