Grilled

Grilled Chicken Quesadillas

Name: Grilled Chicken Quesadillas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinless; 4 large tortillas; 2 cups (220g) shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup (115g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/2 cup (115g) chopped fresh cilantro; 1/2 cup (55g) chopped fresh scallions; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil

By Rosa Hartwell · June 19, 2026 · Grilled

Prep15 min

Cook20 min

Total35 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made grilled chicken quesadillas for my family. It was a warm summer evening, and we were all gathered in the backyard, eager to try something new. The combination of tender chicken, melted cheese, and crispy tortillas was an instant hit. Since then, this recipe has become a staple in our household, and I'm excited to share it with you.

What I love about this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. You can use any type of cheese you like, add your favorite spices or herbs, and even serve it with a variety of sides, such as sour cream, salsa, or a simple green salad. It's also a great way to use up leftover chicken or veggies, making it a perfect meal for a busy weeknight.

As a home cook, I'm always looking for ways to make mealtime easier and more enjoyable. This recipe fits the bill, as it can be prepared in under 30 minutes and is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So, let's get started and make some delicious grilled chicken quesadillas!

In this recipe, we'll be using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which are easy to find in most supermarkets. We'll also be using a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, which provides a nice balance of flavors and textures. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add some diced onions or bell peppers to the filling for extra flavor.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it's perfect for a crowd. You can easily double or triple the ingredients to feed a larger group, and the quesadillas can be cooked in batches if needed. So, whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or just need a quick and easy meal for your family, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family.
The combination of chicken, cheese, and tortillas is a classic and crowd-pleasing.
You can customize the recipe to your taste by adding different spices or herbs.
It's a great way to use up leftover chicken or veggies.
The dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great grilled chicken quesadillas is to cook the chicken and tortillas separately before assembling the dish. This ensures that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165 F (74 C) and that the tortillas are crispy and golden brown.

Another important factor is the type of cheese used. A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese provides a nice balance of flavors and textures, and melts well when heated. You can also add some diced onions or bell peppers to the filling for extra flavor.

The cooking technique used in this recipe is also important. By grilling the chicken and cooking the tortillas in a skillet, we can achieve a nice char and crispy texture that adds depth and complexity to the dish. Additionally, by using a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, we can ensure that it's cooked to a safe temperature and is juicy and tender.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including boneless, skinless chicken breasts, tortillas, cheese, and some basic spices. You can find these ingredients at most supermarkets, and feel free to customize the recipe to your taste by adding different spices or herbs.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose fresh and high-quality items. Look for chicken breasts that are plump and have a nice pink color, and choose tortillas that are soft and pliable. You can also use leftover chicken or veggies to make the recipe more economical and reduce food waste.

1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinlessLook for chicken breasts that are plump and have a nice pink color. You can also use leftover chicken to make the recipe more economical and reduce food waste.
4 large tortillasChoose tortillas that are soft and pliable. You can also use whole wheat or corn tortillas for a different flavor and texture.
2 cups (220g) shredded cheddar cheeseA combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese provides a nice balance of flavors and textures. You can also add some diced onions or bell peppers to the filling for extra flavor.
1 cup (115g) shredded Monterey Jack cheeseMonterey Jack cheese has a mild flavor and a smooth texture, making it a great addition to the dish.
1/2 cup (115g) chopped fresh cilantroCilantro adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish. You can also use parsley or basil for a different flavor.
1/2 cup (55g) chopped fresh scallionsScallions add a nice crunch and flavor to the dish. You can also use onions or shallots for a different flavor.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt for a different flavor.
1 teaspoon ground cuminCumin adds a warm and earthy flavor to the dish. You can also use chili powder or paprika for a different flavor.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt enhances the flavors of the dish and helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the ingredients.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper adds a nice spice and flavor to the dish. You can also use white pepper or cayenne pepper for a different flavor.
2 tablespoons olive oilOlive oil is used to brush the tortillas and cook the chicken. You can also use vegetable oil or avocado oil for a different flavor.

Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Quesadillas

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or griddleInstant-read thermometerSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsSpatula

How to Make Grilled Chicken Quesadillas

1
Preheat a large heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Brush the skillet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2
In a large bowl, whisk together the cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and toss to coat with the spice mixture.
3
Add the chicken breasts to the preheated skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 F (74 C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature.
4
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the chicken to stay tender.
5
While the chicken is resting, heat another tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
6
Add the chopped scallions and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until they start to soften.
7
Slice the rested chicken into thin strips and add it to the skillet with the garlic and scallions. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is coated with the garlic and scallion mixture.
8
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Add the chopped cilantro and stir to combine.
9
To assemble the quesadillas, lay a tortilla flat on a cutting board. Sprinkle a quarter of the cheese mixture onto half of the tortilla, followed by a few slices of the chicken mixture.
10
Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling ingredients.
11
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the quesadillas for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
12
Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and let them cool for a minute or two. Slice them into wedges and serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, or a simple green salad.

Expert Tips

Make sure to cook the chicken to a safe internal temperature of 165 F (74 C) to avoid foodborne illness.
Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, especially if you're new to cooking.
Don't overfill the quesadillas with filling, as this can make them difficult to fold and cook evenly.
Experiment with different types of cheese and fillings to find your favorite combination.
Consider using leftover chicken or veggies to make the recipe more economical and reduce food waste.
If you're having trouble getting the quesadillas to cook evenly, try cooking them in batches or using a griddle with multiple heat zones.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cooking the chicken to a safe internal temperature, which can lead to foodborne illness.
Overfilling the quesadillas with filling, which can make them difficult to fold and cook evenly.
Not using a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which can lead to undercooked or overcooked chicken.
Not letting the chicken rest before slicing, which can cause the juices to run out and the chicken to become dry.
Not cooking the quesadillas long enough, which can result in a soft or soggy texture.
Not using a large enough skillet or griddle, which can make it difficult to cook the quesadillas evenly.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced onions or bell peppers to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or colby, for a unique flavor.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the filling for extra flavor.
Use leftover chicken or veggies to make the recipe more economical and reduce food waste.
Experiment with different types of tortillas, such as whole wheat or corn, for a different flavor and texture.
Add some spicy peppers or hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.

What to Serve With Grilled Chicken Quesadillas

Serve the grilled chicken quesadillas hot with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, or a simple green salad. You can also serve them with a side of Mexican rice, beans, or roasted vegetables for a more filling meal.

Consider serving the quesadillas at a party or gathering, as they are easy to make in large quantities and can be customized with different fillings and toppings. You can also serve them as a snack or appetizer, paired with a dipping sauce or a side of chips and guacamole.

Serve the quesadillas with a side of Mexican rice and beans for a filling meal.Add some diced onions or bell peppers to the filling for extra flavor and texture.Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or colby, for a unique flavor.Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the filling for extra flavor.Serve the quesadillas with a dipping sauce, such as sour cream or guacamole, for a snack or appetizer.Use leftover chicken or veggies to make the recipe more economical and reduce food waste.

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store the grilled chicken quesadillas, let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

To reheat the quesadillas, simply microwave them for 20-30 seconds or cook them in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350 F (180 C) for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.

When reheating the quesadillas, make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure that they are heated to a safe temperature. You can also add some extra cheese or toppings to the quesadillas before reheating them for extra flavor and creaminess.

In addition to reheating the quesadillas, you can also use them as a base for other dishes, such as a quesadilla casserole or a quesadilla soup. Simply chop the quesadillas into small pieces and add them to your favorite recipe for a delicious and easy meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cheese is best for grilled chicken quesadillas?

A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese is a classic and crowd-pleasing choice, but you can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or colby, for a unique flavor.

Can I use leftover chicken to make the recipe?

Yes, you can use leftover chicken to make the recipe more economical and reduce food waste. Simply shred or chop the leftover chicken and add it to the filling mixture.

How do I prevent the quesadillas from becoming soggy?

To prevent the quesadillas from becoming soggy, make sure to cook them long enough and at the right temperature. You can also add some extra cheese or toppings to the quesadillas before cooking them for extra flavor and creaminess.

Can I freeze the grilled chicken quesadillas?

Yes, you can freeze the grilled chicken quesadillas for up to 2 months. Simply let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

What is the best way to reheat the quesadillas?

The best way to reheat the quesadillas is to microwave them for 20-30 seconds or cook them in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350 F (180 C) for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.

Can I serve the quesadillas at a party or gathering?

Yes, the grilled chicken quesadillas are perfect for a party or gathering, as they are easy to make in large quantities and can be customized with different fillings and toppings. Simply cook the quesadillas in batches and serve them hot with your favorite toppings and sides.

How do I add some extra flavor to the quesadillas?

You can add some extra flavor to the quesadillas by using different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or colby, or by adding some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the filling mixture. You can also add some spicy peppers or hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.

Can I use whole wheat or corn tortillas for the recipe?

Yes, you can use whole wheat or corn tortillas for the recipe, which will give the quesadillas a different flavor and texture. Simply substitute the whole wheat or corn tortillas for the regular tortillas and cook them according to the recipe instructions.

The Full Recipe

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