How To Make Chicken Quesadillas

Chicken quesadillas is one of my go-to recipes for using up leftover chicken.  If you have any cooked chicken in the house, you are just 5 minutes away from having delicious chicken quesadillas at your dinner table!  Chicken quesadilla has a delicious hot browned tortilla on the outside, and hot chicken with gooey melted cheese on the inside!  Who can resist biting into this chicken quesadilla and tasting the chicken and cheese filling – yum!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Quesadillas

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 5 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
• Deliciously Cheesy: Every bite is filled with gooey, melted cheese that pairs perfectly with tender chicken.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, these quesadillas are a hit at the dinner table.
• Great for Leftovers: It’s a fantastic way to use up cooked chicken, turning leftovers into something exciting.
• Versatile and Customizable: Add veggies, spices, or your favorite toppings to make it your own!

Quesadillas are a Mexican dish made of pan-fried tortillas folded in half and filled with shredded cheese and other ingredients (in the case of chicken quesadillas, it’s cheese and shredded chicken).  Cheese and chicken go inside the flour tortilla and the tortilla is folded in half and cooked on a frying pan.  The cheese inside the tortilla melts and holds the chicken in place.

Chicken quesadillas makes a more substantial main dish compared to simple cheese quesadillas.  A dinner of chicken quesadillas will satisfy even the most hungry person!  Best of all, chicken quesadillas are extremely quick and easy to make – making chicken quesadillas takes 5 minutes from start to finish.  All you need to do is put the chicken and cheese inside the tortilla, cook a minute or two on each side and it is done!

These quesadillas taste best when they are piping hot and the tortilla shell is freshly cooked and crisp.  However, you can still reheat them the next day in a microwave, so it makes a great portable lunch.  Chicken quesadillas are great for packing lunches or grab & go meals!

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Chicken Quesadillas

• Frying Pan or Griddle – To cook the quesadillas evenly and give them a crispy exterior.
• Spatula – For flipping the quesadillas without breaking them.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl – To quickly warm the chicken before assembling.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons – Useful for portioning out cheese and oil.

How To Make Chicken Quesadillas

• Start by shredding your cooked chicken using your hands or a food processor.
• Warm the shredded chicken in the microwave for about a minute.
• Lay a tortilla flat and sprinkle cheese over half of it.
• Add the warmed chicken on top of the cheese and sprinkle more cheese on top.
• Fold the tortilla in half to create a semicircle.
• Heat a bit of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
• Place the folded tortilla in the pan and cook until the bottom is golden brown.
• Flip it carefully and cook the other side until golden brown as well.
• Repeat with remaining tortillas and serve immediately!

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these chicken quesadillas with a side of Tomato Avocado Guacamole Dip Recipe, Quick Sour Cream and Fresh Salsa Dip, or Simple Blender Salsa with Fresh Ingredients for dipping.
• Serve alongside a Easy Parsley Salad with Feta Cheese and Tomatoes or Restaurant-Style Sweet and Creamy Coleslaw for a light, balanced meal.
• Add some Authentic Mexican Rice in the Instant Pot or Creamy Refried Beans Made in the Instant Pot on the side for a heartier dinner.
• Cut the quesadillas into smaller wedges for a fun appetizer or party snack.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a burst of flavor.

Tips For Success

• Use Warmed Chicken: Heating the chicken before assembling ensures everything inside the quesadilla is hot and evenly cooked.
• Don’t Overfill: Adding too much chicken or cheese can make it difficult to fold the tortilla and may cause the filling to spill out during cooking.
• Monitor Heat Levels: Cook on medium-high heat for a crispy exterior without burning the tortilla. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent overcooking.
• Use a Non-Stick Pan: This makes flipping easier and prevents the tortillas from sticking. If you don’t have a non-stick pan, ensure it’s well-oiled.
• Cut Neatly: Let the quesadillas rest for a minute before cutting into wedges to prevent the cheese from spilling out. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean slices.
• Make It Your Own: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spices like cumin and paprika to enhance the flavors.

Variations And Substitutions

• Cheese Options: Swap cheddar or Monterey Jack with pepper jack for a spicy kick, or use a Mexican cheese blend for a classic flavor.
• Protein Alternatives: Replace chicken with cooked ground beef, turkey, or even shrimp for a fun twist. For a vegetarian option, use black beans or sautéed veggies.
• Tortillas: Try whole wheat, spinach, or gluten-free tortillas to suit your dietary preferences. Corn tortillas work too but may be smaller and less flexible.
• Add Veggies: Sneak in some nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, onions, or even spinach to the filling. Sauté them first for the best texture.
• Spices and Seasonings: Enhance the flavor by mixing the chicken with taco seasoning, garlic powder, or chili powder before assembling.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve with a variety of dips like creamy avocado sauce, spicy chipotle mayo, or tangy pico de gallo for extra flavor.
• Make it Breakfast-Style: Add scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage to the filling for a breakfast quesadilla.
• Healthier Options: Use low-fat cheese and whole-grain tortillas to make this a lighter dish while keeping it flavorful.

Storage And Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
• Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual quesadillas tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Reheating in the Microwave: Place a quesadilla on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30–45 seconds. The tortilla may not be as crisp as freshly made, but it’s quick and convenient.
• Reheating in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, place the quesadillas on a baking sheet, and heat for 10 minutes. This method keeps the tortilla crisp.
• Reheating on the Stovetop: Heat a dry pan over medium heat and warm the quesadilla for 1–2 minutes on each side. This method restores some crispiness to the tortilla.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make chicken quesadillas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the quesadillas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook them on the stovetop as directed.

What’s the best way to shred chicken?

You can shred cooked chicken using two forks, pulling it apart into small pieces. For a faster option, place the chicken in a food processor and pulse a few times.

Can I use a different type of tortilla?

Absolutely! While flour tortillas are most common, you can use corn, whole wheat, or even gluten-free tortillas based on your preferences. Keep in mind that corn tortillas are smaller and may break if overfilled.

How do I keep the quesadillas from falling apart?

Avoid overfilling the quesadillas, and make sure to press the folded tortilla gently to seal it before cooking. Using melted cheese helps to hold everything together.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes! Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (if preheating is necessary for your model), place the assembled quesadillas inside, and cook for 3–5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover quesadillas?

Reheat them in a dry frying pan over medium heat for a crispy tortilla. Alternatively, use an oven or microwave, but note that the microwave may result in a softer tortilla.

What other fillings can I use?

The options are endless! You can add sautéed vegetables, beans, cooked ground meat, or even breakfast ingredients like eggs and bacon. Get creative with your fillings to suit your taste!

How can I make the quesadillas spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or spicy shredded cheese to the filling for an extra kick.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well, and you’re good to go. Check your tortillas to ensure they are also dairy-free.