Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

Few things compare to a homemade chicken quesadilla—melty cheese, juicy filling, and that irresistible tortilla crunch. They’re simple, comforting, and easy to make to your taste.

Over the years, quesadillas have spread far beyond Mexico’s borders, becoming a global favorite. Today, you’ll find countless variations, but chicken quesadillas remain one of the most popular. 

What Is a Quesadilla?

Quesadillas are a staple of Mexican cuisine, though exactly where they first appeared remains a mystery.

They start with a round flour or corn tortilla, filled with cheese, chicken, or other ingredients, then folded in half to form a half-moon. Cooked until the cheese melts and the tortilla turns golden and slightly crispy.

In central and southern Mexico, quesadillas are often made with corn tortillas, sometimes fresh blue corn for extra flavor and color. In northern Mexico and the U.S., flour tortillas are more common.

Living in Mexico, you’re spoiled for choice with fresh tortillas of every kind. Try my homemade flour or corn tortilla recipes so you can bring those authentic Mexican flavors home.

Recipe Video Tutorial 

Watch my easy video tutorial for step-by-step visuals on making Chicken Quesadillas.

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Quesadilla Fillings

While chicken is a classic, quesadillas are incredibly versatile. Some of my favorites include:

1. Chicken
2. Beef
3. Mushrooms
4. Flor de Calabaza (Squash Blossoms)

No matter your preference, there’s a quesadilla recipe out there for everyone.

More Mexican Recipes: 

• Tacos de Suadero
• Green Chicken Chili
• Mexican Sopes
• Bistec Ranchero
• Chile Colorado

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Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

5 from 8 votes

By Villa Cocina

Homemade chicken quesadillas with melty cheese, juicy filling, and crispy tortillas—simple, comforting, and easy to make your way.

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 25 minutes mins

Total Time: 35 minutes mins

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Ingredients 

US CustomaryMetric

Servings: 6 servings

• 1 lb chicken breast

Veggies

• 1 1/2 cups bell peppers, finely diced
• 1/2 large white onion, finely diced

Seasonings

• 1 tbsp chilli powder
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground ancho chile
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• To liking kosher salt, (1 1/2 tsp)
• To liking ground black Pepper

Additional

• 24 oz Oaxaca cheese, grated 
• 10 medium flour tortillas
• Avocado oil,  as needed 

Instructions 

Season the Chicken

• Cut the chicken in half lengthwise, then dice into bite-sized pieces. Transfer to a large bowl.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together chili powder, cumin, ancho chile, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Sprinkle the spice mix evenly over the chicken, then add freshly ground black pepper. Toss well to coat every piece evenly with the aromatic spices.

Cook the Chicken

• Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of avocado oil. Once hot, add the chicken and sear, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a bowl.

Sauté the Veggies

• In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of avocado oil. Once hot, sauté the onions until translucent. Add the peppers and cook for 2–3 minutes, until lightly softened.

Combine Chicken and Veggies

• Return the chicken to the pan with the vegetables and stir to combine. Allow the chicken to reheat, then remove the pan from heat.

Make the Quesadillas

• Preheat a comal or griddle over low heat. Brush one side of a tortilla with oil and place it oil-side down on the griddle. Sprinkle cheese over half the tortilla, top with chicken mix, and add more cheese. Fold the empty half over to create a half-moon shape.
• Cook until the underside is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt. Flip the quesadilla and cook the other side until browned and crisp, and the cheese is fully melted.
• Repeat with remaining tortillas, chicken, and cheese. Serve warm.

Notes

• Substitutions: If you don’t have ground ancho chile, you can use paprika.

• Heat tip: If the quesadillas are browning too quickly before the cheese melts, lower the heat. This ensures the tortillas crisp evenly while the cheese has time to melt fully.

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Course: Main

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: Chicken Quesadillas, Comfort Food, Homemade Quesadillas, Mexican Recipes, Weeknight Meals