Name: Chicken Quesadillas with Cilantro Lime Filling Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 boneless skinless chicken breast (just under ¾ lb.); 2 teaspoons combined seasoning (see below); ¾ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon cumin; ¼ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon chili powder; 1-2 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil); 1 splash chicken broth (or dry white wine); 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 cup bell pepper, diced (red and green preferred); 2-3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon cilantro, roughly chopped; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon hot sauce; 1 teaspoon honey; 4 (8-inch) flour tortillas (burrito size); 1 tablespoon melted butter; 2 ¾ cups Mexican blend cheese

Ingredients

1 boneless skinless chicken breast (just under ¾ lb.)

1-2 tablespoons avocado oil (can substitute olive oil)

1 splash chicken broth (or dry white wine)

1 small yellow onion (diced)

1 cup bell pepper (diced; use red and green for color)

2-3 cloves garlic (minced)

1 tablespoon cilantro (roughly chopped)

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 teaspoon hot sauce

1 teaspoon honey

4 (8-inch) flour tortillas (burrito size)

1 tablespoon melted butter

2 ¾ cups Mexican blend cheese (see notes)

¾ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon each: onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, chili powder

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the salt, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, and chili powder in a small bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Slice the chicken breast in half horizontally to create two thinner pieces. Cover with plastic wrap and gently pound to ½ inch thickness using the textured side of a meat tenderizer. Pat dry with paper towels.

Step 3: Rub both sides of each chicken piece with 2 teaspoons of the combined seasoning. Reserve the remaining seasoning for the vegetables.

Step 4: Heat the avocado oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes, then finely dice.

Step 5: Add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to the hot skillet. Use a spatula to scrape and deglaze the pan, capturing all the flavorful bits.

Step 6: Increase heat to medium-high and add diced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in garlic, cilantro, lime juice, hot sauce, honey, and the remaining seasoning. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant and heated through. Remove the vegetable mixture from the skillet.

Step 7: Turn off the heat and wipe the skillet clean. Brush melted butter lightly over one side of each tortilla to help make them crispy and golden.

Step 8: Place a tortilla butter-side-down over medium-low heat in the skillet. Sprinkle about ½ cup cheese evenly on the tortilla, then add one-quarter of the chicken and vegetable filling over half of the tortilla. Let the cheese melt and the bottom crisp up until golden brown.

Step 9: Fold the tortilla in half to create a half-moon shape and gently press with a spatula. Remove from skillet and keep warm. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 10: Cut each quesadilla in half and serve immediately with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or your favorite toppings.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, use smoked paprika or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.

Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep it lighter or use dry white wine for a subtle tang.

Try adding black beans or corn to the filling for added texture and nutrition.

Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, but reduce butter and handle carefully to prevent tearing.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, pre-cooked chicken can be used to save time. Just skip the searing step and add the diced chicken to the vegetable mixture to warm through before assembling the quesadillas.

What cheese works best for quesadillas?

A Mexican blend cheese that includes Monterey Jack, cheddar, and queso quesadilla melts well and offers a classic flavor. You can also use mozzarella or a mild cheddar if a blend isn’t available.