Chicken Quesadilla with Guacamole
Crispy, golden tortillas stuffed with seasoned chicken and gooey melted cheese. Served with a side of fresh, creamy guacamole for the perfect Tex-Mex meal ready in about 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Chicken Filling
- b.Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the chopped yellow onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- d.Add the cubed chicken to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- e.Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, 0.75 tsp of salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 more minute, allowing the spices to become fragrant and coat the chicken evenly. Remove the skillet from the heat and set the filling aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the Fresh Guacamole
- b.Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a medium bowl.
- c.Mash the avocado with a fork or potato masher to your desired consistency, whether chunky or smooth.
- d.Add the finely chopped red onion, cilantro, fresh lime juice, and the remaining 0.5 tsp of salt. Stir gently until everything is well combined. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Quesadillas
- b.Place one flour tortilla on a clean, flat surface.
- c.Sprinkle approximately 1/4 cup of the shredded cheese blend over one half of the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edge.
- d.Evenly distribute about 1/4 of the cooked chicken mixture over the cheese.
- e.Top the chicken with another 1/4 cup of cheese.
- f.Fold the empty half of the tortilla over the filling, pressing down gently to create a half-moon shape. Repeat for the remaining 3 tortillas.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Quesadillas
- b.Wipe out the skillet used for the chicken or use a clean non-stick pan. Melt 1/2 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
- c.Carefully place one assembled quesadilla in the hot skillet.
- d.Cook for 2-4 minutes on the first side, until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
- e.Flip the quesadilla carefully with a spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the second side is also golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and gooey.
- f.Remove the cooked quesadilla from the pan and place it on a cutting board. Repeat the process with the remaining quesadillas, adding more butter to the pan as needed.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve and Enjoy
- b.Let the quesadillas rest for a minute before cutting each one into 3 or 4 wedges.
- c.Serve immediately while hot, with the fresh guacamole on the side for dipping. Sour cream and your favorite salsa also make excellent accompaniments.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best melt, shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- 2Don't overstuff the quesadillas, or the filling will spill out when you flip them.
- 3Cook on medium heat. High heat will burn the tortilla before the cheese has a chance to melt completely.
- 4To keep guacamole from browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto its surface before refrigerating.
- 5Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred it and warm it up with the spices and vegetables.
- 6Use a pizza cutter for clean, easy cuts when portioning the quesadillas.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with 1 can (15 oz) of black beans (rinsed and drained) and 1 cup of corn kernels. Sauté with the onions, peppers, and spices.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers to the skillet along with the onions and bell peppers for extra heat.
Different CheeseDifferent Cheese
Swap the Mexican blend for Monterey Jack, sharp cheddar, or authentic Oaxaca cheese for a superior cheese pull.
Alternative ProteinAlternative Protein
This recipe works wonderfully with seasoned ground beef, pulled pork, grilled steak, or sautéed shrimp instead of chicken.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The chicken breast provides high-quality lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, supporting immune function, and promoting satiety.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Avocados are packed with monounsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health by helping to reduce bad cholesterol levels and providing essential fatty acids.
Provides Sustained Energy
The carbohydrates from the flour tortillas offer a quick source of energy, making this a satisfying meal that can fuel your activities throughout the day.
Contains Essential Vitamins
Ingredients like bell peppers, onions, and cilantro contribute various vitamins and antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin A, which are important for overall health.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving, which includes one quesadilla and a side of guacamole, contains approximately 650-750 calories, depending on the size of the tortilla and the amount of cheese and butter used.