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Chicken quesadillas filled with seasoned chicken, melted cheese, bell peppers, corn, and avocado, served with sour cream and fresh parsley.
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The Best Chicken Quesadillas - Easy and Extra Cheesy

These easy Chicken Quesadillas are filled with seasoned chicken, sautéed bell peppers, sweet corn, creamy avocado, and plenty of melted cheese. Toasted until golden and crispy, they make a flavorful and satisfying lunch or family dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Calories: 800

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken and Vegetable Filling
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (56 g)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into small pieces
  • 1 green or yellow bell pepper, cut into small pieces
  • 2/3 cup corn kernels, drained (100 g)
  • 18 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces (500 g)
  • 2 tbsp quesadilla or taco seasoning, or to taste
For Assembling
  • 6 large flour tortillas
  • 4 1/2 cups shredded cheese, such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend (500 g)
  • 1 ripe avocado, thinly sliced
For Serving
  • Sour cream
  • Sliced hot peppers, optional
  • Fresh parsley, finely chopped, optional

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Sharp knife
  • 1 Mixing bowl
  • 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
  • 1 Cheese grater, if using block cheese

Method
 

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces and season it evenly with the quesadilla seasoning. Finely chop the onion and garlic, cut the bell peppers into small pieces, drain the corn, slice the avocado, and shred the cheese if needed.
  2. Sauté the onion: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
  3. Cook the vegetables: Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Stir in the bell peppers and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until slightly softened. Add the corn, stir well, and cook for another minute. Transfer the vegetables to a bowl and set aside.
  4. Cook the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the same skillet. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and completely cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  5. Combine the filling: Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet. Stir them together with the chicken until evenly combined, then remove the skillet from the heat.
  6. Assemble the quesadillas: Place one tortilla on a clean work surface. Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheese over one half. Add some chicken and vegetable filling, arrange a few avocado slices on top, and finish with another layer of cheese. Fold the empty half of the tortilla over the filling.
  7. Toast the quesadillas: Heat a clean, dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add the folded quesadilla and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom is golden and crisp. Carefully flip and cook the second side until golden and the cheese is completely melted.
  8. Repeat and serve: Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling. Cut the warm Chicken Quesadillas into wedges and serve immediately with sour cream, sliced hot peppers, and fresh parsley.

Notes

  • Keep the heat at medium-low so the cheese has time to melt before the tortilla becomes too dark.
  • Avoid overfilling the tortillas because the filling may fall out when they are flipped.
  • Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
  • Monterey Jack, cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend all work well.
  • Add the avocado immediately before assembling for the freshest flavor and best texture.
  • Nutrition is estimated per quesadilla and does not include sour cream or additional toppings.