Baked Chicken Quesadillas
Looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s quick to make and packed with flavor? These baked chicken quesadillas deliver! Loaded with shredded chicken, melty cheese, and a touch of smoky chipotle, each bite offers a perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and savory.
The easy, no-fuss method makes this recipe perfect for feeding a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. Just assemble, bake, and serve for a mess-free, crispy quesadilla that’s ready in no time.
Whether it’s a game day, family gathering, or a casual dinner, these baked quesadillas are sure to be a hit. Serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for that extra touch!
Baked Chicken Quesadillas: Ingredients
Flour Tortillas
These soft, flexible tortillas are the foundation of every quesadilla, creating the perfect canvas for delicious fillings and baking to a crisp, golden-brown finish.
Shredded Chicken
Tender and savory, this shredded chicken is the heart of each bite, bringing a satisfying texture and a juicy, well-seasoned flavor that complements the cheesy layers.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce
Smoky and slightly spicy, chipotle peppers add a bold depth, infusing each quesadilla with a hint of heat that elevates the flavor profile.
Sour Cream
This creamy, tangy addition enhances every layer with a luscious richness, balancing the spice and adding a smooth, velvety texture.
Shredded Cheese (Pepper Jack or Mozzarella)
Melting to perfection, the cheese creates that irresistible gooeyness with each bite. Pepper Jack offers a mild kick, while mozzarella keeps things mild and creamy.
Recipe Tips
- Perfect Shredded Chicken
For the most tender and flavorful filling, use freshly cooked shredded chicken. Rotisserie chicken works well, but if you’re making it from scratch, simmer chicken breasts in broth with a few seasonings for about 20 minutes, then shred with forks. This method infuses the chicken with additional flavor and moisture, preventing it from drying out in the oven. Alternatively, for a quicker method, use canned chicken but mix in extra seasonings to boost the taste. - Customizing the Spice Level
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce add a smoky heat that elevates the quesadillas, but you can easily adjust the spice level. For a milder flavor, use only half a chipotle pepper or substitute with a teaspoon of smoked paprika to retain the smoky essence without the heat. For a bolder kick, add an extra spoonful of the adobo sauce or finely diced jalapeños. Remember, the sour cream helps balance the spice, so adjust according to your preference. - Crispy and Golden Finish
To achieve that perfect golden-brown finish, don’t skip brushing the tortillas with olive oil before baking. This small step ensures that the quesadillas develop a beautiful crispy exterior. If you prefer extra-crisp quesadillas, consider baking them on a wire rack to allow airflow underneath, preventing the bottoms from getting soggy. Also, flipping them halfway through baking can help with an even crunch on both sides.
What to Serve with Baked Chicken Quesadillas
- Fresh Pico de Gallo
The vibrant flavors of freshly chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime in pico de gallo provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy quesadillas. The acidity in the salsa cuts through the richness, enhancing each bite and adding a delightful crunch. - Creamy Guacamole
Serve with a side of creamy guacamole to complement the quesadillas. The smooth texture and subtle flavors of avocado blend perfectly with the quesadillas’ spices, adding an extra layer of richness and freshness. A squeeze of lime on top adds a burst of zesty flavor. - Mexican Rice and Refried Beans
A classic combination, Mexican rice and refried beans make this meal heartier and perfect for family-style dining. The rice’s mild, seasoned flavor balances the quesadilla spices, while refried beans add a comforting, protein-packed element, making it a satisfying meal.
FAQ
- Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While pepper jack and mozzarella are great options, feel free to try cheddar, Monterey jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavors. Just ensure the cheese melts well. - Can these quesadillas be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate them. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture. Reheating baked quesadillas may lead to a less crispy texture. - Are these quesadillas freezer-friendly?
Yes, they can be frozen! Assemble and freeze unbaked quesadillas in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. - How can I make them gluten-free?
Substitute the flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas available in most grocery stores. Follow the same steps for assembling and baking.
Baked Chicken Quesadillas
Ingredients
- 8-10 large 10-inch flour tortillas
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken approx. 1.5 lbs
- 2 cups shredded pepper jack or mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce adjust for preferred spice level
- 2 cups sour cream divided (16 oz)
- Salt to taste
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Begin by preheating the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, 1 1/2 cups of the sour cream, the chipotle pepper, shredded cheese, and salt to taste. Stir until thoroughly blended.
- Prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper, then lightly coat the parchment with cooking spray or brush with olive oil.
- Take one tortilla at a time, place approximately 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture onto one side, and fold the tortilla over to enclose the filling.
- Arrange the assembled quesadillas on the prepared baking sheets. Lightly brush or spray the tops with olive oil to promote browning.
- Bake on the center rack for about 15 minutes, or until the quesadillas are golden brown and the tortillas are crisp.
- Slice each quesadilla into wedges and serve warm, accompanied by the remaining sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or freshly made pico de gallo.
