Easy Loaded Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

This Loaded Chicken Quesadillas Recipe is an easy and delicious appetizer, snack or main dish that the entire family will love. Not only is it bursting with flavor, but it is ready to eat with only 10 minutes of cook time!

The key to getting this recipe on the table so quickly is the use of leftover rotisserie chicken. That way you can assemble the quesadilla in minutes, making it the perfect recipe to make after school or to serve as a main dish on busy weeknights.

However it is also a fantastic last minute recipe when that late night craving hits. And it is also a recipe that I make quite often when unexpected guests arrive on the weekend for a visit.

It is an incredible option for quick, flavorful meal or appetizer that comes together quickly and effortlessly with just a few basic ingredients. Not only is it a great use for leftover rotisserie chicken, but it’s also a versatile recipe that allows you to use other ingredients that you might have on hand.

Switch up the vegetables, variety of cheese, and even add in a few spices to make a delicious dish that is sure to please your family and friends! So next time hunger strikes and you need a quick meal, pull out this recipe and you will have a fantastic dish ready to eat in minutes!

Standard Quesadillas vs. Loaded Quesadillas

Traditional quesadillas generally consist of shredded cheese smashed in between a top and bottom layer of a flour tortilla. Then it is grilled until the cheese melts and the tortilla browns on each side.

Although they are delicious, loaded quesadillas pack extra fillings inside the tortillas in addition to the cheese. Some popular fillings include chicken, beans, and various vegetables.

However this recipe adds even more flavor by sautéing the peppers and onions along with sweet corn kernels before the are added to the mix. Then black beans and avocado slices are added for an unforgettable dish that is bursting with flavor in every bite!

Not to mention that loaded quesadillas will leave you feeling full of satisfied. Even if you serve them as an appetizer or snack, they are hearty enough to get you through to the next meal without a problem!

What Size Tortilla For Loaded Chicken Quesadillas?

When you head to the grocery to purchase tortilla shells, you may be shocked at the amount of different varieties to choose from. From small, street taco corn tortillas that are only 3-4 inches in diameter to soft taco flour tortilla shells and large burrito size shells, they are all available.

For this recipe, the larger burrito-sized flour tortillas work best. The larger surface areas allows enough room for all the delicious fillings to be piled inside without worry of everything falling out during the cooking process.

However, smaller tortillas can still be used if you want to make smaller quesadillas. Although you will definitely need to cook them in batches as they all won’t be able to fit inside a large skillet at the same time.

Sandwich Style vs. Folded Quesadillas

Quesadillas can be made two ways. The first method is to use the sandwich style where two tortillas are used as the top and bottom layer with the fillings placed between them.

The second way to make quesadillas is to use one large tortilla and place the filling on one side. Then fold the remaining side over top.

This recipe utilizes the folded technique as it is a better method to hold lots of fillings. In addition, if you use a large enough skillet you can make both quesadillas at the same time so everyone can enjoy them together!

Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken

One of the key advantages of this loaded chicken quesadillas recipe is its versatility. Although you could make Shredded Chicken In An Instant Pot, or cook chicken in a pot of boiling water or a stove, I prefer to use leftover rotisserie chicken.

The chicken shreds easily and then is flavored with spices for a delicious base for the filling of the quesadillas!

Spices for Seasoning Chicken Breast Meat

Instead of adding plain, tasteless chicken to your loaded quesadillas, this recipe adds a ton of flavor to the meat with a few basic spices. Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are used to provide a burst of Mexican flavor in each bite

However other seasoning options could also work in this recipe. Experiment with other spices such as paprika, oregano, and chipotle powder and find what best meets your taste preferences!

Although I have to admit, after experimenting with the recipe the spices listed below has become my favorite combination. The flavors combine perfectly to produce an irresistibly savory yet slightly spicy bite, which perfectly complements all other ingredients in this quesadilla.

Suggested Toppings For Loaded Chicken Quesadillas

Once the quesadillas are browned on the outside and melted and warm on the inside it is time to serve them to your family and friends. However, instead of cutting them on a plate and serving them as is, consider adding some of your favorite toppings!

Below I have listed some classic (and some not so common) quesadilla toppings that we have come to love in our house:

• Guacamole
• Sour Cream
• Green Onions
• Chives
• Salsa
• Salsa Verde
• Diced Jalapeno
• Diced Green Onion
• Cilantro
• Peanut Butter Spread (Crazy Good!!)
• Peach Habanero Salsa
• Bacon Jam

Loaded Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
• 1/3 cup diced green bell red pepper
• 1/3 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/3 cup diced red onion
• 3 Tbsp. sweet corn, drained
• 1 Tbsp. diced jalapeno peppers (optional)
• 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken
• 1/4 tsp. chili powder
• 1/4 tsp. cumin
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
• 3 Tbsp. black beans, drained
• 2 large burrito size flour tortillas
• 8 oz. Mexican Blend shredded cheese
• 2 Tbsp. fresh chopped cilantro
• 4 thin slices avocado

INSTRUCTIONS

To start making your loaded chicken quesadillas place a medium size skillet over medium-high heat add 1 Tablespoon olive oil. Once hot add the diced green and red bell peppers, diced onion, corn kernels and diced jalapeno pepper (if using). Then saute until tender, approximately 5 minutes.

Add the cooked and shredded chicken, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper and stir. Continue to heat until the meat is heated through.

In a large skillet, heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil. Place 1 burrito size tortilla in the skillet. Add HALF OF EACH: shredded cheese, chicken and vegetable mixture, drained black beans, cilantro, and avocado to ONE HALF of the tortilla.

Fold the tortilla in half, making a semi-circle shape scoot it to the edge of the skillet. Add the last tablespoon of olive oil in the open area of the skillet. Then place the second tortilla in the skillet.

Add the remaining ingredients to ONE HALF of the tortilla. Then fold it in half.

Cook Time Required

Allow the loaded chicken quesadillas to brown on the first side for 3-5 minutes, depending on the preferred amount of browning.

Once tortillas have reached desired level of browning, flip and cook on the other side for another 3-5 minutes or until the desired amount of browning has been reached.

Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and cut into 4-6 wedges. Serve warm with your favorite toppings: guacamole, salsa, sour cream, diced cilantro, diced green onions, etc…

*This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve larger groups.

Enjoy! Mary

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