Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

May be an image of burrito

Chicken Quesadilla Recipe: A Crispy, Cheesy Classic Made at Home

Chicken quesadillas are one of those comforting dishes that never go out of style. With golden, crispy tortillas on the outside and a warm, cheesy chicken filling on the inside, this recipe is perfect for quick dinners, casual lunches, or even party snacks. Simple ingredients come together to create big flavor, and the best part is how easy it is to customize. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide to making a delicious chicken quesadilla from scratch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups cooked chicken breast (grilled, baked, or rotisserie), shredded or diced
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
4 large flour tortillas
Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If your chicken is not already cooked, start by seasoning it lightly with salt and pepper and cooking it in a pan until fully done. Once cooked, let it rest for a few minutes, then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. This helps the chicken absorb flavors more evenly in later steps.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and slightly caramelized. This step adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the quesadilla filling.

Step 3: Season and Combine

Add the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through and aromatic. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Quesadillas

Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese over half of the tortilla. Add a generous spoonful of the chicken and vegetable mixture on top of the cheese. Finish with another light layer of cheese—this helps hold the quesadilla together. Fold the tortilla in half to form a half-moon shape.