Delicious Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas are a perfect blend of savory chicken, melted cheese, and flavorful veggies. They're easy, healthy, and satisfying.
Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas are a nutritious and delectable meal option, perfect for anyone seeking a balanced flavor and healthiness. Utilizing boneless, skinless chicken breasts as the primary protein source ensures a dish that is both lean and rich in essential nutrients like B vitamins and minerals such as phosphorus and selenium

. Whole wheat tortillas add a wholesome touch, providing dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates that support sustained energy levels. By incorporating a variety of colorful vegetables, including bell peppers and onions, you not only enhance the visual appeal of the quesadillas but also boost their vitamin and antioxidant content, contributing to overall health. Replacing traditional sour cream with Greek yogurt offers a protein-rich alternative that's also lower in fat and supports digestive health with probiotics. This recipe exemplifies how you can make satisfying comfort food without compromising on nutrition.
This meal can be swiftly assembled and enjoyed without extensive cooking.
One of the most appealing aspects of Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas is their simplicity and ease of preparation, making them an ideal choice for busy families. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 20 minutes, this meal can be swiftly assembled and enjoyed without the hassle of extensive cooking.

The process involves straightforward steps – seasoning and cooking the chicken, sautéing the vegetables, and assembling the quesadillas – all manageable for cooks of any skill level. Additionally, the recipe's flexibility allows for modifications to suit individual dietary preferences or restrictions, like using plant-based cheese or adding different vegetables. The result is a crispy, gooey, flavor-packed quesadilla that satisfies even the pickiest eaters. This dish is quick and easy to make and incredibly tasty, ensuring it will become a frequent favorite in your meal rotation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 1 pound (about 2 large breasts)
- Whole Wheat Tortillas: 8 large tortillas
- Cheddar Cheese (preferably reduced-fat): 2 cups shredded
- Bell Peppers: 2 medium (one red and one green, sliced thinly)
- Onions: 1 medium (sliced thinly)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Fresh Cilantro: ¼ cup, chopped (optional)
- Salsa: 1 cup (for serving)
- Greek Yogurt (as a healthier alternative to sour cream): 1 cup (for serving)

Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté until they are tender and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
- Assemble the Quesadillas: Preheat a large non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Lay one tortilla on a flat surface and sprinkle ¼ cup of shredded cheese on one half. Top with a portion of the cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a little cilantro (if using). Sprinkle another ¼ cup of cheese on top and fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape.
- Cook the Quesadillas: Place the folded quesadilla in the preheated pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown and crispy. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
- Serve: Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve with salsa and a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side.

Helpful Tips:
- Seasoning the Chicken: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor. You can use a mix of lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and salt.
- Cooking the Chicken: Ensure the chicken is evenly cooked by pounding it to an even thickness before cooking. This helps in achieving uniform cooking and prevents the chicken from drying out.
- Cheese Melting: For perfectly melted cheese, use a mix of different cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and a bit of mozzarella for a creamier texture.
- Even Heat: Cook the quesadillas on medium to medium-low heat to ensure the cheese melts properly without burning the tortillas.
- Cutting the Quesadillas: Use a pizza cutter to easily slice the quesadillas into wedges after cooking.
- Preventing Sogginess: Make sure the chicken and vegetables are not too wet when assembling the quesadillas. Excess moisture can make the tortillas soggy.
- Serving Sides: Serve with a variety of sides like fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, or a fresh salad to complement the quesadillas.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy variation.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with black beans, corn, and more vegetables like spinach and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian quesadilla.
- Different Proteins: For different flavor profiles, try using shrimp, ground beef, or pulled pork as alternatives to chicken.
- Tortilla Types: To accommodate dietary preferences, experiment with different tortillas, such as spinach, sun-dried tomato, or gluten-free options.
- Sauce Enhancement: For extra flavor and creaminess, add a layer of refried beans or spread some avocado on the tortilla before adding the other ingredients.
- Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or chives into the filling for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Breakfast Quesadillas: Turn the dish into a breakfast option by adding scrambled eggs, sausage, and some salsa inside the quesadilla.
- Cheese Varieties: Change the flavor profile by using different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy twist or Gouda for a smokier flavor.

Experimenting with these tips and variations can help you create a customized and delightful Chicken and Cheese Quesadilla experience every time!
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Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas are a nutritious and delectable meal option, perfect for anyone seeking a balanced flavor and healthiness. Utilizing boneless, skinless chicken breasts as the primary protein source ensures a dish that is both lean and rich in essential nutrients like B vitamins and minerals such as phosphorus and selenium
Ingredients
-
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 1 pound (about 2 large breasts)
-
- Whole Wheat Tortillas: 8 large tortillas
-
- Cheddar Cheese (preferably reduced-fat): 2 cups shredded
-
- Bell Peppers: 2 medium (one red and one green, sliced thinly)
-
- Onions: 1 medium (sliced thinly)
-
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
-
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
-
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
-
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon
-
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
-
- Fresh Cilantro: ¼ cup, chopped (optional)
-
- Salsa: 1 cup (for serving)
-
- Greek Yogurt (as a healthier alternative to sour cream): 1 cup (for serving)
Instructions
-
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.
-
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté until they are tender and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
-
- Assemble the Quesadillas: Preheat a large non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Lay one tortilla on a flat surface and sprinkle ¼ cup of shredded cheese on one half. Top with a portion of the cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a little cilantro (if using). Sprinkle another ¼ cup of cheese on top and fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape.
-
- Cook the Quesadillas: Place the folded quesadilla in the preheated pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown and crispy. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
-
- Serve: Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve with salsa and a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
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