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Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas with Fresh Salsa

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These Chicken Quesadillas with Fresh Salsa are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy goodness and zesty, refreshing flavors. Packed with seasoned chicken, gooey cheese, and served with a side of homemade salsa, they make for an irresistible weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’ll quickly become a family favorite!

A close-up shot of golden-brown, crispy quesadilla wedges, oozing with melted cheese and seasoned chicken. The quesadillas are arranged on a rustic wooden board with a small bowl of fresh, vibrant salsa on the side, garnished with cilantro leaves. The salsa is bursting with bright colors from the red tomatoes, green cilantro, and the specks of red onion and jalapeño. The background features a lime wedge and a casual dining setup with warm, natural lighting, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.


Key Information:

  • Preparation time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking time: 10 minutes
  • Total time: 25 minutes
  • Number of servings: 4
  • Serving size: 1 quesadilla

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Protein: 31g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fat: 21g
  • Fiber: 5g

Ingredients:

For the quesadillas:

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (300g / 10 oz)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 large flour tortillas (250g / 9 oz total)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend) (200g / 7 oz)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (15g), for cooking

For the fresh salsa:

  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced (250g / 9 oz)
  • ½ small red onion, finely chopped (60g / 2 oz)
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, minced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method of Preparation:

For the salsa:

  1. Prepare the salsa: In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro. Drizzle with fresh lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Stir to mix well and set aside to let the flavors meld.

For the quesadillas:

  1. Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the cooked, shredded chicken with olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Assemble the quesadillas: Lay out the tortillas and sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese on one half of each tortilla. Evenly distribute the seasoned chicken on top of the cheese, then sprinkle more cheese over the chicken. Fold the tortillas in half, pressing down gently to seal.
  3. Cook the quesadillas: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter. Place a folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted. Repeat with the remaining quesadillas.
  4. Slice and serve: Let the quesadillas cool for a minute before slicing them into wedges. Serve hot with the fresh salsa on the side.

Culinary Tips:

  1. Customize the filling: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even black beans to the quesadilla filling for extra texture and flavor.
  2. Use leftover chicken: Rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken works perfectly for this recipe.
  3. Crispy tortillas: Cooking the quesadillas over medium heat ensures the tortillas get crispy without burning before the cheese melts.
  4. Cheese options: Use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a perfect combination of sharpness and meltiness.
  5. Salsa freshness: The salsa tastes best when made fresh, but you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.

FAQs:

  1. Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the quesadillas in advance and store them in the fridge. Cook them just before serving for the best texture.
  2. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour? Absolutely! Corn tortillas give the quesadillas a slightly different texture and are great for a gluten-free option.
  3. What other dipping sauces go well with quesadillas? Besides salsa, quesadillas are delicious with guacamole, sour cream, or even a drizzle of hot sauce.
  4. How can I reheat leftover quesadillas? Reheat them in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes on each side to restore the crispiness, or use a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving to keep the tortillas from getting soggy.
  5. Can I make the salsa spicier? Yes, for more heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the salsa.


These chicken quesadillas with fresh salsa are a crowd-pleasing meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Whether served as a fun dinner or shared as an appetizer at your next gathering, they deliver big flavor in every bite. Pair them with your favorite toppings, and enjoy a restaurant-worthy dish right at home!

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