Freezer Meals

Chicken Quesadillas

Name: Chicken Quesadillas
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless; 1/2 cup (115g) shredded cheese, cheddar or Monterey Jack; 1/4 cup (30g) chopped onion; 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh cilantro; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp (5g) ground cumin; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 8-10 corn tortillas; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil

By Felix Penhallow · June 19, 2026 · Freezer Meals

Prep20 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

As a home cook, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are easy to make ahead, store, and reheat. Chicken quesadillas are one of my go-to meals for busy weeknights. They're perfect for using up leftover chicken and can be customized with your favorite fillings.

I remember the first time I made chicken quesadillas for my family. It was a weeknight, and we were all tired from a long day. I had some leftover chicken in the fridge, and I decided to shred it and mix it with some cheese, then stuff it inside tortillas and cook them in a skillet. The result was a crispy, cheesy, and satisfying meal that everyone loved.

Since then, I've perfected my chicken quesadilla recipe, and I'm excited to share it with you. It's a great make-ahead meal that can be stored in the fridge or freezer and reheated when you need it. The best part is that it's customizable, so you can add your favorite fillings, such as diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make chicken quesadillas from scratch, including how to cook the chicken, prepare the filling, and assemble the quesadillas. I'll also share some tips and variations to help you make the recipe your own.

Whether you're a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves good food, this recipe is for you. So, let's get started and make some delicious chicken quesadillas!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken quesadillas are a easy and convenient meal that can be made ahead and reheated when needed.
They're perfect for busy weeknights or weekends when you need a quick and delicious meal.
The recipe is customizable, so you can add your favorite fillings and make it your own.
Chicken quesadillas are a great way to use up leftover chicken and reduce food waste.
They're a family-friendly meal that everyone will love, from kids to adults.
The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with affordable ingredients.
Chicken quesadillas are a great meal prep option for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great chicken quesadillas is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the chicken and tortillas properly. The chicken needs to be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C), which ensures that it's safe to eat and tender.

The tortillas need to be cooked in a skillet with some oil until they're crispy and golden brown. This gives them a nice texture and flavor that complements the chicken and cheese filling.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the filling. I use a combination of shredded chicken, cheese, and spices to create a flavorful and creamy filling. You can customize the filling to your taste by adding your favorite ingredients, such as diced vegetables or salsa.

Finally, the quesadillas need to be assembled and cooked in a skillet until they're crispy and the cheese is melted. This is the final step in making chicken quesadillas, and it's where all the flavors and textures come together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make chicken quesadillas, you'll need some basic ingredients, including chicken, tortillas, cheese, and spices. You can customize the filling to your taste by adding your favorite ingredients, such as diced vegetables or salsa.

When shopping for ingredients, look for high-quality tortillas that are fresh and pliable. You'll also need some good-quality cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, that melts well and has a nice flavor.

1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, bonelessI use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe because they're easy to shred and have a lot of flavor. You can also use boneless chicken breasts if you prefer.
1/2 cup (115g) shredded cheese, cheddar or Monterey JackI like to use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for this recipe because they melt well and have a nice flavor. You can also use other types of cheese, such as Pepper Jack or Colby.
1/4 cup (30g) chopped onionI use a small amount of chopped onion in this recipe to add some flavor and texture to the filling. You can also use diced bell peppers or mushrooms if you prefer.
1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh cilantroI like to use fresh cilantro in this recipe because it adds a nice flavor and freshness to the filling. You can also use dried cilantro if you don't have fresh cilantro on hand.
2 cloves garlic, mincedI use a small amount of garlic in this recipe to add some flavor to the filling. You can also use more or less garlic depending on your taste.
1 tsp (5g) ground cuminI use ground cumin in this recipe to add some warmth and depth to the filling. You can also use other spices, such as chili powder or paprika, if you prefer.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltI use a small amount of salt in this recipe to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. You can also use more or less salt depending on your taste.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperI use a small amount of black pepper in this recipe to add some flavor and texture to the filling. You can also use more or less pepper depending on your taste.
8-10 corn tortillasI use corn tortillas for this recipe because they're traditional and have a nice texture. You can also use flour tortillas if you prefer.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilI use olive oil in this recipe to cook the tortillas and add some flavor to the filling. You can also use other types of oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, if you prefer.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometerCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsSpatula

How to Make Chicken Quesadillas

1
Preheat a large heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2
In a large bowl, whisk together the cumin, salt, and black pepper.
3
Add the chicken to the bowl and toss to coat with the spice mixture.
4
Add the olive oil to the preheated skillet and cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C), about 5-7 minutes per side.
5
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it into bite-sized pieces.
6
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until it's translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
7
Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
8
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked onion and garlic, chopped cilantro, and shredded cheese.
9
To assemble the quesadillas, lay a tortilla flat and spoon some of the chicken and cheese mixture onto half of the tortilla.
10
Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling, and cook in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
11
Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
12
Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, or avocado.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh tortillas and good-quality cheese, to make the best chicken quesadillas.
Don't overfill the quesadillas, as this can make them difficult to fold and cook.
Use a thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding it, as this will help the juices to redistribute and the chicken to stay moist.
Experiment with different fillings, such as diced bell peppers or mushrooms, to add more flavor and texture to the quesadillas.
Use a large skillet or wok to cook the quesadillas, as this will help them to cook evenly and prevent them from steaming instead of browning.
Don't be afraid to get creative with the toppings, such as adding some diced onions or sour cream to the quesadillas.
Make the quesadillas ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer for a quick and easy meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cooking the chicken to a safe internal temperature, which can lead to foodborne illness.
Overfilling the quesadillas, which can make them difficult to fold and cook.
Not using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh tortillas and good-quality cheese, which can affect the flavor and texture of the quesadillas.
Not letting the chicken rest before shredding it, which can make the chicken dry and tough.
Not cooking the quesadillas in a large skillet or wok, which can prevent them from cooking evenly and browning properly.
Not experimenting with different fillings and toppings, which can make the quesadillas more flavorful and interesting.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
Use different types of cheese, such as Pepper Jack or Colby, to add more flavor to the quesadillas.
Add some diced onions or sour cream to the quesadillas for extra flavor and creaminess.
Use leftover chicken or turkey to make the quesadillas, which can be a great way to use up leftover meat.
Add some heat to the quesadillas by using hot sauce or diced jalapenos in the filling.
Make the quesadillas in a slow cooker, which can be a great way to cook them while you're busy with other things.
Use whole wheat tortillas instead of corn tortillas for a healthier and more nutritious option.

What to Serve With Chicken Quesadillas

Chicken quesadillas are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of toppings and sides. Some ideas include salsa, sour cream, avocado, diced onions, and shredded cheese.

You can also serve the quesadillas with a side of Mexican rice, beans, or roasted vegetables for a more filling meal.

SalsaSour creamAvocadoDiced onionsShredded cheeseMexican rice

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Chicken quesadillas can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

To store the quesadillas in the fridge, simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate at a temperature of 40 F (4 C) or below.

To freeze the quesadillas, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put the sheet in the freezer. Once the quesadillas are frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer at a temperature of 0 F (-18 C) or below.

To reheat the quesadillas, simply microwave them for 20-30 seconds or cook them in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy and hot.

It's also important to note that the quesadillas can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer for a quick and easy meal. Simply assemble the quesadillas, cook them in a skillet, and then let them cool before storing them in the fridge or freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cheese is best for chicken quesadillas?

The best type of cheese for chicken quesadillas is a melty cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack. You can also use a combination of cheeses for a unique flavor.

Can I use leftover chicken to make chicken quesadillas?

Yes, you can use leftover chicken to make chicken quesadillas. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the filling, along with any other desired ingredients.

How do I cook chicken quesadillas in a skillet?

To cook chicken quesadillas in a skillet, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Place a quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy and hot.

Can I freeze chicken quesadillas?

Yes, you can freeze chicken quesadillas. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put the sheet in the freezer. Once the quesadillas are frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer at a temperature of 0 F (-18 C) or below.

How do I reheat frozen chicken quesadillas?

To reheat frozen chicken quesadillas, simply microwave them for 20-30 seconds or cook them in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy and hot.

Can I make chicken quesadillas ahead of time?

Yes, you can make chicken quesadillas ahead of time. Simply assemble the quesadillas, cook them in a skillet, and then let them cool before storing them in the fridge or freezer.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making chicken quesadillas?

Some common mistakes to avoid when making chicken quesadillas include not cooking the chicken to a safe internal temperature, overfilling the quesadillas, and not using high-quality ingredients.

How do I prevent the quesadillas from becoming soggy?

To prevent the quesadillas from becoming soggy, make sure to cook them in a skillet over medium-high heat and don't overfill them with filling. You can also add some cheese to the filling to help bind it together and prevent it from becoming soggy.

The Full Recipe

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