There’s nothing quite like melting cheese oozing out of a tortilla wrap, and a filling so juicy and flavourful. Chicken Quesadillas are simple to put together and packed with flavour.
Quesadillas originated in the northern and central parts of Mexico and are now commonly served at many Mexican restaurants around the world. There are many variations but it is primarily filled with cheese and spiced meats or vegetables. In this recipe, we are using chicken and this is also a great way to turn any left over chicken (e.g. roast chicken) into a delightful meal.
Preparing the ingredients
Begin by preparing all the ingredients and setting them aside for when we start cooking.
First, dice the onion into small pieces and set aside. Next, for the capsicum, begin by slicing into strips and then dicing into small pieces. Peel and mince the 2 cloves of garlic finely.
Slice the chicken breast into small bite sized cubes. If you are using left over chicken, cut into small pieces and set aside.
Cooking the Quesadilla filling
Using a wide pan over medium heat, add 1 tbsp of oil. Once the pan is hot, begin by adding the diced onion and cook for 2-3 mins. Add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. (At this point, you can add a little more oil if necessary.)
Next, add in the diced capsicum and sauté for another 3-5 minutes for them to be soft and slightly charred. Once done, remove from pan and transfer to a plate and set aside.
Using the same pan, add the other tablespoon of oil into the pan. Once hot, add the chicken and 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning and stir occasionally till cooked. If you are using raw chicken, you will need to cook for about 6-8 mins. For cooked chicken, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of water if the mixture is too dry.
Once the chicken is cooked, add back the onions and capsicums and stir to mix well. The filling is now done, remove from the pan and set aside.
Putting the Chicken Quesadillas together
Heat 1 tortilla in the pan and add a handful of shredded cheese to half the tortilla. Add 1/4 of the chicken filling, top up with more cheese and fold the tortilla over.
Carefully flip the tortilla and cook on the other side as well till golden brown. (Some melted cheese might seep out and this is alright). Repeat for the other 3 tortillas.
Cut it into pieces and serve warm with sour cream, guacamole or your favourite dip!
Chicken Quesadillas
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast (you can also use left over chicken)
- 2 tbso taco seasoning
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 red capsicum (diced)
- 200 g shredded melting cheese (e.g. mozzarella, monterey jack, cheddar)
- 4 flour tortilla
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 jalapeno (optional – for additional spice)
Instructions
Preparing the ingredients.
- Dice the onion into small pieces and set aside.
- For the capsicum, begin by slicing into strips and then dicing into small pieces.
- Peel and mince the 2 cloves of garlic.
- Slice the chicken breast into small bite sized cubes. If you are using left over chicken, cut into small pieces and set aside.
Cooking the Quesadilla filling
- Using a wide pan over medium heat, add 1 tbsp of oil. Once the pan is hot, begin by adding the diced onion and cook for 2-3 mins.
- Add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. (At this point, you can add a little more oil if necessary)
- Next, add in the diced capsicum and sauté for another 3-5 minutes for them to be soft and slightly charred. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Using the same pan, add the other tablespoon of oil into the pan. Once hot, add the chicken and 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning and stir occasionally till cooked. (If you are using raw chicken, you will need to cook for about 4-6 minutes)
- Once the chicken is cooked, add back the onions and capsicums and stir to mix well. The filling is now done, remove from the pan and set aside.
Putting the Quesadilla together
- Heat 1 tortilla in the pan and add a handful of shredded cheese to half the tortilla.
- Add 1/4 of the chicken filling, top up with more cheese and fold the tortilla over.
- Carefully flip the tortilla and cook on the other side as well till golden brown. (Some melted cheese might seep out and this is alright). Repeat for the other 3 tortillas.
- Cut it into pieces and serve warm with sour cream, guacamole or your favourite dip!
[…] may also like this Chicken Quesadillas recipe which uses this homemade taco […]