Best Chicken Quesadilla

Name: Best Chicken Quesadilla
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 (10-inch) quesadillas (4 to 6 servings)
Ingredients: 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (about 2 ounces); 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 2 ounces); 4 (10-inch) flour tortillas; 1 1/2 cups shredded, cooked chicken (about 8 ounces); 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh cilantro; Guacamole (optional, see above); Salsa, for serving (optional, see above); Sour cream, for serving (optional)

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2 (10-inch) quesadillas (4 to 6 servings) Easy

Total: 30 mins Active: 30 mins

4 Ratings

Ingredients (8)

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (about 2 ounces)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 2 ounces)
4 (10-inch) flour tortillas
1 1/2 cups shredded, cooked chicken (about 8 ounces)
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
Guacamole (optional, see above)
Salsa, for serving (optional, see above)
Sour cream, for serving (optional)

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Nutritional Information

Calories702
Fat33.13g
Saturated fat14.15g
Trans fat0.35g
Carbs48.96g
Fiber2.44g
Sugar2.85g
Protein50.03g
Cholesterol139.2mg
Sodium1166.26mg
Nutritional Analysis per serving (2 servings) Powered by

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A perfect chicken quesadilla reicpe is the staple on every Mexican restaurant menu, but they’re a snap to make yourself at home. Roast up your own chicken breast or make it even easier on yourself by using a prepared rotisserie chicken.

Game plan: These quesadillas can also be made on an outdoor grill. Just cook over high heat directly on the grates until the cheese is melted and the bottoms start to brown, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’ll need to make guacomole and salsa before you begin.

To see this recipe with illustrated steps, check out The Basics: How to Make Chicken Quesadillas.

This recipe was featured as part of our No-Fail Mexican Favorites for Cinco de Mayo.

For more, see our chicken fajitas recipe.

by CHOW Food Team

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Tips for Chicken

Tip

How to Store Chicken

Raw or cooked chicken can be stored in a refrigerator for a few days, though it’s important to prevent raw chicken juices from leaking and contaminating other foods. Ensure that chicken remains in its original packaging (which should be vacuum-sealed or tightly-wrapped) until it is ready to be cooked.

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Next: How to Freeze Chicken

Tip

How to Freeze Chicken

While freezing will make your chicken less tender and juicy, it is the perfect way to store the family-sized pack you bought at Costco last weekend. Remove the chicken from its original packaging and rewrap it tightly using aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or freezer paper. Double wrap if you are planning to store the chicken for more than two months. Ground chicken can last up to three months in the freezer, while chicken pieces can last up to nine.

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Next: How to Thaw Chicken

Tip

How to Thaw Chicken

You should never thaw chicken at room temperature, as it is highly susceptible to bacteria growth. Frozen chicken should either be thawed in the microwave, in the refrigerator, or in cold water (which should be changed every 30 minutes).

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Next: How to Store Chicken

Instructions

1Combine the cheeses in a medium bowl.
2Heat a large frying pan over medium heat until hot, about 3 minutes. Place a tortilla in the pan and sprinkle with half of the chicken, half of the cilantro, and and half of the cheese mixture. Top with a second tortilla and cook until the underside of the bottom tortilla is golden brown in several spots and half of the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes. Using a spatula, carefully flip the quesadilla over and cook until the underside of the second tortilla is crisp and golden brown in several spots and all of the cheese is melted, about 2 to 3 minutes more.
3Slide the quesadilla from the pan onto a cutting board and cut into wedges. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make a second quesadilla. Serve topped with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream, if desired.