Enjoy the deliciousness of these cheesy chicken quesadillas, a perfect blend of melty cheese, succulent marinated chicken and a hint of spice. Bring the taste of Mexican cuisine to your table tonight!

Our Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas recipe is an inviting fusion of savory marinated chicken, ooey-gooey cheese and a hint of spice that transports you to the heart of Mexican cuisine. Inspired by traditional Mexican quesadillas, this dish features a flavorful combination of ingredients that is both comforting and satisfying. With its roots in Mexico’s diverse culinary traditions, the quesadilla has become a popular and beloved dish around the world.
The Cultural Significance and History of Quesadillas
Quesadillas hold a special place in the hearts and kitchens of Mexican cuisine. This popular dish originated during the colonial era when Spanish colonizers introduced wheat and dairy products to Mexico. The word quesadilla itself derives from the Spanish word queso, meaning cheese, which is a key ingredient in this dish. Today, quesadillas can be found throughout Mexico and beyond, showing the versatility and adaptability of this popular dish.
Traditional quesadillas consist of a tortilla, usually made from corn or wheat, that’s folded over melted cheese and sometimes filled with additional ingredients. Over time, different regions of Mexico have added their own twists to quesadillas, using local ingredients and flavors. This recipe honors the culinary traditions of Mexican cuisine while adding a flavorful twist, creating a fusion of classic and modern flavors.
frequently asked Questions
Yes, you can use corn tortillas as a gluten-free option or if you prefer their flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that corn tortillas are often smaller and less pliable than flour tortillas, so you may need to adjust the filling amount accordingly.
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a huge time saver. Just be sure to shred the chicken and mix it with some of the marinade ingredients for extra flavor before assembling the quesadillas.
Yes! You can customize your quesadillas with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese, both of which offer great ooey-gooey texture.
To add spiciness to your quesadillas, you can use spicier cheeses like Pepper Jack, add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chicken marinade, or serve the quesadillas with a hot salsa or hot sauce on the side.
Yes, you can bake the quesadillas in the oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F and place the assembled quesadillas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until the tortillas are crisp and the cheese is melted. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Yes, you can easily make veggie quesadillas by replacing the chicken with a variety of veggies like sautéed peppers, onions, mushrooms, or even cooked black beans. You can also use a plant-based meat alternative like soy crumbles or chicken strips.
Substitutions & Serving Suggestions
Besides using Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese, you can also incorporate other ingredients, such as:
- sautéed peppers
- onions
- Mushrooms
Serve them with a side of guacamole, sour cream, and extra salsa for a complete and flavorful meal.


Enjoy the deliciousness of these cheesy chicken quesadillas, a perfect blend of melty cheese, succulent marinated chicken and a hint of spice. Bring the taste of Mexican cuisine to your dinner table tonight!
Ingredients
chicken marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 tablespoon lime juice
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
Quesadilla:
- 4 10- Customs flour tortillas
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoon butter
- 4 tablespoon salsa
- guacamole To serve
- sour cream To serve
- Additional salsa To serve
instructions
chicken marinade:
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In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, salt, paprika, pepper, cayenne, parsley, lime juice, and olive oil.
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Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag.
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Marinate in the fridge for 1 hour.
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Heat a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Remove the chicken from the pan and cut into small pieces.
Quesadilla:
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter.
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Place a tortilla in the pan on top of the melted butter and sprinkle 1/2 cup cheese evenly over the entire tortilla.
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Add 1/2 cup cooked and shredded chicken to one half of the cheese and spread 1 tablespoon of salsa on the other half.
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Let the cheese melt for about 3-4 minutes, then cut the tortilla in half.
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Cook for another minute, then flip the quesadilla to ensure the other side is browned to your liking and the cheese is thoroughly melted.
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Repeat steps 2a-2e with the remaining tortillas and ingredients, adding more butter as needed.
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Remove the quesadilla from the pan and cut into wedges.
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Serve with guacamole, sour cream, and additional salsa.
Calories: 549kcal | Carbohydrates: 17G | Protein: 26G | Fat: 42G | Saturated Fatty Acids: 21G | Polyunsaturated fat: 4G | Monounsaturated fatty acids: 11G | Trans fats: 1G | Cholesterol: 129mg | Sodium: 825mg | Potassium: 232mg | Fiber: 1G | Sugar: 2G | Vitamin A: 1072ie | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 457mg | Iron: 2mg