crispy chicken quesadillas (Print Version)

Crunchy tortillas embrace savory chicken, gooey cheese, and fresh veggies for a perfect, easy meal.

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

→ Vegetables

02 - 120 grams red bell pepper, diced
03 - 80 grams red onion, finely chopped
04 - 15 grams fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Cheese

05 - 200 grams shredded Mexican blend cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or similar)

→ Spices & Extras

06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Tortillas

11 - 4 large flour tortillas (25 cm diameter)

→ For Cooking

12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or neutral oil

# Steps to Follow:

01 - In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to integrate flavors.
02 - Place a flour tortilla on a clean work surface. Evenly spread 50 grams cheese over half the tortilla. Layer with 1/4 of the chicken mixture, then top with another 50 grams of cheese. Fold tortilla in half to enclose the filling. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
03 - Heat 7 grams (1/2 tablespoon) unsalted butter or oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until melted and shimmering.
04 - Place one assembled quesadilla in the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until each side is golden brown and crispy. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning.
05 - Transfer cooked quesadilla to a cutting board and rest for 1 minute. Slice into wedges. Repeat cooking process with remaining quesadillas, adding more butter or oil as needed.
06 - Serve quesadillas hot. Accompany with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole as desired.

# Additional Notes:

01 - For a vegetarian variation, substitute sautéed mushrooms or cooked beans for chicken. Black beans or corn make a great addition for extra texture. Pair with a crisp Mexican lager or dry Sauvignon Blanc.