Name: Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded); 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced); 1 tablespoon adobo sauce; 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup green onions (sliced); 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped); 8 medium flour tortillas; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil; sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for serving (optional)

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If you’re searching for a dish that’s equal parts zesty, cheesy, and perfectly satisfying, look no further than Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas. This bold and flavorful Mexican-inspired classic transforms tender chicken, smoky chipotle peppers, and melty cheese into a crispy, handheld meal nobody can resist. Balanced with pops of fresh cilantro and green onions, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make on repeat — trust me, these Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas are always a smash hit, whether you’re serving family dinners or casual get-togethers.

Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of what makes these Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas so delightful is their simplicity — each ingredient has a purpose, bringing out robust flavors, great textures, and that crave-worthy allure. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Cooked chicken breast (shredded): Lean and tender, shredded chicken soaks up all the smoky, spicy notes without making your quesadillas soggy.
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced): These smoky, spicy peppers infuse every bite with signature heat and smokiness — you can easily adjust the amount to suit your spice level.
Adobo sauce: This rich, tomato-based sauce from the chipotle pepper can adds a next-level depth and tangy fire to the filling.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Creamy with a mild bite, Monterey Jack melts beautifully, making every wedge gooey and irresistible.
Shredded cheddar cheese: For a pop of color and a richer, slightly sharp flavor, sharp cheddar is the perfect cheesy complement.
Green onions (sliced): These add a crisp fresh bite and subtle onion flavor that brightens up all that rich cheese.
Fresh cilantro (chopped): This fresh herb brings a wonderful pop of green and a hint of citrus — it makes the whole dish taste lively.
Flour tortillas: Soft, pliable, and the literal wrapper that holds everything together, medium-sized tortillas cook up beautifully crisp.
Unsalted butter or olive oil: Either will help crisp up the tortillas, giving you that irresistible golden crust.
Sour cream, salsa, or guacamole (optional): These classic dips are perfect for serving, adding coolness, tang, or even more bold flavor to every bite.

How to Make Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas

Step 1: Make the Chipotle Chicken Filling

Start by grabbing a medium bowl, then toss in your shredded chicken, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, both cheeses, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro. Give everything a good mix, making sure that the chipotle and adobo get evenly distributed — your goal is to have every mouthful bursting with smoky heat and creamy cheese. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the level of chipotle if you love it extra spicy!

Step 2: Assemble the Quesadillas

Lay your flour tortillas flat on a clean surface (a cutting board works great). Scoop the chicken and cheese mixture onto one half of each tortilla, making sure not to overfill — a generous but tidy mound is just right. Then simply fold the other half over to form a neat half-moon. This keeps all the molten cheese and chicken safely tucked inside as it cooks!

Step 3: Cook Until Crispy and Perfect

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add just enough butter or olive oil to lightly coat the bottom. Once it’s hot, carefully slide in your assembled quesadillas. Cook each side for two to three minutes, pressing gently with a spatula to seal, until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted to perfection. If you’re cooking for a crowd, work in batches so each gets that ideal crunchy finish.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

When your quesadillas are crisped up and the kitchen smells absolutely heavenly, transfer them to a cutting board. Let them cool for just a minute so the cheese can set, then cut each quesadilla into wedges. Pile them up, set out the sour cream, salsa, and guacamole, and watch everyone dive in!

How to Serve Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas

Garnishes

The right garnish can make Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas look as good as they taste. Sprinkle a little extra fresh cilantro or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness, and add sliced jalapenos or a squeeze of lime if you love even more zing. Don’t forget the classic trio of sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for dipping and dolloping.

Side Dishes

Pair your Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas with sides that complement their smoky flavors: think classic Mexican rice, refried or black beans, a crisp corn salad, or even a fresh tomato and avocado salad. These additions round out the meal and bring great color to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, cut each Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla into bite-sized triangles and arrange them on a platter with small bowls of dip. Or make a quesadilla bar, letting everyone customize their own toppings and sides. Festive plates, colorful napkins, or a garnish of extra peppers all add a festive, fun flair!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas (lucky you!), let them cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil or storing in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them a fantastic grab-and-go lunch or snack.

Freezing

Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas freeze surprisingly well. After they’ve cooled, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then tuck them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll last up to two months — perfect for busy nights when you need dinner in a flash.

Reheating

For best results, reheat refrigerated or frozen quesadillas in a skillet over medium-low heat until hot and crisp, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Skip the microwave for best texture — you want that fabulous crispy crust!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a time-saving lifesaver here. Just shred it and toss with the other filling ingredients — it brings loads of flavor and keeps meal prep quick.

How can I make these quesadillas less spicy?

If you prefer a softer heat, use just one chipotle pepper or skip the adobo sauce. Removing the seeds from the peppers also helps. Don’t worry, you’ll still get plenty of smoky flavor!

What’s the best cheese for Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas?

Monterey Jack and cheddar are a dream team — Jack for creaminess, cheddar for depth — but you can swap in a Mexican-blend or add a sprinkle of pepper jack for extra kick.

Are these quesadillas gluten-free?

They absolutely can be! Just use your favorite gluten-free flour tortillas. All the filling ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t have to miss out.

Can I add extra veggies to the filling?

Definitely! Try sautéed bell peppers, onions, or even corn for an extra burst of color and nutrition. Just be sure the veggies aren’t too wet, so your quesadillas stay crisp.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try these Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas — they’re bold, cheesy, and totally unforgettable. Whether it’s a weeknight or a fiesta, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. Gather your ingredients, crank up the skillet, and treat yourself (and your lucky eaters) to something truly special!

Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 27 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas are the perfect blend of spicy, cheesy, and savory flavors. Packed with tender chicken, smoky chipotle peppers, and gooey cheese, they are a crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Mixture:

2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded)
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced)
1 tablespoon adobo sauce
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup green onions (sliced)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)

Additional Ingredients:

8 medium flour tortillas
2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil
sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cheeses, green onions, and cilantro.
Assemble the Quesadillas: Divide the chicken mixture onto half of each tortilla. Fold the tortillas over to enclose the filling.
Cook the Quesadillas: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add butter or oil. Cook each quesadilla for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cheese is melted.
Serve: Let cool slightly, then cut into wedges. Serve warm with optional sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.