Leftover Chicken Quesadillas

There’s something truly magical about transforming leftover ingredients into a delicious meal, and that’s exactly what makes Leftover Chicken Quesadillas such a hit in my kitchen. After a long day, I often find myself staring at the remnants of a roasted chicken, contemplating what to do with the scraps. It’s in those moments that I whip up these quesadillas that never fail to impress. With a crispy exterior and a gooey, cheesy filling, they’re not just practical; they’re comfort food at its finest.

Gathering the family around to enjoy these Leftover Chicken Quesadillas has become a little tradition of ours. I love the sounds of laughter and the clinking of plates as everyone digs in. The best part? You can customize them based on what you have on hand. Whether it’s throwing in some sautéed veggies or using a different type of cheese, the possibilities are endless. This recipe has saved many of my leftovers from going to waste, while also becoming a go-to for quick dinners.

As the cheese melts and mingles with the seasoned chicken, I can hardly wait to take that first bite. It’s the simple things that bring joy, isn’t it? So let’s get started on making these delicious quesadillas that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds!

Ingredients to Make Leftover Chicken Quesadillas

The ingredients for Leftover Chicken Quesadillas are simple, yet each plays a crucial role in creating the ultimate flavor experience. The key players here are the flour tortillas, which hold everything together, and the shredded chicken, bursting with flavor from being leftover. The blend of cheese adds creaminess, while the sour cream enriches the filling.

• 10-inch Flour Tortillas: These are the foundation of your quesadillas. Their soft texture and ability to hold fillings without breaking are what make them perfect for this dish.
• Shredded Cooked Chicken: This is where the magic happens. Leftover chicken adds a savory depth that pairs perfectly with the rest of the ingredients.
• Shredded Cheddar or Monterrey Jack Cheese: I prefer cheddar for its rich flavor, but Monterrey Jack also works wonderfully. This cheese creates that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
• Sour Cream or Cream Cheese: Adding a creamy element, this ingredient helps to bind everything together and adds a delicious richness to the filling.
• Garlic Powder: A dash of garlic powder elevates the flavor profile, bringing warmth and depth to the quesadilla.
• Chopped Cilantro: This adds a fresh, herbal note that brightens up the overall taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, they help enhance all the flavors in your quesadilla.

The Method for Leftover Chicken Quesadillas

Making Leftover Chicken Quesadillas is a straightforward process that I truly enjoy. Let’s dive into the steps and see how easy it is to create this delicious dish. By following these simple steps, you’ll have a plate full of crispy, cheesy goodness in no time.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, shredded cooked chicken, cheese, garlic powder, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined. It’s important to make sure everything is evenly distributed so each quesadilla is packed with flavor.

2. Next, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and spray it lightly with cooking spray. This will prevent the quesadillas from sticking. The pan needs to be hot enough to crisp up the tortillas but not so hot that they burn.

3. Carefully place one tortilla on the pan. Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly on top. Then, place another tortilla on top of the filling. The layering of ingredients is crucial for achieving that ideal quesadilla.

4. Cook for about two minutes until the bottom is light golden and crispy. Use a spatula to check the tortilla; it should be firm to the touch. Flip the quesadilla gently and cook the other side for another two minutes. The cheese should be melting beautifully!

5. Once both sides are cooked to a golden perfection, remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it rest for a minute before cutting. This helps everything settle and makes slicing easier.

6. Repeat the process for the second quesadilla, adding more cooking spray if necessary. Each quesadilla should be treated with care to ensure it turns out just as delicious as the first!

7. Finally, remove from heat and cut each quesadilla into eight slices. Serve them warm with your favorite salsa or guacamole. The presentation is as important as the taste, so take a moment to arrange them nicely on a plate.

Tips for Success

Crafting the perfect Leftover Chicken Quesadillas is an art, and these tips will ensure your effort results in a delightful dish.

• Storage: Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze uncooked quesadillas for later use. Just wrap them in foil or freezer bags.
• Pairing: These quesadillas go wonderfully with sides like a fresh salad or some guacamole for dipping.
• Adjust Spice Level: If you like a kick, consider adding some jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
• Presentation: Cut the quesadillas into triangles for a beautiful presentation on the table.

Serving Options for Leftover Chicken Quesadillas

Your Leftover Chicken Quesadillas can shine in various settings! Here are some serving ideas to make the most of this delicious dish.

• Casual Lunch: Serve them with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad for an effortless lunch.
• Game Day Snack: They make excellent finger food for game day! Pair with dips like salsa or guacamole.
• Family Dinner: If you’re having a family gathering, serve them alongside some Mexican rice and beans for a hearty meal.
• Brunch Item: These can even be a unique brunch option, especially when served with a side of eggs.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge or even reheated in a skillet to regain that crispiness.
• Seasonal Pairings: In summer, pair them with a light, refreshing salad and in winter, a warm soup can make for a satisfying meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Leftover Chicken Quesadillas are a fantastic way to make use of leftover chicken while creating a meal that’s equally satisfying and delicious. Their crispy texture and cheesy filling will have everyone coming back for more. I encourage you to try this recipe tonight—you won’t regret it!

Leftover Chicken Quesadillas

The ultimate comfort food, Leftover Chicken Quesadillas are crispy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for using up leftover chicken, making it a delicious and practical choice. Get ready to indulge in the cheesy goodness tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet

Ingredients

  

• 48 10-inch Flour Tortillas
• 1.5 cups Shredded Cooked Chicken
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar or Monterrey Jack Cheese I used cheddar.
• 1/4 cup Sour Cream or Cream Cheese
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/4 cup Chopped Cilantro
• Salt and Pepper to Taste

Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, shredded chicken, cheese, garlic powder, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
• Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and spray it lightly with cooking spray.
• Carefully place one tortilla on the pan. Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly on top. Then, place another tortilla on top.
• Cook for about two minutes until the bottom is light golden and crispy. Use a spatula to check the tortilla.
• Flip the quesadilla and cook the other side for another two minutes.
• Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it rest for a minute before cutting.
• Repeat the process for the second quesadilla, adding more cooking spray if necessary.
• Remove from heat and cut each quesadilla into eight slices. Serve them warm with salsa or guacamole.

Notes

• Storage: Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze uncooked quesadillas for later use. Just wrap them in foil or freezer bags.
• Pairing: These quesadillas go wonderfully with sides like a fresh salad or some guacamole for dipping.
• Adjust Spice Level: If you like a kick, consider adding some jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
• Presentation: Cut the quesadillas into triangles for a beautiful presentation on the table.

Keyword Chicken Quesadilla Recipe, Easy Quesadilla Recipe, Leftover Chicken Quesadillas, Quick Dinner Ideas

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Meet Hanna Hart

I am obsessed with the “how” and “why” of cooking. It doesn’t matter if we are roasting a chicken or baking brownies; I am the one double-checking our measurements and cooking times. I love working on every type of cuisine and finding the absolute best method to get the results we want. I treat every recipe with the same level of care and dedication.