How To Feed A Loon

  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Asian
    • Breads and Doughs
    • Cajun / Creole / Louisiana
    • Breakfast / Brunch
    • Comfort Food
    • Delectable Desserts
    • Entrees / Mains
    • Instant Pot
    • Italian
    • Pizza
    • Rubs, Spices and Sauces
    • Soups & Salads
    • Sides
    • Seafood
    • Southern
    • Mexican / Tex-Mex / Cal-Mex
    • Thanksgiving
    • Vegetarian
  • Videos
    • Recipe Videos
    • Web Stories
  • Work With Us
  • Contact
  • **Premium Access**
  • Recipes
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Grilling
  • Recipes
  • About Us
  • Work With Us
  • Premium
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Grilling
  • Recipes
  • About Us
  • Work With Us
  • Premium
×
Home » Recipe Index » TexMex / Mexican

Amazing Chicken Quesadilla

Published: Nov 4, 2018 · Modified: Mar 2, 2025 by Kris Longwell · This post may contain affiliate links

10828 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Bluesky
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

This Amazing Chicken Quesadilla has got to be about one of the most comforting dishes we have ever encountered. I developed this recipe back in the 1990s in New York City, but don’t worry, as a native Texan, I knew a thing or two about making an amazing chicken quesadilla.

I had no idea this recipe would eventually become one of our most popular recipes on the blog and one of our most favorite dishes to eat of all time.

It’s really that good and we wouldn’t lie about something this important.

best-ever chicken quesadilla on a cutting board

HOW TO MAKE THE WORLD’S BEST CHICKEN QUESADILLA

You won’t believe how delicious this chicken quesadilla is. Seriously.

Watch us show you how to make this incredible dish, and then make it yourself!

Let’s make the world’s best chicken quesadilla!

 

WHAT MAKES A GOOD CHICKEN QUESADILLA?

A good chicken quesadilla needs to be well seasoned and it starts with an awesome taco seasoning.

Of course, you can go with the store-bought variety, but as always, going with a made-from-scratch seasoning will always produce even better results…especially if you use my taco seasoning recipe!

Let’s season things up a bit, shall we?

homemade taco seasoning in a large spoon for chicken quesadilla

THE BEST TYPE OF CHICKEN FOR AN AMAZING CHICKEN QUESADILLA

You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, but we really love the flavor from the dark meat of the chicken thighs, but chicken breast are wonderful, too!

Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and then be prepared to salivate as they simmer in the incredible sauce.

Simmering is a good thing and you will love the smells coming from your kitchen.

chicken pieces simmering in a Mexican sauce for chicken quesadillas

Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce has thickened a bit, it’s time to build your chicken quesadilla by starting with a flour tortilla in a little oil over medium heat to get the party going.

You’ll then layer with cheese, the prepared chicken, scallions, green chiles, sauce, and more cheese.

CHICKEN QUESADILLA IS A STAPLE OF MEXICAN CUISINE

A chicken quesadilla in a skillet with chicken, sauce and peppers

We think of this culinary dish as being Tex-Mex, and because of its familiarity in restaurants across the United States, it almost feels American.

But its true roots are Mexican. Read about the History of the Quesadilla in Mexico by Kudolife.

Once the flour tortilla on the bottom has gotten slightly crisp and starting to brown, it’s time to add a tortilla to the top, and then flip!

two tortillas with chicken quesadilla filling in a hot skillet

LAYERING THE PERFECT CHICKEN QUESADILLA

We love everything about this delicious dish. When I first started making this dish, we would literally have nearby friends calling on a regular basis and asking if I would make them it for them. Word spread pretty fast how delicious these babies are. Once you make them, you may find yourself in a similar situation. But hey, I can think of worse scenarios!

If you like this dish, you’d probably love our Tex-Mex Beef Tacos!  And what about our crazy delicious Taco Quesadillas! They combine the best of both worlds! 

Just look take a look at this and try not to get hungry!

cut chicken quesadilla on a cutting board with salsa and sour cream

IDEAL WHEN FEEDING A CROWD

We love to serve these with sour cream and my easy restaurant-quality salsa.

These are easy to prepare for a group, as well and you can make them and then keep the warm in a 200°F oven until ready to serve. I use a pizza cutter to quarter them and then place on a large platter for folks just to help themselves.

It doesn’t get much better than these Amazing Chicken Quesadillas!

Layers of cooked chicken quesadilla with cheese oozing out

chicken quesadilla with grilled chicken and cheese

Amazing Chicken Quesadilla

This Amazing Chicken Quesadilla has been a favorite in our house for so many years.  This is great for a week night meal, but it's also such a crowd pleaser, serve it at a Mexican-themed dinner party or at your next party.  And go with the homemade taco seasoning, it's easy to make and is so good!
5 from 16 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer, Entree
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex_Mex
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 375kcal
Author: Kris Longwell

Video

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 2 tablespoon flour
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 3 to 4 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 8 medium-sized flour tortillas
  • 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup scallions (green onions), chopped
  • 1 15 oz. can green enchilada sauce (optional)
  • 1 4.5 oz. can chopped green chiles (we like Old El Paso)
  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled (we prefer using a garlic press to add the garlic, if you don't have one, just mince the garlic)
  • Salsa and sour cream, for serving

Instructions

  • Pre-heat oven to 200°F.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Lightly salt and pepper the chicken pieces.
  • Cook the chicken in the oil until no longer pink, about 8 minutes. 
  • Add the taco seasoning and flour and stir to coat the chicken pieces.
  • Add the chicken stock and simmer for about 8 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
  • Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken from the skillet to a medium bowl, and pour the sauce into another bowl.  Set both aside.
  • In a non-stick skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of the vegetable oil and when hot, add 1 tortilla.
  • To the tortilla add a handful of cheese, then a pinch of scallions, then about ½ cup cooked chicken.
  • Moving quickly, spoon over a couple spoonfuls of the cooked sauce and green enchilada sauce (if using). 
  • Using a garlic press, press one garlic clove over the top, or if not using a garlic press, sprinkle about ¼ teaspoon of the minced garlic over the top. 
  • Top with another handful of cheese and top with another tortilla.
  • Using a spatula and carefully holding the top tortilla, flip the quesadilla.
  • Cook until nicely browned on both sides.  Remove from skillet and place on a baking sheet and place in oven to keep warm.
  • Repeat the process for remaining 3 quesadillas. 
  • Cut into fourths and serve with salsa and sour cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 375kcal
Tried this recipe? Take a Picture!Mention @HowToFeedALoon or tag #HowToFeedALoon!

More Mexican / Tex-Mex / Cal-Mex

  • An arrangement of ingredients for grilled tacos al pastor on a white background including dried chiles, spices, pineapple, pork shoulder, sugar, vinegar, and corn tortillas.
    Grilled Tacos al Pastor
  • A sheet pan filled with a row of beef enchiladas with red sauce and topped with chopped tomatoes and lettuce.
    Beef Enchiladas with Red Sauce
  • A side view of a stack of homemade corn tortillas that are resting on a wooden board topped with a colorful napkin with a bowl of salsa and soften butter nearby.
    Homemade Corn Tortillas
  • An overhead view of two white bowls that are both filled with a serving of a turkey burrito bowl and they are surrounded by smaller bowls of salsa, pico de gallos, cheese, and corn salsa.
    Turkey Burrito Bowl

Comments

  1. jacqui says

    August 23, 2023 at 2:30 pm

    You guys are so funny! Making these quesadillas tonight!

    Reply
    • Kris Longwell says

      August 24, 2023 at 12:32 pm

      Awesome!! Let us know how it turned out!!! YUM!!!!

      Reply
« Older Comments
5 from 16 votes

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Welcome!

Kris & Wesley (The Loon) live for fun, food, and fabulousness. "How to Feed a Loon" is a celebration of just that. Come join us on this joyous culinary ride.

More about us

Memorial Day Cookout

  • Three grilled chicken leg quarters on an oval platter surround by grilled lemon halves and fresh herbs.
    Best Grilled Chicken

  • A straight-on view of grilled vegetables with Italian dressing all resting on a large bamboo oval platter.
    Grilled Vegetables with Italian Dressing

  • Black and bleu burger on a white plate
    Rockin’ Black and Bleu Burger

  • Lamb lollipops in a white bowl
    Lamb Lollipops

  • A grilled whole beer-can chicken sitting on a cutting board next to a carving knife and a bowl of BBQ sauce
    Grilled Beer-Can Chicken with BBQ Sauce

  • A straight-on view of a grilled balsamic glazed pork chop that is sitting next to a pile of roasted vegetables with another plate of the same in the background.
    Grilled Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops

Popular Recipes

  • best-ever chicken salad recipe
    Best-Ever Chicken Salad

  • A white soup filled with roasted tomato basil soup next to sliced grilled cheese sandwiches.
    Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

  • Mahi Mahi tacos on a wooden table in a taco holder
    Amazing Mahi Mahi Tacos

  • A lemon wedge being squeezed onto a platter of chicken francese
    Chicken Francese

  • Southern Shrimp and Cheesy Grits recipe
    Southern Shrimp and Cheesy Grits

  • Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder on a platter with a side of gravy
    Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder

Footer

↑ back to top

Explore

  • Recipe Index
  • About Us
  • Subscribe

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Copyright © 2025 How to Feed a Loon • This website contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link, we may receive a commission in return. How To Feed a Loon is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

10828 shares

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.