Chicken Quesadilla
Whole-wheat tortilla with shredded chicken, peppers, onion, and a small amount of cheese.
For 1 serving
2 steps. 12 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- b.Add sliced onion and red bell pepper, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened.
- c.Stir in the chicken breast, ground cumin, and smoked paprika.
- d.Cook for 5 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and browned.
TIPEnsure the pan is hot before adding vegetables to achieve a light sear without them becoming soggy. - 2
Step 2
- a.Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture onto one half of the whole-wheat tortilla.
- b.Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the filling and fold the tortilla in half.
- c.Toast in the skillet for 2 minutes per side until the cheese is melted and the exterior is crisp.
- d.Serve immediately with fresh salsa on the side.
TIPPress down lightly with a spatula while toasting to help the tortilla crisp up and the cheese bind the ingredients.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best melt, shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent a smooth, gooey melt.
- 2Don't overstuff the quesadillas. It's tempting, but overfilling will cause the contents to spill out during cooking and flipping.
- 3Cook on medium heat. High heat will burn the tortilla before the cheese has a chance to melt fully.
- 4For a quick shortcut, use 2-3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken breast. Simply add it to the sautéed vegetables along with the spices.
- 5To keep quesadillas warm while you cook the batch, place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in an oven preheated to 200°F (95°C).
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the chicken with seasoned ground beef, pulled pork, steak strips, or shrimp.
VegetarianVegetarian
Make it vegetarian by replacing the chicken with a can of drained and rinsed black beans, pinto beans, or a cup of cooked corn. Sautéed mushrooms also make a great addition.
Add Some HeatAdd Some Heat
For a spicy kick, add finely chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers along with the onions and bell peppers. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
Different CheesesDifferent Cheeses
Experiment with other melting cheeses like Oaxaca, Asadero, or a simple pepper jack for extra flavor and spice.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The chicken breast in this recipe is a lean source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining a healthy immune system.
Rich in Calcium
The generous amount of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese provides a significant source of calcium, a vital mineral for strong bones and teeth, as well as proper nerve and muscle function.
Provides B Vitamins
Chicken is a good source of B vitamins, particularly niacin (B3) and pyridoxine (B6), which play crucial roles in energy metabolism, brain function, and the formation of red blood cells.
Frequently asked questions
A chicken quesadilla can be part of a balanced diet. It provides a good amount of protein from the chicken and calcium from the cheese. To make it healthier, you can use whole wheat tortillas, reduce the amount of cheese and butter, and load it up with more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or corn.