Chicken Quesadilla
Cuisine: American Type: Sandwich/Wrap

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Flour Tortillas
4 pieces (240)
Cooked Chicken
2 cups (480)
Shredded Cheese
1 cup (240)
Diced Tomatoes
1 cup (240)
Chopped Onions
1 cup (240)
Chopped Bell Peppers
1 cup (120)
Sliced Jalapenos
1 tablespoon (15)
Sour Cream
1 cup (240)
Guacamole
1 cup (240)
Salsa
1 cup (240)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (30)
Totals
82 oz
(2,335 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Flour Tortilla
140
Cooked Chicken
165
Cheddar Cheese
113
Onion
44
Bell Pepper
24
Sour Cream
23
Guacamole
50
Salsa
10
Olive Oil
119
Salt
0
Pepper
0
Totals
688 kcal
Steps
1. Start by heating a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
2. Place a tortilla on the skillet and sprinkle a generous amount of shredded chicken evenly over one half of the tortilla.
3. Add sliced bell peppers, onions, and any other desired vegetables on top of the chicken.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese, preferably a Mexican blend, over the chicken and vegetables.
5. Fold the tortilla in half, covering the filling, and press down gently with a spatula.
6. Allow the quesadilla to cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and crispy.
7. Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
8. Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and transfer it to a cutting board.
9. Let it cool for a minute, then cut it into wedges or quarters using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
10. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling ingredients.
11. Serve the chicken quesadillas warm with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or chopped cilantro.
12. Enjoy your homemade chicken quesadillas!
Substitutions
Substitutions/Alterations for Chicken Quesadilla:
1. Chicken breast:
- Substitute: Tofu or tempeh
- Quantity: Same as chicken breast
- Adjustments: Marinate tofu or tempeh in desired seasonings before cooking.
2. Flour tortillas:
- Substitute: Corn tortillas
- Quantity: Same as flour tortillas
- Adjustments: Corn tortillas may be smaller, so adjust the filling accordingly.
3. Cheddar cheese:
- Substitute: Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
- Quantity: Same as cheddar cheese
4. Onion:
- Substitute: Shallots or leeks
- Quantity: Same as onion
5. Bell peppers:
- Substitute: Poblano peppers or Anaheim peppers
- Quantity: Same as bell peppers
6. Garlic:
- Substitute: Garlic powder or granulated garlic
- Quantity: 1/4 teaspoon per clove of garlic
7. Cilantro:
- Substitute: Parsley or basil
- Quantity: Same as cilantro
8. Lime juice:
- Substitute: Lemon juice
- Quantity: Same as lime juice
9. Olive oil:
- Substitute: Vegetable oil or canola oil
- Quantity: Same as olive oil
10. Salt and pepper:
- Substitute: Seasoned salt or your preferred seasoning blend
- Quantity: Same as salt and pepper
Remember to adjust cooking times and temperatures as needed based on the specific substitution or alteration made.
Pairings
- Guacamole and salsa
- Sour cream and pico de gallo
- Mexican rice and refried beans
- Cilantro lime rice and black beans
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Tortilla chips and queso dip
- Mexican street corn salad
- Fresh tomato and avocado salad
- Mexican coleslaw
- Roasted peppers and onions
- Spicy jalapeno poppers
- Margaritas or Mexican beers
Upgrades
Enhancements for Chicken Quesadilla:
1. Presentation:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or microgreens for a pop of color.
- Drizzle a vibrant sauce (e.g., chipotle aioli or avocado crema) in an artistic pattern on the plate.
- Serve the quesadilla in a triangular shape, standing upright on the plate.
2. Texture/Flavor Profile:
- Add caramelized onions or roasted bell peppers to enhance the sweetness and texture.
- Incorporate diced pineapple or mango for a tropical twist and a burst of juiciness.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for a crunchy element.
3. Luxurious/Premium Ingredients:
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of regular cooked chicken for added flavor and tenderness.
- Replace regular cheddar cheese with a creamy, aged Gruyere or a sharp Manchego cheese.
- Introduce truffle oil or truffle-infused cheese to add a touch of luxury and earthy aroma.
Remember, these enhancements can be mixed and matched according to your preferences and creativity. Enjoy your next-level dining experience!
Diet Restrictions
1. Use whole wheat or corn tortillas instead of white flour tortillas to increase fiber content and promote better digestion.
2. Opt for lean chicken breast instead of dark meat or processed chicken to reduce saturated fat and cholesterol intake.
3. Replace full-fat cheese with reduced-fat or non-dairy alternatives like low-fat mozzarella or vegan cheese for a healthier option with less saturated fat.
4. Add a variety of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes to increase the nutritional value and fiber content of the quesadilla.
5. Consider using cooking spray or a non-stick pan instead of oil or butter to reduce added fat and calories.
6. Serve with a side of homemade salsa or guacamole instead of sour cream to reduce saturated fat and add more vitamins and minerals.
7. For gluten-free diets, ensure all ingredients including seasonings and sauces are certified gluten-free to avoid any potential gluten contamination.
8. If following a low-sodium diet, use herbs, spices, and citrus juices to enhance flavor instead of adding salt.
9. To accommodate lactose intolerance, choose lactose-free cheese or dairy-free alternatives.
10. For vegetarian or vegan preferences, substitute chicken with plant-based protein options like tofu, seitan, or tempeh, and use vegan cheese.
Remember to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice based on specific health conditions and individual needs.
Healthy Choices
1. Use whole wheat tortillas instead of white flour tortillas for added fiber and nutrients.
2. Opt for grilled or baked chicken breast instead of using fried chicken to reduce unhealthy fats.
3. Add plenty of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes for added vitamins and minerals.
4. Use reduced-fat cheese or try a blend of part-skim mozzarella and a flavorful low-fat cheese for a healthier option.
5. Consider adding a small amount of avocado or guacamole for heart-healthy fats and creaminess.
6. Use cooking spray or a non-stick pan instead of oil or butter to reduce unnecessary calories.
7. Serve with a side of fresh salsa or pico de gallo instead of sour cream or high-fat dips.
8. Consider adding some black beans or corn for added fiber and plant-based protein.
9. Season with herbs and spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder instead of relying on excessive salt.
10. Enjoy with a side salad or steamed vegetables to increase the overall nutritional value of the meal.
Shortcuts
1. Use pre-cooked chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken, instead of cooking it from scratch.
2. Shred cheese in advance: Pre-shred the cheese and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, so it's ready to use when making quesadillas.
3. Opt for flour tortillas: Flour tortillas cook faster than corn tortillas, reducing the overall preparation time.
4. Utilize a griddle or large pan: Cook multiple quesadillas at once on a griddle or a large pan to save time, rather than cooking them one by one.
5. Add diced vegetables: Incorporate diced bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes into the filling to bulk up the quesadilla without adding extra cost.
6. Use canned beans: Substitute canned beans, like black or pinto beans, instead of cooking dried beans to save time and effort.
7. Make a big batch of filling: Prepare a larger quantity of chicken and vegetable filling, then refrigerate or freeze the leftovers for future use, saving both time and money.
8. Consider using a quesadilla maker: Invest in a quesadilla maker to speed up the cooking process and ensure evenly cooked quesadillas.
9. Serve with simple sides: Pair the quesadillas with affordable sides like rice, beans, or a simple salad to make a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
10. Experiment with seasonings: Use spices and herbs from your pantry to enhance the flavor of the filling, allowing you to cut back on costly pre-made seasoning mixes.