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Crispy Leftover Chicken Quesadillas Recipe Easy Melty Cheese Delight

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A quick and easy recipe transforming leftover cooked chicken and simple ingredients into crispy, melty cheese quesadillas perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ cups (225g) leftover cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
  • 2 medium flour tortillas (8–10 inches) or corn tortillas for gluten-free
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon (14g) butter or oil for frying
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: diced onions, jalapeños, or bell peppers
  • Sour cream or guacamole for serving

Instructions

  1. Shred or chop about 1½ cups (225g) of leftover cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Toss the chicken with ½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon chili powder, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside. Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeño for heat if desired.
  2. Combine 1 cup (100g) shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella in a bowl.
  3. Heat a non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon (14g) of butter or oil and swirl to coat the surface evenly.
  4. Place one tortilla flat in the pan. Sprinkle half the cheese evenly across the tortilla, then scatter the seasoned chicken over the cheese. Add any optional veggies if using. Top with the remaining cheese, then place a second tortilla on top. Press down gently with a spatula.
  5. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom tortilla is golden and crispy. Carefully flip the quesadilla and press down again. Cook another 3-4 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese is melted.
  6. If cheese isn’t fully melted or quesadilla needs more crispness, lower heat and cook an additional minute on each side.
  7. Remove from pan and let rest for a minute. Slice into wedges and serve hot with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.

Notes

Use medium heat to avoid burning tortillas. Press quesadilla gently while cooking for even browning. For dairy-free, substitute cheese with plant-based alternatives and use olive oil instead of butter. Corn tortillas provide a gluten-free option but are more delicate when flipping. Wipe pan between batches for extra crispiness. Avoid overloading quesadilla to prevent tearing.

Nutrition

Keywords: leftover chicken, quesadillas, crispy quesadilla, melty cheese, quick dinner, easy recipe, snack, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/crispy-leftover-chicken-quesadillas-recipe-easy-melty-cheese-delight/