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The Best Chicken Quesadillas

The Best Chicken Quesadillas

Delicious chicken quesadillas with tender chicken cooked in flavorful salsa verde and lots of melted cheese. Perfect for any meal.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6 quesadillas
Calories 444 kcal

Equipment

  • heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • cutting board
  • heavy-bottomed skillet
  • spatula

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Sauce

  • 3 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 2 cups green enchilada sauce or Mexican salsa verde
  • 6 medium to large flour or corn tortillas see homemade flour tortillas
  • 8 ounces mild melting cheese like queso de Oaxaca or Monterey Jack, shredded 2 cups
  • spray oil or oil brushed onto the pan
  • fresh cilantro for serving
  • lime wedges for serving
  • salt to taste

Instructions
 

Cooking Instructions

  • In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the chicken and green enchilada sauce. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Partially cover the pan and cook until the chicken is tender and cooked through, 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Transfer the chicken to a cutting board. When cool enough to handle, shred the meat with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir to coat. Taste and season with salt, if needed.
  • Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Lightly brush or spray the pan with oil, then place one tortilla in the skillet.
  • Scatter about ⅓ cup of cheese over the tortilla, then spoon ½ cup of shredded chicken onto one half, letting any excess sauce drip off first. Fold the tortilla in half and press gently with a spatula to seal. Cook until the underside is golden and toasted, about 2 minutes.
  • Flip the quesadilla and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more, until the second side is toasted and the cheese has melted. Transfer the tortillas to a cutting board, slice them in half, and repeat with the remaining tortillas.

Notes

Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Keep quesadillas warm on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you finish making the remaining quesadillas.

Nutrition

Serving: 1quesadillaCalories: 444kcalCarbohydrates: 31.9gProtein: 34.6gFat: 19.7gSaturated Fat: 8.8gCholesterol: 127.7mgSodium: 1003.7mgFiber: 1.7gSugar: 3.9g
Keyword cheese, Chicken, Comfort Food, easy recipes, quesadilla, Salsa Verde
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