Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

If using leftover or rotisserie chicken, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces until you have about 2 cups. If using raw chicken breasts, see optional note: cook and shred 2 small breasts (about 12–14 oz raw) and cool before using.

Finely chop the onion, dice the red bell pepper, and chop the cilantro. Measure out spices and lime juice.

Combine filling ingredients

In a medium bowl combine the shredded chicken, chopped onion, diced red pepper, cilantro, lime juice, ground cumin, chili powder, salt and black pepper. Toss until evenly mixed.

Stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until the mixture is evenly distributed. The cheese will help bind the filling when heated.

Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add about 1 teaspoon of the butter or oil and swirl to coat. Keep remaining butter/oil nearby.

Place one flour tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle about 1/2 cup of the cheese-and-chicken filling evenly over half of the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edge.

Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the underside is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt. Add another 1/2 teaspoon butter or oil around the edge of the tortilla if the pan looks dry.

Carefully flip the quesadilla with a spatula and cook the other side 2–3 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. Press gently with the spatula to help the quesadilla stick together.

Transfer the cooked quesadilla to a cutting board and let rest 1 minute. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling, adding butter or oil to the skillet as needed. For 4 tortillas you should get 4 quesadillas (use roughly 1/2 cup filling + 1/2 cup cheese per tortilla).

If you prefer crispier quesadillas, finish them in a 375°F (190°C) oven on a sheet pan for 4–6 minutes while you cook the remaining ones.

Slice each quesadilla into 3–4 wedges using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.

Serve warm with optional accompaniments: sour cream, pico de gallo, and guacamole.