Introduction
Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas are a delicious and satisfying meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Bursting with flavor from chipotle peppers, fresh vegetables, and gooey cheese, these quesadillas are sure to please anyone at the table.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large red onion, chopped (about 1½ cups)
4 garlic cloves, minced
⅓ cup minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (approximately 6 chilis)
4 vine-ripened tomatoes (about 1¼ pounds), seeded and diced
3 scallions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons honey
2½ cups cooked shredded chicken (white and/or dark meat)
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup chopped cilantro
6 10-inch flour tortillas
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Sour cream, for serving (optional)
Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling:
Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the minced chipotle peppers and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has evaporated and the mixture has thickened, approximately 10 minutes. Stir in the sliced scallions, honey, shredded chicken, and salt. Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the chopped cilantro.
2. Assemble the Quesadillas:
Heat a clean, dry skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place a flour tortilla on the skillet and sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the entire surface. Spread a portion of the prepared chicken filling over one half of the tortilla. Once the cheese begins to melt, fold the tortilla in half over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Press down gently with a spatula and cook until the bottom is golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the quesadilla and cook the other side until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted, another 2-3 minutes. Remove from the skillet and repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
3. Serve:
Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve immediately. Accompany with sour cream and lime wedges, if desired. Enjoy your homemade Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the minced chipotle peppers and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has evaporated and the mixture has thickened, approximately 10 minutes. Stir in the sliced scallions, honey, shredded chicken, and salt. Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the chopped cilantro.
Assemble the Quesadillas:
Heat a clean, dry skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place a flour tortilla on the skillet and sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the entire surface. Spread a portion of the prepared chicken filling over one half of the tortilla. Once the cheese begins to melt, fold the tortilla in half over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Press down gently with a spatula and cook until the bottom is golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the quesadilla and cook the other side until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted, another 2-3 minutes. Remove from the skillet and repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Serve:
Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve immediately. Accompany with sour cream and lime wedges, if desired.
Notes
Ingredient Variations:
You can substitute chicken with cooked shrimp or vegetables for a different flavor profile.
Storage:
Leftover quesadillas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to retain crispiness.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a side of guacamole or salsa for added flavor and variety.
Cook Techniques
Sauteing
Sauteing is a cooking method that involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over relatively high heat. In this recipe, the onions and garlic are sautéed to enhance their flavors and soften their textures before adding the other ingredients.
Simmering
Simmering involves cooking food in liquid at a temperature just below the boiling point. The chipotle pepper and tomato mixture is simmered to allow the flavors to meld and the liquid to evaporate, resulting in a thicker filling for the quesadillas.
Grilling
Grilling, or cooking food on a grill or griddle, provides a characteristic char and crispy texture. The quesadillas are grilled on a skillet until golden brown, which enhances the taste and gives the tortillas a pleasant crunch.
Melting
Melting is a technique where cheese is heated until it becomes soft and gooey. The quesadillas are cooked until the cheese is fully melted, ensuring a deliciously cheesy bite in every wedge.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese for the quesadillas?
Yes, you can substitute sharp cheddar cheese with other cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Mexican blend, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Is it possible to prepare the filling in advance?
Absolutely! The filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a day or two. Just reheat it before assembling the quesadillas.
Can I make these quesadillas vegetarian?
Yes, you can make vegetarian quesadillas by omitting the chicken and adding additional vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach, along with the cheese and chipotle filling.
What can I serve with the quesadillas?
Quesadillas can be served with various sides such as guacamole, salsa, or a simple side salad. Sour cream and lime wedges also make great accompaniments.
How can I make these quesadillas spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more minced chipotle peppers or include ingredients like jalapeños or hot sauce in the filling. Adjust according to your spice preference.
Conclusion
These Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas are a delightful combination of flavors, with the smoky heat of chipotle peppers perfectly complementing the savory chicken and melted cheese. They’re not only easy to prepare but also a satisfying meal that can be customized to suit your tastes. Enjoy them fresh off the skillet with optional sides like sour cream and lime wedges for an extra zesty kick.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Black Bean Quesadillas
Replace chicken with seasoned black beans, cheese, and your choice of vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version.
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Substitute the chipotle peppers with BBQ sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor, combining shredded chicken with red onions and cheddar cheese.
Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
Use buffalo sauce to coat your shredded chicken, mixing it with ranch dressing and mozzarella cheese for a spicy twist.
Breakfast Quesadillas
Fill the tortillas with scrambled eggs, cheese, diced ham or bacon, and sautéed bell peppers for a delicious breakfast option.
Spinach and Feta Quesadillas
Combine fresh spinach, feta cheese, and olives for a Mediterranean-inspired quesadilla that’s lighter yet packed with flavor.
Mushroom and Swiss Quesadillas
Sauté mushrooms with garlic and thyme, then combine with Swiss cheese for an earthy, indulgent filling.
Caprese Quesadillas
Layer fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for a refreshing, Italian twist that’s perfect for summer.
