Easy Chicken and Herb Quesadillas Recipe
This easy quesadilla recipe combines shredded chicken with a creamy, flavorful blend of cream cheese, tomato paste, garlic, and spices, accented by fresh herbs and spicy jalapeno. Quick to prepare and perfect for a delicious 15-minute meal, the quesadillas are toasted in a pan until perfectly golden and melty.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 cup shredded chicken
- 2 Tbsp cream cheese
- 1 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 tsp cumin
- 1/3 tsp coriander
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1 jalapeno, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped arugula
- Handful basil leaves or some chopped dill
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella recommended)
Quesadillas
- 2 flour tortillas
- Olive oil (for toasting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Creamy Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, minced garlic, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, crushed red pepper, and a teaspoon of water. Mix thoroughly until smooth to create a flavorful base for the filling.
- Add Chicken and Herbs: Stir in the shredded chicken, chosen herbs (basil or dill), chopped jalapeno, and arugula into the creamy mixture until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the Quesadillas: Spread half of the chicken and herb mixture onto one half of a flour tortilla. Sprinkle with shredded cheese, such as mozzarella, then fold the tortilla over to cover the filling. Repeat with the second tortilla.
- Toast the Quesadillas: Heat a non-stick pan with a little olive oil over medium heat. Place each folded quesadilla in the pan and cook until the underside is golden brown, then carefully flip and toast the other side until equally crisp and the cheese is melted inside.
- Serve: Remove from the pan and slice each quesadilla into 3-4 pieces. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by guacamole or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper and jalapeno based on your preferred spice level.
- You can substitute the flour tortillas with whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option.
- Use any shredded cheese you like; cheddar or Monterey Jack work well.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with sautéed vegetables or beans.
- To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
Keywords: easy quesadilla, chicken quesadilla, quick lunch, toasted quesadilla, creamy chicken filling