Baked Chicken Quesadillas

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Chicken Quesadillas offer the perfect balance of crunchy, cheesy, and savory in every bite. Unlike traditional quesadillas that are cooked on a stovetop, baking them ensures they’re evenly crispy and much easier to prepare in bulk. The tender chicken paired with gooey cheese and your favorite seasonings makes for a satisfying meal that’s both flavorful and filling. It’s an easy, no-fuss recipe that’s perfect for busy days, and you can customize the fillings to suit your tastes. Plus, these quesadillas are great for leftovers!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Mexican blend)

• 1/2 cup diced red onion

• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)

• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 4 large flour tortillas

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

• Salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for serving (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded cheese, diced onion, diced bell pepper, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

3. Assemble the quesadillas: Lay the flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. Evenly distribute the chicken and cheese mixture across the center of each tortilla, then fold the tortillas in half to enclose the filling.

4. Brush with oil: Lightly brush the tops of the folded tortillas with olive oil or melted butter. This will help them crisp up nicely in the oven.

5. Bake the quesadillas: Place the assembled quesadillas on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy on both sides.

6. Serve: Remove the quesadillas from the oven and let them cool for a minute before cutting into wedges. Serve with your favorite sides like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 (1 quesadilla per person)

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

• Total Time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Quesadillas: Swap the chicken for beans, roasted vegetables, or a combination of both for a vegetarian version.

• Spicy Chicken Quesadillas: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes to the filling for some extra heat.

• Cheese Variations: Use different types of cheese like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even cream cheese for a different flavor profile.

• Southwestern Quesadillas: Add black beans, corn, and a dash of lime juice to the chicken mixture for a Southwestern twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the quesadillas in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until crispy. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they will lose some of their crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, you can use corn tortillas, but they tend to be smaller and more delicate, which may affect the filling and crispiness. Make sure to handle them carefully and adjust the size of the filling accordingly.

2. Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the quesadillas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply place them in the oven and bake as directed.

3. Can I freeze baked quesadillas?

Yes, you can freeze assembled, unbaked quesadillas. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, add 5-7 extra minutes to the cooking time.

4. Can I use grilled chicken?

Yes, grilled chicken works wonderfully in this recipe! Feel free to use leftovers or cook the chicken fresh before shredding it for the filling.

5. How can I make these quesadillas even crispier?

For extra crispiness, brush the tortillas with a bit of butter instead of olive oil. Additionally, you can bake them on a wire rack to allow air circulation underneath the quesadillas, making them crispier all over.

6. How can I make these quesadillas spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or sliced serrano peppers to the filling, or use spicy salsa as a dipping sauce.

7. Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute the chicken with ground beef, turkey, or even shredded pork. For a vegetarian option, you can use black beans or tofu.

8. Can I make these quesadillas on the stovetop instead of baking them?

Yes, you can cook them in a skillet over medium heat. Just place the quesadilla in the hot pan, cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, and press gently to ensure the cheese melts evenly.

9. How do I make sure the quesadillas don’t fall apart when I flip them?

Make sure to seal the edges well by pressing the tortillas down gently before baking. You can also use a spatula to carefully flip them halfway through the baking process.

10. What should I serve with baked chicken quesadillas?

Serve them with a side of guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or even a simple salad for a complete meal. You can also add some roasted vegetables or Mexican rice as a hearty side dish.

Conclusion

Baked Chicken Quesadillas are a delicious, easy-to-make dish that brings all the comfort of cheesy, crispy quesadillas with less mess and fuss. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful seasonings, and gooey cheese wrapped in a crispy tortilla makes for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet night in, these baked chicken quesadillas are sure to be a hit every time!