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Copycat Applebee's Chicken Quesadilla Grande

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  • #40145

Who doesn't love a good, cheesy quesadilla? Tortillas spread with fiery chipotle sauce and topped with grilled chicken, crumbled bacon and a mix of cheeses always hit the spot.


serves/makes:
  
ready in:
  under 30 minutes
Rating: 5/5

3 reviews

ingredients

1/2 ounce shortening
2 (12-inch size) flour tortillas
2 tablespoons chipotle pepper sauce (optional)
4 ounces grilled chicken (spicy seasoning optional)
1 cup shredded lettuce
sour cream
green onion
salsa

Quesa Filling (amounts as desired)

Jack and Cheddar cheeses
jalapeno pepper, diced
tomato, diced
onion, diced
cilantro, minced
bacon, fried and crumbled

directions

Brush one side of each tortilla with shortening.

Place one tortilla, shortening side down on work surface. Spread chipotle sauce evenly on one tortilla. Microwave chicken approximately 45 seconds, then distribute on top of sauce on tortilla. Evenly distribute Quesa Filling on top of chicken. Cover with other tortilla, shortening side up. Brown on griddle or in non stick skillet evenly on both sides until internal Quesa Filling is thoroughly melted.

Use shredded lettuce, sour cream, green onion and salsa as accompaniments.

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recipe tips


Make sure the skillet or griddle is preheated to get a nice sear on the tortillas.

Distribute the filling evenly and not too thickly to make sure it heats through and melts properly.

Flip the quesadilla carefully to prevent the filling from spilling out.

Cut the quesadilla into wedges for easy eating and serving.

For more flavor, season the chicken with spices like cumin, chili powder, or garlic powder.

Cook the quesadilla over medium heat to melt the cheese without burning the tortilla.

For a smokier flavor, grill the chicken instead of microwaving.

Serve the quesadilla hot.

Try adding different vegetables or proteins to the filling for variety.

common recipe questions


Can I use a different type of cheese in the quesadilla?

Yes, you can use any melting cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella or pepper jack.

Is there a substitute for chipotle pepper sauce?

You can use any hot sauce, salsa, or a combination of smoked paprika and tomato paste as a substitute.

Can I make this quesadilla vegetarian?

Yes, omit the chicken and bacon and add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.

How can I make the chicken spicy?

Marinate the chicken in a mix of hot sauce, garlic, and spices before grilling.

Is there a low-fat version of this recipe?

Use low-fat cheeses, skip the bacon, and use cooking spray instead of shortening for a healthier version.

How do I know when the quesadilla is done?

The quesadilla is done when the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown on both sides.

Can I prepare the quesadilla filling in advance?

Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the filling ingredients ahead of time.

What are some other accompaniments I can serve with this?

Serve with guacamole, pico de gallo, or refried beans, boraccho, or charro beans.

How can I make sure the tortilla doesn't get soggy?

Don’t overload the tortilla with sauce or wet ingredients, and cook on medium heat for a crispy exterior.

Can I use a quesadilla maker instead of a skillet?

Yes, you can use a quesadilla maker if you have one.


nutrition data

806 calories, 30 grams fat, 84 grams carbohydrates, 48 grams protein per serving.
Show full nutritional data (including Weight Watcher's Points ®, cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, and diabetic exchanges)


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reviews & comments

  1. tess11 REVIEW:

    My family & I absolutely love this recipe! It’s so yummy good, & quick to make, + it’s even easy to teach your children, it’s healthy & there’s so many variations you can change it up with, make it spicier or not so spicy, yet it remains a healthy snack, or it could be in place of a meal, made for a party, appetizer, & the list goes on!! Thank you for sharing this recipe - we really appreciate it especially since we ‘were’ regular’s at Applebee’s prior to Covid-19 for the half-priced appetizers after a certain hour some places 9pm & others 10pm.

  2. kimkim61 REVIEW:

    Tried it last night...doubled the recipe for 2 with the exception of the shortening which I kept the same. It was great even though I only had sharp cheddar on hand. Used left-over chicken. Yay!

  3. Guest Foodie REVIEW:

    I put this inside a folded tortilla and brown it that way on each side as it's easier very good though and I like the spicy chipotel flavor.

Please note:
This is a copy cat recipe submitted to CDKitchen by a third-party. This recipe is not an original recipe unless specifically stated and is considered only to be an acceptable "clone" to the original for the home cook to attempt to duplicate. Please also note that many nationwide restaurant chains vary their menus and ingredients by region so the version provided may not be similar to what you may have tried before. All trademarks referenced are property of their respective owners.

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