Craving a meal that’s both satisfying and bursting with flavor?
Chicken fajitas quesadillas are the answer! This fusion of two Mexican classics combines the savory, seasoned chicken and peppers from fajitas with the cheesy goodness of quesadillas.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or impressing guests at your next gathering, these quesadillas are guaranteed to hit the spot.
Ready to bring the fiesta to your kitchen?
Let’s dive into this easy and irresistible recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delicious chicken fajitas quesadillas, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store.
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Chicken breasts – boneless and skinless
- Bell peppers – red, green, and yellow for color and sweetness
- Onion – yellow or red works best for flavor
- Flour tortillas – 8-10 inch for perfect quesadilla size
- Shredded cheese – a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack works great for melting
- Fajita seasoning – either store-bought or homemade
- Olive oil – for cooking the chicken and veggies
- Lime – for that zesty flavor
- Sour cream, salsa, and guacamole – optional toppings to enhance the experience
Pro Tip: You can swap the chicken for other proteins, like shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Marinate the Chicken and Prepare Fajita Veggies
Start by marinating the chicken breasts in fajita seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, and a pinch of salt for about 15-20 minutes. This will help the chicken soak up the flavors.
While the chicken marinates, slice the bell peppers and onions into thin strips, ready for sautéing.
2. Cook the Chicken, Peppers, and Onions
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onions, and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are tender and slightly charred. Set them aside.
3. Assemble the Quesadillas
Take a tortilla and sprinkle a little cheese on half of it. Layer the fajita veggies and sliced chicken on top of the cheese, then sprinkle with more cheese. Fold the tortilla in half, pressing down gently to seal it.
4. Cook the Quesadillas
Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Place the quesadilla in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Use a spatula to press the quesadilla down lightly while cooking to ensure it’s crispy.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the quesadilla is perfectly crispy, remove it from the pan and cut it into wedges. Serve with a side of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. These quesadillas are perfect for a fun and flavorful meal!
How to Serve and Customize Your Chicken Fajitas Quesadillas
Chicken fajitas quesadillas are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to take your meal to the next level:
- Toppings: Top your quesadilla with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for extra zing.
- Sides: Serve with a side of Mexican rice, a simple green salad, or crispy tortilla chips.
- Drink Pairing: Pair your quesadillas with a refreshing margarita, iced tea, or a cold beer to complete the meal.
Customization Ideas:
- Add sliced jalapeños for some heat.
- Try different types of cheese like pepper jack or a mix of cheeses for extra flavor.
- If you’re a fan of creamy dips, serve with a side of ranch or cilantro-lime crema.
Variations on Chicken Fajitas Quesadillas
This recipe is highly adaptable and can be made to suit different dietary preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
- Vegetarian: Use portobello mushrooms or tofu instead of chicken for a meatless version.
- Different Proteins: Try using shrimp, beef, or even pork instead of chicken for a different twist.
- Gluten-Free: Swap out the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas for a gluten-free version of this dish.
How to Make Chicken Fajitas Quesadillas Ahead of Time
Need to prep in advance? No problem! You can easily make the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for later use. Here’s how:
- Filling: Cook the chicken and fajita veggies, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Assembling: When ready to cook, just assemble the quesadillas as usual and cook them in the skillet.
- Freezing: You can even freeze the assembled quesadillas for up to a month. When you’re ready, simply heat them in a skillet or oven for a quick meal.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use a different type of cheese for the quesadillas?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out cheddar and Monterey Jack for other cheeses like pepper jack, gouda, or mozzarella. The key is to choose a cheese that melts well.
Can I freeze the quesadillas?
Yes, you can freeze assembled quesadillas! Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. When ready to eat, cook them in a skillet until crispy.
How can I make the chicken fajitas quesadillas spicier?
For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños to the filling, or use a spicy fajita seasoning. You can also serve them with hot salsa or drizzle some hot sauce on top.
Chicken Fajitas Quesadillas Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning store-bought or homemade
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
- 1 lime juiced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
- 1 small onion sliced
- 4 flour tortillas 8-10 inch
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Sour cream for serving
- Salsa for serving
- Guacamole for serving, optional
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken and Prepare Fajita Veggies
- Start by marinating the chicken breasts in fajita seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, and a pinch of salt for about 15-20 minutes. This will help the chicken soak up the flavors.
- While the chicken marinates, slice the bell peppers and onions into thin strips, ready for sautéing.
Cook the Chicken, Peppers, and Onions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onions, and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are tender and slightly charred. Set them aside.
Assemble the Quesadillas
- Take a tortilla and sprinkle a little cheese on half of it. Layer the fajita veggies and sliced chicken on top of the cheese, then sprinkle with more cheese. Fold the tortilla in half, pressing down gently to seal it.
Cook the Quesadillas
- Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Place the quesadilla in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Use a spatula to press the quesadilla down lightly while cooking to ensure it’s crispy.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Once the quesadilla is perfectly crispy, remove it from the pan and cut it into wedges. Serve with a side of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. These quesadillas are perfect for a fun and flavorful meal!