An Easy Chicken Fajita Quesadilla is a flavorful, cheesy, and satisfying meal that comes together in no time. Made with tender chicken, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and melted cheese, all sandwiched between crispy tortillas, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, lunch, or even a party snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect meal for busy days.
- Flavor-packed: Juicy chicken, sautéed peppers, onions, and melted cheese create an irresistible combination.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients to match your taste or dietary preferences.
- Great for meal prep: Make extra filling and enjoy quesadillas throughout the week.
- Kid-friendly: A cheesy, crispy favorite that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips)
- Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green, sliced)
- Onion (sliced)
- Olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Salt and black pepper
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- Large flour tortillas
- Butter (for crisping the tortillas)
- Optional toppings: Sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro
Directions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips, season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the veggies: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Cook the sliced bell peppers and onions for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Assemble the quesadilla: Place a tortilla on a clean surface. Sprinkle one half with shredded cheese, add some cooked chicken and sautéed veggies, then top with more cheese. Fold the tortilla in half.
- Cook the quesadilla: Heat a small amount of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place the folded quesadilla in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Slice and serve: Cut the quesadilla into wedges and serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 4 quesadillas
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version: Add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with mushrooms or black beans.
- Low-carb alternative: Use low-carb tortillas or make it into a fajita bowl without the tortilla.
- Extra cheesy: Mix different cheeses for a richer flavor.
- Grilled option: Cook on a grill or in a panini press for a crispy, smoky finish.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet for best results.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in an oven at 350°F for 10 minutes until crispy. Avoid microwaving to keep the tortilla from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Using shredded rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even faster.
What’s the best cheese for quesadillas?
A blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella gives the best flavor and melt.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese altogether.
How do I keep the quesadilla crispy?
Cook on medium heat with a little butter or oil and avoid overloading with filling.
Can I use corn tortillas instead?
Yes, but they are smaller and more fragile. Use two tortillas instead of folding one.
How do I cut the quesadilla without the filling falling out?
Let it cool for a minute before slicing with a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach make great additions.
How do I prevent the quesadilla from getting soggy?
Make sure the veggies aren’t too watery and don’t use too much oil in the pan.
What’s the best way to serve this?
Pair it with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a fresh side salad.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes! Cook the filling in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble and cook the quesadillas fresh when needed.
Conclusion
This Easy Chicken Fajita Quesadilla is a quick and delicious meal that brings bold flavors to your plate in just minutes. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a game-day snack, or a lunch on the go, this crispy, cheesy dish is sure to be a hit. Try different variations and toppings to make it your own!
PrintEasy Chicken Fajita Quesadilla
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This quick and easy chicken fajita quesadilla is packed with seasoned chicken, sautéed peppers, onions, and gooey melted cheese—all toasted to crispy perfection! Perfect for a weeknight meal or a tasty snack.
Ingredients
For the Fajita Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
For the Fajita Veggies:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
For the Quesadillas:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups (200g) shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar & Monterey Jack)
- 1 tablespoon butter or more oil for cooking
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Guacamole
Instructions
-
Cook the Chicken – Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken, season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked. Squeeze in lime juice and remove from the skillet.
-
Sauté the Veggies – In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add sliced bell peppers and onions. Cook for 3-5 minutes until they soften. Remove from heat.
-
Assemble the Quesadillas – Place a tortilla on a clean surface. Sprinkle ¼ cup of cheese on one half, add some cooked chicken and veggies, then top with another ¼ cup of cheese. Fold the tortilla in half.
-
Cook the Quesadillas – Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a little butter or oil. Cook each quesadilla for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, with melted cheese inside.
-
Serve & Enjoy – Slice into wedges and serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Swap chicken for shrimp, steak, or black beans for a different version.
- Use whole wheat or low-carb tortillas for a healthier option.
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