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Chicken Quesadillas are the best when it comes to a busy evening meal. They come with veggies, meat and lots of cheese that kids will love. Even better, it comes together in 20 minutes!
Love quesadillas? Try our recipe for ground beef quesadillas while you’re at it.
Quesadillas mean “little cheesy thing,” and originated in northern and central Mexico in the 16th century. Corn tortillas were used to stuff cheese and spices inside. As time went on, the quesadilla dish has evolved to include flour tortillas and a variety of fillings inside.
This is not your typical Chicken Quesadilla. This one is full of fresh flavor, vibrant vegetables and a gooey cheesy bite!
Hot Tip: Use our homemade tortillas for this recipe.
How to Make Chicken Quesadillas
Making Chicken Quesadillas is quick and fun. The filling is cooked first, then placed into a tortilla and folded over to cook and voila! Your quesadilla is ready to go!
Follow the steps below to make your Chicken Quesadillas.
- Make the Filling: Preheat a skillet with oil and add chicken and taco seasoning. Add diced peppers and onions. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Tortilla: Place a tortilla shell on a clean skillet. Cover up half of it with cheese, meat and veggie filling, and more cheese. Fold the tortilla over to close. Cook until golden.
- Serve: Serve while the cheese is melted and the quesadillas warm!
Hot Tip: If you have a panini press, use it for quesadillas! It makes them extra crispy.
Chicken Options for Quesadillas
The great part about Chicken Quesadillas is that you can use almost any option of chicken. Here are some of our favorite types of chicken to use for Chicken Quesadillas.
- Rotisserie Chicken – Feeling lazy? No problem! Pick up a pre-made rotisserie chicken at your local grocery store.
- Instant Pot Chicken – Make this chicken in advance. It’s so easy to prepare.
- Grilled Chicken – This chicken is our favorite, it has incredible flavor and it will take quesadillas to another level.
- Grilled Chicken Kebabs – Chop chicken kebabs up into small pieces, including veggies if they were in the mix, and add to your quesadillas for maximum flavor!
Serving Chicken Quesadillas
There are so many sides that pair well with Chicken Quesadillas. As a start, try serving your dish with guacamole, salsa, or sour cream. Want to kick it up a notch? Spice it up with pickled onions or pickled jalapeños.
FAQ
Do you use butter or oil for quesadillas?
You can use either butter or oil for quesadillas. Oil can handle a higher heat point and you don’t have to watch it as carefully as butter. Whether you choose oil or butter, use a little bit for extra crispiness.
Why are my quesadillas soggy?
Quesadillas can sometimes turn out soggy. This can happen if you use too much oil or butter while cooking them. Another tip to prevent them from turning soggy is to serve quesadillas right away, or let them sit on a wire while you’re waiting to serve.
How to keep chicken quesadillas warm?
To keep quesadillas warm, keep them in the oven at 200°F degrees, until ready to serve. The oven is a good way to keep the quesadillas warm, while maintaining the crispiness, until the rest of the batch is ready.
What is the best cheese for quesadillas?
The best cheese for quesadillas is the Mexican or Monterey Jack shredded cheese. We recommend purchasing the shredded cheese, that way you’ll be prepared to whip up quesadillas with minimum work.
Are quesadillas Mexican?
Quesadillas are considered a Mexican cuisine dish. They consist of a tortilla that is filled with cheese, meats, other fillings, and then cooked on a griddle or stove.
Making Chicken Quesadillas in Advance
Chicken Quesadillas are great for meal planning or when you are hosting a large party. Here are some great prep-aheads to keep your chicken quesadillas ready to serve.
- Make now, cook later – Make a large batch of chicken quesadillas as a meal plan. Stack them together in an airtight container and cook as you are ready to serve.
- Keeping quesadillas warm – Preheat an oven to 200°F and place the quesadillas on a wire rack pan. Make sure to lightly cover with foil on top to prevent them from drying out.
More of Mexican Recipes
- Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers – Your favorite toppings, wrapped in crunchy bell peppers.
- Street Tacos – This authentic Mexican dish is always a crowd-pleaser and can be made with a few simple ingredients.
- Carne Asada – This is not just beef, it’s the type of dish that will make you come back for seconds!
- Chicken Fajitas – This is the perfect one-pan meal. The chicken is juicy and flavorful and is loaded with a ton of colorful veggies.
Recipe
Easy Chicken Quesadillas (Fajita Style)
Print Pin
Servings
6 servings
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Recipe contributed by: Natalya Drozhzhin
Chicken Quesadillas are the best when it comes to a busy evening meal. They come with veggies, meat and lots of cheese that kids will love. Even better, it comes together in 20 minutes!
Ingredients
- 6 flour tortillas
- 2 cups mexican cheese
- 1 lb chicken breast cut into small pieces
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1/2 large bell pepper diced, any color
- 1/2 yellow onion diced
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
US Units – Metric
Instructions
Preheat a skillet with oil on medium heat. Add in chicken and taco seasoning. Cook for 4 minutes.
Add in bell pepper and onion, cook for another 5 minutes or until chicken and veggies gain color. Set aside.
On a clean skillet, add a bit of butter and place a tortilla on top. On half of the tortilla add cheese, the chicken mixture, and cover with more cheese. Fold the tortilla over to close.
Once the tortilla is golden, flip it over and cook for a few more minutes until that side is golden also. Make sure the cheese has melted. Repeat the same steps with the rest of quesadillas.
Serve while the quesadillas are still warm!
Nutrition Facts
Easy Chicken Quesadillas (Fajita Style)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 372 Calories from Fat 189
% Daily Value*
Fat 21g32%
Saturated Fat 10g50%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 94mg31%
Sodium 621mg26%
Potassium 393mg11%
Carbohydrates 18g6%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 27g54%
Vitamin A 735IU15%
Vitamin C 14mg17%
Calcium 286mg29%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Posted May 4, 2021
About Author
JackieAug 25, 2024 This was so good. Very delicious and easy to make. Love it. ❤️❤️
Natalya DrozhzhinAug 26, 2024 Thanks for sharing Jackie, I'm happy you loved it!
DebbyJul 8, 2024 Can I make the chicken recipe ahead and freeze?
Natalya DrozhzhinJul 9, 2024 Absolutely! Preparing chicken ahead and freezing it is a great way to meal prep. Enjoy!
AnnaApr 15, 2024 so yummy!
Natalya DrozhzhinApr 15, 2024 So glad you loved it Anna! Thanks for sharing.
CarolJan 23, 2024 I had rotisserie chicken to use up, and was seeking out a quesadilla recipe…this was it! So easy to throw together and delicious! I served them with a black bean salad and sliced avocado. Definitely a keeper, thank you for the recipe!
Natalya DrozhzhinJan 23, 2024 I love when leftovers turn into a new, exciting meal! Thanks for sharing Carol!
Rosanne MassmanDec 25, 2023 Guessing that this is an 8" tortilla used (compared lime slices in pic to quesadillas) Correct?...
Natalya DrozhzhinDec 26, 2023 Hi Rosanne, yes, 8 or 9 inch tortillas. Hope you LOVE this one, its always such a hit with everyone. 🙂
IrinaNov 17, 2023 Delicious
Natalya DrozhzhinNov 19, 2023 Thank you Irina, Love the flavors with all the veggies and chicken.
SandraSep 30, 2023 Came to this site for a quick and easy quesadilla recipe. And I don’t usually do this but started looking around at other recipes and found so many quick and easy meals to try! Love it! Following on social too!
Natalya DrozhzhinOct 1, 2023 Hi Sandra, Welcome! And thanks for following! I hope you enjoy our recipes - I'm all about quick and easy dishes!
Barry HSep 12, 2023 Just made them. My grandkids loved them we put cherry tomatoes and onions on the fajitas then put into oven. We used chipped turkey lunchmeat. That’s now only way I’ll make them thank you for the recipe
Natalya DrozhzhinSep 13, 2023 Hey Barry, I'm glad they were such a success!
CarolSep 9, 2023 Can leftover filling be frozen?
Natalya DrozhzhinSep 11, 2023 Hi Carol, I personally have not tried freezing it, but it can be. The texture of the veggies might change after freezing them though.
CarlaJul 17, 2023 Thank You for Sharing, Excellent!
Natalya DrozhzhinJul 18, 2023 Carla, absolutely, so happy you are enjoying it.
Patricia Ann DavenportJul 10, 2023 Easy, tasty, inexpensive. I increased the amount of chicken, and fed 5 adults these tacos and a side of Spanish rice tonight. Everyone had full bellies, and told me to make these again!
Natalya DrozhzhinJul 11, 2023 Hi Patricia, Sounds like a successful dinner! I hope you guys will enjoy it again soon!
AmandaJun 26, 2023 These were excellent. Will be having them again.
Natalya DrozhzhinJun 27, 2023 Hi Amanda, Thank you for sharing your feedback. Happy to hear you found a recipe that you will enjoy again!
MoriamoJun 25, 2023 This is a new family favourite. My toddler cleared his plates and had his dad’s. Will definitely be making it again.
Natalya DrozhzhinJun 26, 2023 Hey Moriamo, It's a great compliment when toddlers love the food! So happy to hear your family loved it. Thanks for sharing.
KristyJun 23, 2023 Super easy to modify a recipe like this! I used just thin chopped onion and minced garlic, no peppers, and used leftover chicken cut up. Fairly quick and easy, and the whole family enjoyed it, thank you!
PS the hint about the oven at 200 to keep warm was definitely appreciated!!randy john SchroederNov 8, 2023 when using already cooked chicken, when do you add it to the peppers and onion, and taco seasoning?
Natalya DrozhzhinJun 26, 2023 Hey Kristy, We love recipes that are easy to modify! Perfect for everyday life. So happy to hear your family loved it!
MICHELEJun 16, 2023 Natayla,
How does the recipe change in step one if I grill my chicken first instead of dicing up raw chicken as shown in the recipe?
Natalya DrozhzhinJun 16, 2023 Hi Michele- Just proceed with cooking the onion and bell pepper in step 2, add in the chicken and taco seasoning once the veggies are nearly cooked. Then proceed with the recipe as written. Enjoy!
RandyJun 15, 2023 Great recipe wanted something quick to fix and eat. Will make again.
Natalya DrozhzhinJun 15, 2023 I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe! Thank you for sharing Randy!
JoeMay 29, 2023 This recipe is so fun to make. I love cooking so anything that is actually as satisfying to make as it is to eat is the beez-kneez! Thanks agsin!
Natalya DrozhzhinMay 30, 2023 Hi Joe, I am glad to hear this. Nothing like a freshly made quesadillas. Enjoy
AshleighMay 10, 2023 Yum! Yum yum yum!!! Will be in the rotation of favorites for this family! Easy, quick and delicious which is exactly what I need with 6 other mouths to feed. Thank you for this recipe!
Natalya DrozhzhinMay 11, 2023 Ashleigh, I am happy to hear this feedback. I can see this been a staple for the whole family. Do you have any other favorites?
DianeApr 27, 2023 Excellent! Will definitely make again and again.
Natalya DrozhzhinApr 27, 2023 Hi Diane, I am thrilled to hear that! Thank you for sharing your feedback. Enjoy!
Carolyn McpheronApr 1, 2023 What size tortillas? 10"or 12"
Natalya DrozhzhinApr 2, 2023 Hi Carolyn, this recipe will work well with either size. However I think it's easier to handle the 10 in tortillas. Thank you for reaching out!
GeneMar 28, 2023 Made as directed, delicious!
Natalya DrozhzhinMar 28, 2023 Hi Gene, I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was a success!! Thank you for sharing your feedback. Enjoy!!
Amber EricksonMar 20, 2023 I made this for dinner tonight and it was a breeze!
I placed an (empty) cast iron skillet on top while they were cooking and I found they held together better & browned up more that way. Sort of a poor man’s paninni press!Natalya DrozhzhinMar 21, 2023 Hi Amber, I am so thrilled that the recipe was a success. Thank you for sharing your awesome tip and feedback! Enjoy!!
adelMar 4, 2023 Yo this tbh is really simple i really like it for the low amount of ingredients 9/10
Natalya DrozhzhinMar 6, 2023 Hi Adel, I am so thrilled to hear it! Thank you for your feedback, enjoy!!
TerriPeterJan 20, 2023 Made this two nights ago, and we loved it! Dipping in guacamole and sour cream. We had the leftovers today for lunch, wasn’t going to let it go to waste for sure!
Natalya DrozhzhinJan 20, 2023 Hi Terri, that makes me so happy! Thank you for sharing that. Enjoy!
Linda ReichenbachJan 2, 2023 Can these be made in the oven instead of a frying pan? I have to make alot.
RHONDA R SPECKFeb 24, 2023 When I make quesadillas for several people, I make two at a time and put them on a cookie sheet in a low oven until all are done.
Natalya DrozhzhinFeb 24, 2023 Hi Rhonda, that is such an awesome hack! Thank you so much for sharing that!
Natalya DrozhzhinJan 2, 2023 Hey there Linda, I have not done that, but I think it would absolutely work! Its actually a pretty great idea! Good luck! Let me know how it goes.
HbNov 22, 2022 Perfection! And soooo easy. Thank you!
Natalya DrozhzhinNov 22, 2022 Thank you! We love an easy and delicious recipe. Thanks for giving ours a try!
KimNov 18, 2022 I made these tonight with leftover chicken and added sliced jalapeños to the veggie mix. Put the salsa and sour cream right in with cilantro and salsa on top with a squeeze of lime. Devine!!!🙌🏼
Natalya DrozhzhinNov 18, 2022 Hi Kim- Oh yum! Sounds like a fantastic meal. Thanks for sharing with us!
SusanOct 20, 2022 Sooo quick and easy! Made the chicken mix ahead to take for lunch at our girls weekend. Then everyone built and cooked their own quesadillas. Served with salsa and sour cream, a Spicy Mexican Salad and a fruit salad with a strawberry yogurt/cool whip dressing. Lunch was a huge hit 😋
Natalya DrozhzhinOct 21, 2022 Hi Susan, That all sounds so delicious! Making my mouth water. Thanks so much for sharing!
RuthOct 7, 2022 I have to admit I was skeptical of how this would taste but it was super delicious! I added extra salt to the chicken and about 1/8 Trappey's Bull hot sauce for a little flavor and used Mozzarella and Sharp Cheddar Cheese. I didn't have bell peppers. I served with sour cream. It was a super easy, quick and yummy dinner that I will be an addition to my regular rotating dinners!
Natalya DrozhzhinOct 7, 2022 Hi Ruth- love that! Thank you for giving this recipe a try 🙂
JoannAug 23, 2022 What a delicious recipe I made taco seasoning from scratch also and it was awesome our quesadilla recipe moving forward 👍
Natalya DrozhzhinAug 23, 2022 Hi Joann- so thrilled to hear that! Thank you for the feedback.
