Name: Chicken Avocado Quesadillas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tsp olive oil, divided; 1 small onion, finely chopped (about ½ cup); 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color); 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped; ½ cup diced tomatoes; 2 tbsp fajita or taco seasoning; 4 medium flour tortillas; 1 avocado, pitted and sliced; 4 tsp low-fat sour cream; ½ cup shredded low-fat mozzarella, Mexican blend, or cheddar cheese; Fresh lime juice and minced cilantro (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Imagine biting into a golden, crispy tortilla revealing a gooey blend of cheese, tender seasoned chicken, creamy avocado slices, and colorful veggies. Chicken Avocado Quesadillas are a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to make, bringing a bit of Tex-Mex magic to your table in minutes. Whether you’re craving a speedy lunch, an indulgent dinner, or something exciting for kids and adults alike, these quesadillas have you covered with wholesome ingredients, delightful textures, and pops of freshness in every bite.

Chicken Avocado Quesadillas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component in these Chicken Avocado Quesadillas plays a delicious part — from the juicy chicken that soaks up those spices to the creamy avocado that adds a rich finish. Don’t be intimidated by the list; most items are pantry staples, and even the fresh bits come together super fast for ultimate convenience and flavor.

Chicken breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless for quick cooking and easy slicing.
Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: Seasoning the chicken well is the secret to bringing out its natural flavor.
Olive oil: Acts as the base for sautéing and gives every bite a subtle richness.
Onion: Provides a sweet, mellow foundation to the filling.
Bell peppers: Any color works; pick your favorite for a pop of color and crunch.
Garlic: Adds punch and warmth to the mix; don’t skip it!
Tomatoes: A juicy touch that ties all the flavors together and elevates the filling.
Fajita or taco seasoning: Just two tablespoons give you that smoky, zesty flavor in seconds.
Flour tortillas: The essential vessel for all your fillings; pick medium-sized for best results.
Avocado: Slice just before adding for the perfect creamy layer inside your quesadilla.
Low-fat sour cream: Spreads easily and brings tang to cut through the richness.
Shredded cheese: Mozzarella, Mexican blend, or cheddar—all melt beautifully and hold everything together.
Fresh lime juice & minced cilantro (optional): Squeeze over for brightness and herbal freshness at the end.

How to Make Chicken Avocado Quesadillas

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by heating a large, heavy-duty pan over high heat. Season both sides of your chicken breasts with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Add half the olive oil and sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Don’t rush this part—the flavorful brown bits developing are building blocks for your filling! Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest; this keeps every morsel juicy when you dice it up later.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pan—it’s packed with flavor now—pour in the remaining olive oil. Toss in your chopped onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Stir and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and the peppers are slightly softened but still vibrant. This mix is the colorful, aromatic backbone of your Chicken Avocado Quesadillas.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

Next, sprinkle in the diced tomatoes and your fajita or taco seasoning. Stir well and let them mingle for another 2 minutes. The tomatoes release their juices, which help to blend all the flavors, and the seasoning gives everything that unmistakable, crave-worthy Tex-Mex aroma.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Filling

Dice your rested chicken into bite-sized pieces and return them to the pan. Give everything a good stir so the chicken gets coated with those sizzling veggies and irresistible spices. This step ensures that each bite of your Chicken Avocado Quesadillas is bursting with balanced flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the Quesadillas

Heat a teaspoon of oil in a separate, clean pan over medium. Place two tortillas in the pan, then spread a teaspoon of sour cream on one side of each. This adds a creamy layer to every mouthful. Sprinkle on the shredded cheese, arrange the avocado slices, spoon over your chicken-veggie filling, and finish with a squeeze of lime plus a dash of minced cilantro. Fold the tortillas over to make half-moons, pressing down gently.

Step 6: Cook Until Golden and Gooey

Cook your assembled quesadillas for 2-3 minutes per side. You want them crisp and golden outside with cheese bubbling away inside. If your pan’s not big enough, repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling. Once they’re done, cut into wedges while they’re still warm and gooey—resist nibbling a corner (or don’t, I won’t tell).

How to Serve Chicken Avocado Quesadillas

Garnishes

A final flourish makes all the difference! Serve your Chicken Avocado Quesadillas with extra lime wedges for squeezing, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a dollop of low-fat sour cream or guacamole. Chopped fresh tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or a spoonful of salsa also add jazzy color and extra flavor.

Side Dishes

Quesadillas are totally versatile and pair brilliantly with a simple salad tossed with lime vinaigrette, black beans, or a quick corn salsa. If you’re feeling extra, some cilantro-lime rice or sweet potato fries are fantastic, too. The goal is to keep flavors fresh and textures fun!

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the wedges artfully in a spiral on a big platter, topping each piece with an avocado slice or a cilantro leaf. Serve with a trio of dips—think salsa, guacamole, and sour cream—for a DIY quesadilla bar at parties. Or try stacking quesadilla wedges for a fun, shareable appetizer tower. However you serve them, Chicken Avocado Quesadillas are guaranteed to disappear quickly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you wind up with extra, let your Cheese Avocado Quesadillas cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil or placing in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the avocado and garnishes separate, if possible, so everything tastes freshly assembled when you go for seconds!

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual quesadillas or wedges in a layer of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Store in a zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. While fresh avocado can darken, it’s still perfectly safe and delicious to eat after freezing—just expect the texture to be a bit softer.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat your Chicken Avocado Quesadillas in a skillet over medium-low heat, pressing down gently, until warmed through and crispy. You can also bake them at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Microwave in a pinch, but they’ll be a little softer than fresh; add fresh avocado and toppings after reheating for max flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Avocado Quesadillas with rotisserie or leftover chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie or leftover chicken makes prep even faster. Just shred or dice, add it during the step where the filling comes together and warm it through with the veggies and seasonings for a speedy shortcut.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Greek yogurt is a fantastic lower-fat sub that still adds tangy creaminess. You could also leave it out entirely or swap in mashed avocado or a little queso for something unique.

Are these quesadillas gluten-free?

With a simple swap to certified gluten-free tortillas, you can make Chicken Avocado Quesadillas totally gluten-free. Double-check your seasonings, too, as some blends sneak in gluten-containing anti-caking agents.

Can I add extra veggies?

Yes! Feel free to toss in spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or even roasted corn—anything that sounds tasty. Just be mindful to sauté off extra moisture so your quesadillas stay crisp.

How spicy are Chicken Avocado Quesadillas?

That’s up to you! The recipe as written is flavorful but mild. Add a dash of cayenne, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños if you want to crank up the heat, or keep it family-friendly as is.

Final Thoughts

Give these Chicken Avocado Quesadillas a try and you’ll see just how quickly they’ll become a new favorite in your rotation. They’re fast, colorful, and loaded with flavor—perfect for weeknights or whenever you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Gather your ingredients, prep your pan, and get ready for some cheesy, satisfying goodness!

Chicken Avocado Quesadillas Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 5 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Chicken Avocado Quesadillas are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, creamy avocado, melted cheese, and flavorful veggies in a crispy tortilla. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner!

Instructions

Cook the Chicken: Heat a large, heavy-duty pan over high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan, then cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and let rest before dicing.
Prepare the Filling: In the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the onion, bell peppers, and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the diced tomatoes and fajita seasoning, cooking for another 2 minutes. Dice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan, stirring until fully combined.
Assemble the Quesadillas: Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a clean pan over medium heat. Place two tortillas in the pan and spread 1 teaspoon of sour cream on one side of each tortilla. Top with shredded cheese, sliced avocado, chicken mixture, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of minced cilantro. Fold the tortillas in half to form a half-moon shape. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the tortillas are crispy and golden, and the cheese is melted. Repeat with the remaining tortillas to make two more quesadillas.
Serve & Enjoy: Slice the quesadillas into wedges and serve immediately with lime wedges, sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

Notes

For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the filling.
Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or additional toppings.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Fry
Cuisine: Mexican