Chicken and cheese quesadillas are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a snack. This guide will walk you through the ingredients, cooking instructions, and some helpful tips to ensure your quesadillas turn out perfectly every time.
Ingredients
To make Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas, you will need the following ingredients:
- For the Quesadillas:
- Olive oil for cooking
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins or boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup thick and chunky salsa
- ½ cup water
- 4 large burrito-size (10-inch) flour tortillas
- 3 cups shredded Mexican Blend or Monterey Jack cheese
- For Serving (optional):
- Sour cream
- Lime wedges
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and cumin. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over the chicken. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat about 1½ tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the pan and cook it undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip the chicken over, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until fully cooked. Remove from heat and transfer to a plate. - Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add salsa and water. Cook over medium-low heat until most of the liquid evaporates and it thickens (about 7-9 minutes). Shred the cooked chicken and mix it with the sauce. - Assemble the Quesadillas:
Clean the skillet and return it to medium heat. Add about half a tablespoon of olive oil. Place one tortilla in the skillet, swirling it to coat with oil. Sprinkle about ¾ cup of cheese on half of the tortilla, then add about a third of the chicken mixture on top of the cheese. - Cook Quesadillas:
Once the cheese starts melting (about 1-2 minutes), fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape. Cook until crispy and golden brown on both sides (about another minute per side). Repeat with remaining tortillas, oil, cheese, and filling. - Serve:
Let quesadillas rest for a few minutes before cutting them into wedges. Serve with sour cream and lime wedges if desired.
Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: Approximately 15 minutes
- Total Time: About 25 minutes
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of calories for one serving (assuming two quesadilla wedges):
- Calories from Chicken: Approximately 795 calories (for 1 lb of chicken breast)
- Calories from Olive Oil: About 119 calories (for approx. 1 tbsp used)
- Calories from Cheese: Approximately 600 calories (for about 3 cups)
- Calories from Tortillas: About 400 calories (for four tortillas)
Total Calories per Serving: Approximately 2014 calories divided by servings (if serving four), about 503 calories per serving.
Tips & Notes
- Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add other ingredients such as bell peppers, onions, or black beans for added flavor and nutrition.
- Make It Healthier: Use whole wheat tortillas or low-fat cheese to reduce calorie count.
- Storage: Leftover filling can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for later use.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a fresh salad or guacamole for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Chicken and cheese quesadillas are not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or hosting friends, these quesadillas are sure to impress!
Ready to explore more delicious recipes? Purchase our eBook filled with mouth-watering dishes today! Plus, don’t forget to pre-order our new cookbook “Deliciously Fit,” featuring healthy meals perfect for weight loss without sacrificing flavor!
