Name: Chicken Quesadillas
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 tablespoon oil; 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup chicken stock; 1-2 tablespoons Hot sauce (Valentina or Cholula); 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon chili powder; salt and pepper (to taste); 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded); 3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterrey Jack); 4 flour tortillas (8-inch); salsa; guacamole (or sliced avocado); sour cream

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These restaurant-style Chicken Quesadillas are a 20-minute wonder that delivers pure comfort in every bite. Packed with 39g of protein and melted cheese, they strike the perfect balance between crispy tortillas and juicy filling.

Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this foolproof recipe delivers consistently delicious results with minimal prep time. The best part? You’ll only spend 8 minutes preparing and 12 minutes cooking for a meal that rivals your favorite Mexican spot.

Ingredients Needed

Oil & Flour: 1½ tablespoon each, creates the perfect base for binding
Chicken Stock: ¾ cup, adds rich flavor to the sauce
Hot Sauce: 1-2 tablespoons of Valentina or Cholula for authentic kick
Seasonings: ¼ tsp each of cumin and chili powder, plus salt and pepper
Chicken: 2 cups cooked and shredded, ensures hearty filling
Cheese: 3 cups freshly shredded cheddar or Monterrey Jack
Tortillas: 4 (8-inch) flour tortillas, choose fresh ones for best results
Toppings: Salsa, guacamole or avocado, and sour cream for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F and prepare baking sheet with parchment paper
Make the Sauce: Heat oil, whisk in flour for 30 seconds, then gradually add stock until thickened
Season & Mix: Add spices, hot sauce, and fold in shredded chicken and cheese until well combined
Assemble: Spread mixture on half of each tortilla, then fold to create half-moons
Bake: Place on prepared sheet and bake 8-10 minutes until golden and cheese melts
Serve: Cut into wedges and enjoy with your favorite toppings while hot and crispy

Cooking Techniques

Making the perfect quesadilla is all about that golden-brown crunch! The secret lies in the flour-based sauce, which adds amazing flavor and helps bind everything together.

Keep your heat at medium when making the sauce – this prevents the flour from burning while letting it cook just enough to remove any raw taste. When you’re ready to bake, that 400-degree temperature is just right for creating crispy tortillas while getting that cheese perfectly melty.

Cheese Tips

Fresh-shredded cheese makes all the difference in quesadillas! While pre-shredded cheese is handy, it often contains anti-caking agents that can make it less melty.

Grab a block of cheese and shred it yourself – it takes just a minute and melts like a dream. Mix and match cheeses for extra flavor – try half sharp cheddar for taste and half Monterey Jack for that amazing stretchy texture!

Serving Suggestions

Set up a fun toppings bar with the classic trio – sour cream, salsa, and guacamole! Want to kick things up? Add some pickled jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime.

These quesadillas taste amazing with a simple side salad or Mexican rice. For parties, cut them into smaller triangles and arrange them on a platter with small bowls of each topping.

Storage Tips

These quesadillas are best eaten hot and fresh from the oven. If you have leftovers, let them cool completely, then wrap in foil and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side – this brings back that crispy texture way better than the microwave!