Chicken Avocado Quesadillas
If you’re looking for a delicious, quick, and satisfying meal, look no further than Chicken Avocado Quesadillas. These delightful creations are not only easy to whip up but also packed with flavor and nutrients. With tender chicken, creamy avocado, and melted cheese all nestled between warm tortillas, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a snack, these quesadillas bring a taste of Mexico right to your kitchen.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s so much to love about Chicken Avocado Quesadillas! First and foremost, they are incredibly versatile. You can customize them based on what you have in your pantry or your dietary preferences. Plus, they are a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken or vegetables. The combination of flavors—savory chicken, creamy avocado, and gooey cheese—creates a comforting meal that’s hard to resist. And let’s not forget how quick they are to prepare! With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can have a delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients at a Glance
- For the chicken:
- 2 medium chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 cup bell peppers, any color, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons fajita or taco seasoning
- For the quesadillas:
- 4 medium flour tortillas
- 1 avocado, seeded and sliced
- 4 teaspoons low-fat sour cream
- 1/2 cup low-fat mozzarella, Mexican blend, or cheddar cheese
- Fresh lime juice and minced cilantro, optional
Recommended Tools
- Skillet or frying pan – for cooking the chicken and quesadillas.
- Cutting board and knife – for chopping vegetables and slicing the avocado.
- Spatula – for flipping the quesadillas.
- Mixing bowl – for combining the chicken and seasoning.
Chicken Avocado Quesadillas, Made Easy
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining teaspoon of olive oil. Toss in the finely chopped onion, diced bell peppers, and chopped garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and fajita or taco seasoning, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Vegetables
Add the chopped chicken back into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir everything together and cook for another minute to heat through. This mixture will be the filling for your quesadillas.
Step 4: Assemble the Quesadillas
On a clean surface, lay out one tortilla. Spread a teaspoon of low-fat sour cream over half of the tortilla. Layer some of the chicken and vegetable mixture over the sour cream, followed by a few slices of avocado and a sprinkle of cheese. Fold the tortilla in half, covering the filling.
Step 5: Cook the Quesadillas
In the same skillet, place the folded quesadilla over medium heat. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side, or until golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. Once the cheese has melted and the tortillas are crispy, remove from the skillet and repeat the process with the remaining tortillas.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Slice each quesadilla into wedges and serve them warm. Drizzle with fresh lime juice and sprinkle with minced cilantro if desired. These Chicken Avocado Quesadillas are perfect on their own or served with salsa, guacamole, or more sour cream on the side.
Make It Year-Round
- Swap out chicken for turkey or black beans for a vegetarian option.
- Use seasonal vegetables like zucchini or corn to change up the filling.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors—pepper jack for heat or gouda for smokiness.
- Try adding spices like cumin or smoked paprika for an extra flavor boost.
Watch Outs & How to Fix
Making quesadillas is simple, but here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
- Too soggy: Make sure the filling is not too wet. Drain excess liquid from cooked vegetables and avoid overloading the tortillas.
- Burnt tortillas: Keep an eye on the heat. Cooking on medium to medium-low heat ensures the quesadillas are crispy without burning.
- Cheese not melting: If your cheese isn’t melting well, try covering the skillet with a lid for a minute to help it along.
- Filling falling out: Use a spatula to flip the quesadilla gently, ensuring that the filling remains inside.
Prep Ahead & Store
Chicken Avocado Quesadillas are perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to make them ahead of time:
- Cooked filling: You can prepare the chicken and vegetable filling a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Assemble before cooking: If you want to make the quesadillas ahead, assemble them and keep them wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to a day. Cook them just before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: You can freeze uncooked quesadillas. Just place parchment paper between each quesadilla and store them in a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reader Q&A
Can I use whole wheat tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Absolutely! Whole wheat tortillas are a great alternative and will add a nutty flavor as well as more fiber to your Chicken Avocado Quesadillas.
What can I serve with these quesadillas?
These quesadillas pair wonderfully with sides like a fresh salad, Mexican rice, or a side of refried beans. You can also serve them with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping!
Can I make these quesadillas spicy?
Definitely! You can add jalapeños or use spicy taco seasoning to elevate the heat. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also do the trick.
How do I reheat leftover quesadillas?
The best way to reheat quesadillas is in a skillet over medium heat. This will help keep them crispy. Alternatively, you can use an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
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Bring It Home
There you have it—Chicken Avocado Quesadillas that are not only simple to make but also bursting with flavor. Whether you whip them up for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, they’re sure to impress. Enjoy the delightful combination of tender chicken, creamy avocado, and melted cheese all in a crispy tortilla. Get ready to savor each bite and share the love of cooking with friends and family. Happy cooking!
Chicken Avocado Quesadillas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining teaspoon of olive oil. Toss in the finely chopped onion, diced bell peppers, and chopped garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and fajita or taco seasoning, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the chopped chicken back into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir everything together and cook for another minute to heat through. This mixture will be the filling for your quesadillas.
- On a clean surface, lay out one tortilla. Spread a teaspoon of low-fat sour cream over half of the tortilla. Layer some of the chicken and vegetable mixture over the sour cream, followed by a few slices of avocado and a sprinkle of cheese. Fold the tortilla in half, covering the filling.
- In the same skillet, place the folded quesadilla over medium heat. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side, or until golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. Once the cheese has melted and the tortillas are crispy, remove from the skillet and repeat the process with the remaining tortillas.
- Slice each quesadilla into wedges and serve them warm. Drizzle with fresh lime juice and sprinkle with minced cilantro if desired. These Chicken Avocado Quesadillas are perfect on their own or served with salsa, guacamole, or more sour cream on the side.
Notes
- Customize with your choice of proteins or vegetables for a personal touch.
- Make ahead by preparing the filling a day in advance.
- Freeze uncooked quesadillas for quick meals later on.
