Chicken Bacon Quesadillas: Crave-Worthy Magic
Chicken Bacon Quesadillas
Chicken Bacon Quesadillas are a mouthwatering fusion of savory flavors and satisfying textures, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. This Chicken Bacon Quesadillas combines tender, shredded chicken breast with crispy, smoky bacon, sautéed bell peppers, and onions, all seasoned with a blend of chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder for a subtle Southwestern flair.
The filling is generously layered between large flour tortillas with gooey, melted cheddar cheese—or a Mexican blend if you prefer—creating a delightful contrast of creamy and crunchy elements. Cooked to golden perfection in a skillet with a touch of oil or butter, these quesadillas emerge with a crispy exterior that gives way to a warm, flavorful interior.
Each bite delivers a harmonious mix of protein-packed chicken, the rich saltiness of bacon, and the mild sweetness of sautéed vegetables, balanced by the sharpness of melted cheese. Ideal for busy evenings, this Chicken Bacon Quesadillas comes together in just 35 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking time.
Serve them hot with classic accompaniments like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. Whether you’re feeding a family of four or hosting a casual gathering, these quesadillas are endlessly customizable—add jalapeños for heat or swap in your favorite cheese to make them your own. They’re a versatile, hearty meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, offering comfort food appeal with a touch of zest.
Number of Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
🥢 Ingredients :
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 2 medium chicken breasts)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend)
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter (for cooking)
- Optional: Sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or chopped cilantro for serving
👨🍳 Instructions :
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of oil (if needed) and sauté the diced bell peppers and onion for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Quesadillas:
- Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded cheese over half of the tortilla.
- Spoon about 1/4 of the chicken-bacon mixture evenly over the cheese, then top with another 1/4 cup of cheese.
- Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Cook the Quesadillas:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Place one or two folded quesadillas in the skillet (depending on skillet size) and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the skillet and repeat with the remaining quesadillas, adding more oil or butter as needed.
- Serve:
- Cut each quesadilla into wedges (2-3 pieces per half) and serve hot with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or chopped cilantro on the side, if desired.
💡 TIPS :
- Make Ahead: Craft the filling ahead of time and keep it chilled in the fridge for up to 48 hours. When hunger strikes, simply assemble and grill the quesadillas fresh!
- Crispy Tortillas: For extra crispiness, brush the outside of the tortillas with a little oil or butter before cooking.
- Customization: Add jalapeños for heat, or swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick.
- Bacon Shortcut: Use pre-cooked bacon or bacon bits to save time.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
Based on 1 quesadilla (1/4 of the recipe), approximate values:
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Total Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 42g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands of ingredients or portion sizes. Values are estimates and do not include optional toppings like sour cream or salsa.
Chicken Bacon Quesadillas FAQs❓:
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this Chicken Bacon Quesadillas?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works perfectly. Just shred it and mix it with the seasonings and other ingredients. - What type of cheese is best for quesadillas?
Cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend (with Monterey Jack, cheddar, and queso blanco) melts well and adds great flavor. Pepper jack is a good option for a spicy kick. - Can I make this Chicken Bacon Quesadillas vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the chicken and bacon, and substitute with black beans, mushrooms, or extra veggies like zucchini or spinach for a hearty vegetarian version. - How do I store leftover quesadillas?
Save leftover quesadillas in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 72 hours. Warm them up in a skillet or oven to keep that crunchy texture intact - Can I freeze Chicken Bacon Quesadillas?
Yes, assemble them (uncooked), wrap individually in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen in a skillet, adding a few extra minutes. - What can I use instead of flour tortillas?
Corn tortillas work for a gluten-free option, though they’re smaller and less pliable—use two per quesadilla and adjust the filling amount. - How do I keep the quesadillas from getting soggy?
Avoid overfilling, and cook over medium heat to ensure the tortilla crisps up while the cheese melts. Drain any excess moisture from the veggies beforehand. - Can I cook Chicken Bacon Quesadillas in the oven instead of a skillet?
Yes! Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place assembled quesadillas on a baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. - What sides pair well with Chicken Bacon Quesadillas?
Try Mexican rice, a simple green salad, refried beans, or chips with salsa and guacamole for a complete meal. - How can I make this spicier Chicken Bacon Quesadillas?
Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the filling, or serve with spicy salsa for an extra kick.
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