Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas are a weeknight dinner dream. Golden, crisp tortillas filled with gooey melted cheese and juicy shredded chicken — what’s not to love? They come together fast, use just five ingredients, and most importantly, they actually get eaten. Even by the picky ones.

These quesadillas are endlessly versatile too. You can keep them simple or dress them up with extras like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole. But even plain, they’re a crowd-pleaser — and perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and delicious.

What makes these quesadillas a go-to is how easy they are to customize. Use leftover rotisserie chicken, pre-shredded cheese, and tortillas you already have in the pantry. In just 20 minutes, you’ve got a crispy, cheesy dinner everyone will devour.

Servings: 4

Nutrition: Approximately 400–500 calories per serving

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
• Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• Flour tortillas
• Butter or oil (for crisping)
• Optional: salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping

Instructions

• Prep the Filling: Mix shredded chicken with shredded cheese.
• Assemble Quesadillas: Place the filling on one half of each tortilla, then fold over to form a half-moon shape.
• Cook: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add butter or oil and cook each quesadilla for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
• Serve: Slice into wedges and serve with your favorite dips.

Substitutions & Variations

• Rotisserie Chicken: A perfect shortcut for this recipe.
• Cheese Options: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend.
• Add Veggies: Finely diced bell peppers or onions work great inside.

What Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet or griddle
• Spatula
• Knife and cutting board (for prepping chicken, if needed)

Storage & Reheating Guidelines

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to maintain crispiness. Microwave if you’re short on time, but note it may soften.

Top Tips

• Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can cause tearing or uneven cooking.
• Use Medium Heat: Prevent burning the tortillas before the cheese melts.
• Press Gently: Use a spatula to lightly press down for even melting.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make these ahead of time?
  Yes, assemble ahead and store uncooked in the fridge. Cook just before serving.
• Can I freeze quesadillas?
  Yes, freeze cooked quesadillas individually, then reheat in a skillet or oven.

Related Recipes

• Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Nuggets: Crunchy on the outside and juicy inside, these homemade nuggets are a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Mini Margherita Pitta Pizzas: Fun to make and fast to bake, these mini pizzas are cheesy, customizable, and perfect for picky eaters.

Food Safety Guidelines

• Cook Chicken Thoroughly: Chicken should reach 165°F.
• Refrigerate Leftovers Promptly: Store within 2 hours of cooking.
• Wash Hands & Surfaces: Especially after handling cooked meat or cheese.