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chicken quesadillas 528529285

Golden Chicken Quesadillas with Bell Peppers and Monterey Jack

These chicken quesadillas are packed with juicy seasoned chicken, charred peppers and onions, and melted Monterey Jack in golden tortillas.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Calories: 1005

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts about 2 medium breasts
  • 2 teaspoons chicken taco seasoning store-bought or homemade
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided; a fruity California olive oil is great here
  • 1 large red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 large green bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced
  • 3 to 4 cups freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese shred from a block for the best melt
  • 6 large flour tortillas 8 to 10 inch tortillas work best
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • to taste kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken dry, rub it with a little olive oil, and sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over both sides. Use about 3/4 to 1 teaspoon of seasoning per breast.
  2. Heat about 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6 minutes per side, or until an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F. Move the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 10 minutes, then slice it thinly.
  3. Return the skillet to medium-high heat. Add the bell peppers and onion and cook until tender and lightly charred, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer the vegetables to a plate.
  4. Assemble the quesadillas in a clean nonstick skillet set over medium heat. Add 1/2 tablespoon of the butter, then lay one tortilla in the pan. Scatter a handful of cheese over the tortilla, add a few slices of chicken and some vegetables in a single layer, and do not overstuff. Top with another handful of cheese and place a second tortilla on top, pressing down gently.
  5. Cook until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Use a wide spatula to lift the quesadilla out of the pan. Melt another 1/2 tablespoon of butter in the skillet, return the quesadilla, and cook the second side until it is golden brown. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, butter, chicken, vegetables, and cheese.
  6. For an easier option, arrange the filling on just one half of the tortilla, fold the other half over, and flip the quesadilla once with the spatula.
  7. Slice the quesadillas into wedges and serve right away with your favorite toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 1005kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 56gFat: 57gSaturated Fat: 26gCholesterol: 220mgSodium: 1120mgFiber: 5gSugar: 7g

Notes

Shred Monterey Jack from a block just before using; bagged shredded cheese has anti-caking agents and melts less smoothly.
Cook and slice the chicken, sauté the peppers and onions, and shred the cheese 2 to 3 days ahead for even faster assembly.
Cooked quesadillas keep in the fridge for 1 to 2 days; reheat them in a buttered skillet so the tortillas turn crisp again.
Skip the microwave for reheating because it makes the quesadillas soggy.
Good cheese substitutes are Oaxaca, Chihuahua, cheddar, or mozzarella.
Your favorite tortilla type works, but corn tortillas are less pliable and can crack when bent.
Serve with pico de gallo, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or lime wedges.

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