Description
These Chicken Quesadillas are a quick and delicious meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Juicy cubes of seasoned chicken combined with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and melted Monterey Jack cheese are sandwiched inside warm flour tortillas. Pan-cooked until golden and crispy, these quesadillas are flavorful, cheesy, and easy to prepare in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into small cubes
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning (or fajita seasoning)
Quesadilla Assembly
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or any cheese blend)
- 4 large flour tortillas
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
- Combine chicken and seasoning: Return the cooked chicken cubes to the skillet with the vegetables. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the mixture and stir well to coat all the ingredients evenly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the quesadillas: Lay out each flour tortilla on a flat surface. Lightly brush one side of each tortilla with olive oil, then place them oil-side down on a clean working surface or pan. On half of each tortilla, sprinkle one-quarter of the chicken mixture and then top with ½ cup of shredded cheese. Fold the empty half of the tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
- Cook the quesadillas: Heat a nonstick pan over medium-low heat. Carefully place each folded quesadilla into the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas turn golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside has melted completely. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Use any cheese blend you like, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, for different flavors.
- Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for added flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder.
- Make sure to cook on medium-low heat to avoid burning the tortillas before the cheese melts.
