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Ultimate Chicken Quesadilla Recipe That’s Better Than Takeout

This homemade chicken quesadilla recipe offers a cheesy, crispy delight that’s easy to make and better than any takeout. It’s perfect for a quick dinner and packed with flavor that everyone will love.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 4 flour tortillas (medium size)
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Jalapeños, cilantro, sour cream, salsa, guacamole

Instructions

  • Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until it reaches 165°F. Let it rest before slicing.
  • Prepare the veggies: In the same skillet, sauté the sliced bell pepper and onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Assemble the quesadilla: Place one tortilla on a flat surface, sprinkle a thin layer of cheese, add sliced chicken, bell pepper, onion, and any optional add-ins. Top with another light layer of cheese and fold the tortilla in half.
  • Cook the quesadilla: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the outside of the tortilla and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
  • Serve: Slice into wedges and serve with your favorite dipping sauces like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Notes

  • Use a cast-iron skillet for an extra crispy crust.
  • For spicier quesadillas, add jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
  • You can prep the chicken ahead of time to save on cooking time during the week.
  • Author: Chef Crenn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Chicken quesadilla, homemade quesadilla, easy dinner, crispy quesadilla, cheesy quesadilla