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Ultimate Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

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4.3 from 12 reviews

This Ultimate Chicken Quesadillas recipe combines tender cooked chicken, black beans, and a flavorful blend of spices with melted cheddar cheese and zesty BBQ sauce, all encased in crispy flour tortillas. Quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner, these quesadillas deliver a balanced mix of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors with a delightful crunch.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups chopped cooked chicken
  • 1 15oz. can black beans, drained
  • 1/4 red onion, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 10 7-inch flour tortillas

Instructions

  1. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken and drained black beans. Add the finely diced red onion, jalapeño, roughly chopped cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and BBQ sauce. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated into a cohesive mixture.
  2. Assemble the quesadillas: Lay out each 7-inch flour tortilla and place about 1/3 cup of the BBQ chicken mixture onto one half of the tortilla. Spread the filling evenly across that half, then fold the tortilla over to cover the filling, creating a half-moon shape.
  3. Cook the quesadillas: Heat a dry skillet or pan over medium-low heat. Place each filled and folded tortilla onto the skillet. Cook until the outside is browned and crispy, which usually takes a few minutes per side, while the filling heats through and the cheese melts inside. Flip carefully to crisp both sides evenly.
  4. Serve: Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and cut each one in half. Serve warm as a delicious and wholesome meal or appetizer.

Notes

  • For softer quesadillas, cook on lower heat for a longer time to allow the cheese to melt without over-browning the tortilla.
  • To add extra flavor, consider serving with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa on the side.
  • You can substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for variation.
  • Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the heat level according to your preference.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or oven to restore crispiness.