Seafood

Homemade Chicken Quesadillas

 

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Tyson Grilled Chicken Breast Strips
  • 1 tablespoon Old El Paso Taco Seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons Taco Bell Chipotle Sauce
  • 1 cup Kraft Mexican Four Cheese blend
  • 1/4 cup Daisy Sour Cream
  • 4 Great Value Flour Tortillas

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the Tyson Grilled Chicken Breast Strips. Sprinkle Old El Paso Taco Seasoning over the chicken and toss until well coated. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
  2. Heat the Tortillas: Place a tortilla on a flat surface. Sprinkle a quarter of the shredded cheese over one half of the tortilla.
  3. Add the Chicken Mixture: Spoon a quarter of the seasoned chicken mixture over the cheese.
  4. Drizzle with Chipotle Sauce: Drizzle 1/2 tablespoon of Taco Bell Chipotle Sauce over the chicken.
  5. Fold the Tortilla: Fold the empty half of the tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
  6. Cook the Quesadilla: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the filled tortilla in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  7. Repeat: Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling ingredients.
  8. Serve: Slice each quesadilla into wedges and serve with a dollop of Daisy Sour Cream on the side.

Enjoy these Homemade Chicken Quesadillas as a delicious lunch for kids or a quick and easy meal for the whole family!

Here are some helpful tips to make your Homemade Chicken Quesadillas even more delightful:

  1. Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the Tyson Grilled Chicken Breast Strips in the Old El Paso Taco Seasoning and a splash of lime juice for about 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, making it even more delicious.
  2. Add Fresh Ingredients: Enhance the flavor and texture of your quesadillas by incorporating fresh ingredients. Consider adding diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, or diced avocado to the filling for a burst of freshness.
  3. Mix Up the Cheese: While Kraft Mexican Four Cheese blend is delicious, you can experiment with different types of cheese for variety. Try using Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
  4. Customize the Sauce: Tailor the level of heat in your quesadillas by adjusting the amount of Taco Bell Chipotle Sauce. You can also experiment with other sauces such as salsa verde, ranch dressing, or barbecue sauce for different flavor combinations.
  5. Toast the Tortillas: Before assembling the quesadillas, lightly toast the tortillas in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side. This helps enhance their flavor and gives them a slight crispness, which adds to the overall texture of the dish.
  6. Use a Variety of Tortillas: Instead of just using plain flour tortillas, try using whole wheat or corn tortillas for a different flavor and texture. You can also experiment with flavored tortillas such as spinach or sun-dried tomato for added interest.
  7. Add a Layer of Crunch: For extra texture, consider adding a layer of crushed tortilla chips or thinly sliced bell peppers to the filling before folding the quesadillas. This adds a satisfying crunch and an additional layer of flavor.
  8. Serve with Dipping Sauce: Serve your quesadillas with a variety of dipping sauces for added flavor and enjoyment. Options include salsa, guacamole, sour cream mixed with lime juice, or a creamy avocado ranch dressing.
  9. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Garnish the cooked quesadillas with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley just before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish, as well as a hint of herbal flavor.
  10. Experiment with Fillings: Get creative with the fillings by adding ingredients like sautéed onions and peppers, black beans, shredded cooked beef or pork, or even pineapple chunks for a unique twist on classic quesadillas.

By incorporating these tips, you can take your Homemade Chicken Quesadillas to the next level and create a truly delightful meal that everyone will love!

Here are some secrets to achieving the perfect Homemade Chicken Quesadillas:

  1. Pre-cook Ingredients for Flavor: Sauté onions and bell peppers alongside the chicken strips for added flavor depth. Pre-cooking the vegetables allows them to caramelize and infuse their delicious flavors into the chicken.
  2. Season Well: Ensure that each component of the quesadilla is well-seasoned. Season the chicken strips generously with taco seasoning and a pinch of salt and pepper. Additionally, sprinkle a bit of seasoning over the cheese layer for an extra flavor boost.
  3. Use Two Types of Cheese: Combine two types of cheese for optimal flavor and texture. A blend of melty cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack with a sharp cheese like pepper jack or Mexican cheese blend adds complexity to the quesadillas.
  4. Heat Tortillas Correctly: Warm the tortillas before assembling the quesadillas to make them pliable and prevent cracking. Heat them in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side or microwave them for a few seconds between damp paper towels.
  5. Layer Ingredients Evenly: Distribute the ingredients evenly over one half of the tortilla to ensure each bite has a perfect balance of flavors. Avoid overstuffing the quesadillas to prevent them from falling apart during cooking.
  6. Press Gently: After folding the tortilla in half, press down gently with a spatula to seal the edges. This helps prevent the filling from leaking out while cooking and ensures that the quesadilla holds together well.
  7. Control Heat: Cook the quesadillas over medium heat to allow the cheese to melt evenly without burning the tortilla. Too high heat may result in burnt tortillas and unmelted cheese, while too low heat may make the quesadillas soggy.
  8. Flip Carefully: When it’s time to flip the quesadilla, use a large spatula and flip it with confidence but gently to prevent the filling from spilling out. Cook the second side until golden brown and crispy.
  9. Rest Before Cutting: Allow the quesadilla to rest for a minute or two after cooking before slicing. This helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to cut into neat wedges without the filling spilling out.
  10. Serve Hot with Fresh Toppings: Serve the quesadillas immediately while they’re hot and gooey. Top with fresh toppings like salsa, guacamole, diced tomatoes, or chopped cilantro for added freshness and flavor.

By following these secrets, you’ll achieve the perfect Homemade Chicken Quesadillas that are bursting with flavor and irresistibly delicious!

Here are some of the most popular questions related to Homemade Chicken Quesadillas along with their answers:

  1. Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of grilled chicken breast strips? Yes, leftover cooked chicken, such as shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken, can be used in Homemade Chicken Quesadillas. Simply shred or chop the chicken and season it with taco seasoning before assembling the quesadillas.
  2. What can I use as a substitute for taco seasoning? If you don’t have taco seasoning on hand, you can make a homemade seasoning blend using ingredients like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. Adjust the proportions according to your taste preferences.
  3. Can I make Homemade Chicken Quesadillas ahead of time? While it’s best to serve Homemade Chicken Quesadillas fresh for optimal flavor and texture, you can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble the quesadillas just before cooking to prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy.
  4. How do I reheat leftover quesadillas? To reheat leftover Homemade Chicken Quesadillas, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy.
  5. Can I freeze Homemade Chicken Quesadillas? Yes, you can freeze Homemade Chicken Quesadillas for future use. Allow the quesadillas to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the reheating instructions.
  6. Are Homemade Chicken Quesadillas gluten-free? Homemade Chicken Quesadillas can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free tortillas. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the chicken, cheese, and seasonings, are also gluten-free. Always check the labels of pre-packaged ingredients to verify their gluten-free status.
  7. What are some serving suggestions for Homemade Chicken Quesadillas? Homemade Chicken Quesadillas can be served with a variety of toppings and accompaniments such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and lime wedges. You can also serve them alongside a fresh salad or Mexican rice for a complete meal.

These are some of the most frequently asked questions related to Homemade Chicken Quesadillas, along with their answers to help you enjoy this delicious and versatile dish with ease.