Crispy, Flavor-Packed Chicken Quesadillas
Description
These chicken quesadillas are golden and crunchy on the outside, with a juicy, well-seasoned chicken filling and melty cheese inside. Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a party snack. Serve them with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for maximum enjoyment.
Time Required
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken Filling
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely sliced
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
2 tbsp tomato salsa or diced tomatoes
Optional: pinch of chili flakes or jalapeños for heat
For the Quesadillas
4 large flour tortillas
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
Olive oil for frying
Instructions
Prepare the Filling
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Season the Chicken
Add cooked chicken to the pan. Stir in chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for 3–4 minutes. Add salsa and cook 1 more minute. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Quesadillas
Lay a tortilla flat. Sprinkle cheese on one half, add a generous layer of chicken filling, then top with more cheese. Fold the tortilla over.
Cook Until Crispy
Heat a pan or skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil. Cook each quesadilla for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
Serve
Slice into wedges and serve hot with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
Tips for Extra Crispiness
Brush tortillas lightly with butter before frying
Don’t overfill—this helps them crisp evenly
Use medium heat to avoid burning before the cheese melts
Questions & Answers
Q: Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
A: Yes! Dice raw chicken and cook it fully with the onions and spices before assembling.
Q: Can I bake or air-fry these?
A: Yes.
Oven: Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes, flipping once.
Air Fryer: 180°C (360°F) for 6–8 minutes.
Q: What cheese works best?
A: A mix of cheddar and mozzarella gives great melt and flavor, but Monterey Jack is classic.
Q: Can I make them ahead of time?
A: You can prep the filling in advance. Assemble and cook fresh for best crispiness.
Q: Are these freezer-friendly?
A: Yes—assemble, freeze uncooked, then cook straight from frozen on low heat.