Chicken Fajita Quesadillas
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Imagine the delight of perfectly spiced, juicy chicken and sautéed bell peppers, nestled with generous layers of melty cheese, all tucked inside a warm, buttery tortilla. These Chicken Fajita Quesadillas are your gateway to a flavor fiesta, making every bite a celebration.
Crunch & Savor: Unleashing the Fiesta with Chicken Fajita Quesadillas!
Ready for a recipe that’s earned a rightful place in the limelight? These Chicken Fajita Quesadillas have it all and more. Their magic lies in the sublime blend of flavors – think juicy chicken seasoned with aromatic fajita spice mix, crisp bell peppers adding a colorful crunch, all bound together by a glorious layer of melted cheese. You’ll experience a fiesta in every bite, with that harmonious play of textures and flavors doing a joyful dance on your palate.
The popularity of these Quesadillas speaks volumes for their irresistibility. Clocking in almost a million pins on Pinterest, they’re a superstar in our recipe repertoire. But it’s not just the incredible taste that’s got everyone hooked – it’s the simplicity of it all. Whether you’re looking for a hearty lunch, a dinner that impresses, or an easy snack for your movie nights, these quesadillas fit the bill perfectly. Don’t just take my word for it – give it a whirl and join the league of happy home chefs who swear by this recipe!
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Quesadillas
- Flavor-packed: These quesadillas are bursting with vibrant fajita flavors and a cheesy richness that turns every bite into a fiesta for your taste buds.
- Versatile & Quick: They make a perfect meal option for any time of the day. Plus, they come together so quickly, making them an ideal choice for those busy days when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Crowd Pleaser: With a recipe that’s already been pinned nearly a million times, you can be confident these quesadillas are a hit with adults and kids alike. Whether it’s for a family dinner, party appetizer, or a casual weekend lunch, they’re guaranteed to please.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables. You can substitute it with canola oil or any other neutral-tasting oil.
- Fajita Seasoning: This gives the chicken its signature fajita flavor. You can buy this pre-made or make your own mix using my recipe to make your own.
- Chicken Breasts: They form the protein base of the dish. Skinless boneless chicken thighs could be used for more juiciness and flavor.
- Red and Green Bell Peppers: These add color, crunch, and a bit of sweetness. Feel free to use any color of bell peppers.
- Onions: They provide a bit of tanginess and become wonderfully sweet when sautéed. White, yellow or red onions would work.
- Tex Mex or Cheddar Cheese: The melty component that holds everything together in the quesadilla. Other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby could be used.
- Salsa & Sour Cream: These are used as garnishes and add a tangy kick and creamy balance to the spicy, cheesy quesadillas. You could also use guacamole, pico de gallo, or your favorite hot sauce.
- Tortillas: They’re the vehicle for all the fillings. Both flour or corn tortillas would work, it’s a matter of preference.
- Butter: It’s used to toast the tortillas and give them a crispy, golden exterior. If you prefer, you can use olive oil instead.
Trust me when I say that these Chicken Fajita Quesadillas are a breeze to make! You’ll see, you’ll be flipping quesadillas like a pro in no time.
Start by sprinkling your chicken strips with some of that fantastic fajita seasoning. Once that’s done, grab your skillet, add a touch of olive oil, and let’s get those chicken strips cooking. We’re aiming for fully cooked chicken with a slightly charred edge. Oh, and don’t worry if the chicken sticks a bit – those charred bits add extra flavor!
After the chicken is done, give your skillet a quick clean, then add another dash of olive oil. Toss in your onions and let them soften up just a bit until they’re slightly translucent. Then it’s time to throw in your colorful bell peppers and the rest of the fajita seasoning. Give it a good stir and let those veggies cook for a couple of minutes.
Now, reunite the chicken with the peppers and onions in the skillet. Give everything a good mix and let it cook for another minute.
Grab a clean skillet, add a bit of butter, and let it melt. Pop in a tortilla, and swirl it around to get a nice buttery base. Layer on some of your delicious chicken and veggie mix, sprinkle on a good amount of cheese, then top it with another tortilla. Give it a gentle press to make sure everything sticks together.
Now comes the fun part – flipping! Cook until the underside is golden, then carefully flip your quesadilla to cook the other side, check out the video for an easy way to flip. When it’s beautifully golden on both sides, take it out and cut it into quarters. Repeat with the remaining ingredients, and voila! You’re ready to serve up these amazing chicken fajita quesadillas with a side of sour cream and salsa. Also, here’s a different, easier way to make your quesadillas.
Pro Tip
For the perfect quesadilla, make sure not to skimp on the cheese. It acts as the “glue” that holds your quesadilla together while adding a burst of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for these quesadillas?
Absolutely! While chicken is used in this recipe, feel free to substitute with beef, shrimp, or even go vegetarian by adding more veggies or beans.
What other types of cheese can I use?
Tex Mex or cheddar cheese are recommended, but you can use Monterey Jack, Colby, or any other type of melting cheese.
How can I make these quesadillas spicy?
If you like a bit of heat, add some sliced jalapeno peppers to the mix or use a spicy version of fajita seasoning. A dash of hot sauce works too!
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and vegetables ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge and assemble the quesadillas when you’re ready to eat.
Expert Tips
- Season Generously: The fajita seasoning is key to imparting flavor to the chicken and veggies. Don’t skimp on it!
- Pre-heat your skillet: Ensure your skillet is properly heated before adding your ingredients. This ensures the chicken gets nicely browned and the vegetables get a good sear, adding flavor.
- Control your heat: The cooking process involves a bit of a dance with your stove’s heat levels. Cook the chicken on medium-high for a nice sear, but remember to lower the heat when cooking the onions and peppers to avoid burning them.
- Cheese Matters: Choose a cheese that melts well for that ooey-gooey quesadilla experience. Tex Mex and cheddar are excellent choices, but don’t be afraid to experiment with others like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
- Get a Crispy Tortilla: Using butter when frying the tortillas adds flavor and helps them get a deliciously crispy texture. Just be mindful of your heat to avoid burning them.
Storing Leftovers
Store chicken fajitas quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days be sure to reheat on the stove if you want to prevent the tortillas from getting soggy. If you’d rather freeze the quesadillas be sure to wrap each quesadilla individually in parchment paper and freeze for up to 4 months.
Other Mexican Recipes You’ll Love
- Mexican Street Corn Salad
- BBQ Chicken Mango Quesadillas
- Baked Breakfast Taquitos
- Pork Carnitas
- White Chicken Enchiladas
- Cheesy Beef Quesadillas
- Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas
- Baked Chicken Fajita Taquitos
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Chicken Fajita Quesadillas
Video
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
- 3 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, cut into long strips)
- 1 medium red bell pepper (cut into long strips)
- 1 medium green bell pepper (cut into long strips)
- 2 large onions (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup Tex Mex cheese (or cheddar cheese)
- 8 tortillas
- salsa
- sour cream
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts strips with 1 tablespoon of the fajita mix.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and add the chicken to it. Cook the chicken for 5 to 10 minutes until it's fully cooked and no longer pink, and it's slightly charred, but not burned.
- Remove chicken from skillet, and wipe the skillet clean.
- Add another tbsp of olive oil to the skillet and heat it up. Add the onion and cook for a couple minutes until it’s slightly translucent. Add the peppers and the fajita mix and mix well. Cook for a couple more minutes so the peppers cook slightly. Add the chicken to the skillet, mix with peppers and onions and cook for a minute.
- In a clean skillet, add a bit of the butter and melt. Add a tortilla and move it around until it's buttery. Add a little bit of the chicken and onion mixture on top of the tortilla, and about ¼ cup of cheese, depending on how you like it. Add another tortilla on top and pat it down.
- Now flip it over and cook on the other side until the other side is nice and golden. Remove from skillet and cut into quarters. Repeat these steps with the remaining tortillas. Serve this with some sour cream and salsa.
Equipment
Notes
- Fajita Seasoning: You can use a store-bought mix or make your own at home using my recipe.
- Cheese Choices: While this recipe uses Tex Mex or cheddar cheese, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a spicy Pepper Jack for an extra kick.
- Tortillas: Both flour and corn tortillas work well in this recipe. Flour tortillas tend to be softer and easier to fold, while corn tortillas can provide a more robust flavor.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to add more fillings to your quesadillas like black beans, corn, or even some cooked rice. It’s a great way to use up leftovers.
- Serving Suggestion: These quesadillas taste great with a side of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Don’t forget to serve them while they’re still hot and the cheese is all melty.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
Great recipe-always a hit at our house.
Happy to hear it!
took this creation to a pot luck gathering – everyone loved it! It’s always a good feeling when your dish is the big hit of the party!
Husband loved this recipe. used skinless boneless chicken thighs instead.
This recipe is soooo good. Triple the seasoning recipe so you have enough.
I have a question…can you make the fajita mixture & freeze that, then make the quesadillas later? Cooking for one, but like the convenience of pulling something delicious out of the freezer. Just don’t know if the peppers would hold up. Thank you for what sounds like a scrumptious recipe!
The peppers will soften a bit after freezing and thawing, but if you don’t mind them a bit softer then this is a great freezer meal! Sauté to reheat.
Just wondering if I can use taco seasoning instead of fajita seasoning
Yes!
OMG! Made these for dinner tonight and my hubs and I loved them! Such a great recipe, including your fajita spice mix, which I also made. We are already planning to make this again next week. New favorite on repeat! Thanks Jo!
That’s so great to hear! We love these quesadillas too 🙂
We love these fajitas! These are definitely one of our rotating meals we make, I put it all in the over at 400 for 30min mixing halfway through 🙂
What is your favorite brand of tortillas that you use?
We always get Old el Paso 🙂
Loved this! So good!
We are having a pot luck lunch at work tomorrow and my coworker who we are celebrating is getting married this weekend and queasadias are her favourite so I am attempting for the first time to make them from your recipe because it looks easiest to follow for a first timer!
I’ve always filled the tortillas and thentransported them to the skillet. Duh, this is so much easier. Thanks for the recipe, it was great.
It is!!
Hi! What size burritos did you use?
I used medium size tortillas.
You say to add 2 tbs of fajita mix to chicken breast and then further down recipe it says to add fajita mix to peppers? Do I add twice and if so how much?
The remaining of the measurement noted in the recipe. Enjoy it is such a great dish
It says to add 1 Tbls to the Chicken so I think you add the other Tbls to the Vegetables.
hey Jo,
pls can you tell me the weight of the chicken breasts?
thx
Hi Lynn! You need about 1 lb of chicken breast.
Is it powdered fajita mix in pkg.?
Yes, or you can find the recipe here and make it yourself.