Description
Learn how to make these incredibly easy and delicious Mini Chicken Quesadillas! This detailed recipe uses simple ingredients for maximum flavor, perfect for appetizers, snacks, or a light meal. Get step-by-step instructions, variations, and a comprehensive FAQ.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups leftover finely shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/3 cup restaurant-style salsa
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup refried beans, homemade or store-bought
- 16 street taco flour tortillas, warmed
- 3 tablespoons canola oil, divided
For Serving:
- 1 cup guacamole
- 1 cup pico de gallo
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven (for Keeping Quesadillas Warm):
- Preheat oven to 200°F (95°C). This low temperature will keep the cooked quesadillas warm without drying them out.
2. Make the Chicken Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded cheese, salsa, and chopped cilantro.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
3. Assemble the Quesadillas:
- Warm the tortillas. You can do this in a microwave (wrapped in a damp paper towel for a few seconds), in a dry skillet over medium heat, or directly over a gas flame for a few seconds per side. Warming makes them pliable and prevents cracking.
- Working one tortilla at a time, spread a thin layer of refried beans (about 1-2 teaspoons) on one half of the tortilla.
- Top the beans with a spoonful of the chicken mixture (about 2 tablespoons).
- Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
4. Cook the Quesadillas:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a large cast iron skillet (or non-stick skillet) over medium-low heat.
- Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, add the quesadillas to the skillet in a single layer.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Transfer the cooked quesadillas to a baking sheet and place them in the preheated oven to keep warm while you cook the remaining batches.
- Add more oil to the skillet as needed (1 tablespoon at a time) for each batch.
5. Serve:
- Serve the warm quesadillas immediately with your desired toppings: guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream.