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Quick Canned Chicken Quesadillas
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Get a quick quesadilla fix with this simple recipe. Canned chicken mixed with salsa and cheese is pressed between two tortillas and griddled until toasty and melty.
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
3 reviews
ingredients
1 can (10 ounce size) chunk chicken
2/3 cup salsa
2/3 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped white or green onion
8 (8-inch size) flour tortillas
sour cream
guacamole
salsa
directions
Drain the chicken well and place in a bowl. Gently flake it with a fork. Stir in the salsa, cheese, and onion. Mix gently.
Place half of the tortillas on a flat work surface. Top each evenly with some of the chicken mixture. Top the filling with the remaining tortillas.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add one tortilla stack to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes then gently flip the quesadilla over. Cook for 1-2 minutes longer or until the filling is heated through and the cheese has melted. Remove from the skillet and repeat with the remaining quesadillas.
Serve the quesadillas hot with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or any other desired condiments.
recipe tips
For a healthier version, use whole wheat tortillas and low-fat cheese.
Try dding a pinch of cumin or chili powder to the chicken mixture for more flavor.
To prevent the quesadillas from becoming soggy, drain the salsa before adding it to the chicken.
Serve with a side of rice and beans as a meal or alone as an appetizer.
Try different fillings like black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers.
Always cook quesadillas on medium heat to avoid burning the tortillas before the cheese melts.
Cutting the quesadillas into wedges makes them easier to serve and eat.
Offer a variety of condiments like hot sauce, lime wedges, or chopped avocado.
common recipe questions
Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken?
Yes, freshly cooked and shredded chicken or leftover chicken can be used as a substitute.
What can I use instead of Monterey Jack cheese?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend can be used as alternatives.
Is there a substitute for flour tortillas?
Corn tortillas can be used, but they are smaller. You'll need to brush the outer sides with oil before adding to the skillet.
Can I make this recipe without onions?
Yes, but onions add flavor. You can omit them or use onion powder or some other vegetable or seasoning as a substitute.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Can these quesadillas be frozen?
Yes, freeze them individually wrapped for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or skillet.
tools needed
Large Skillet: For griddling the quesadillas until toasty and melty. Make sure it is large enough to fit the quesadilla and allows for even heating.
Bowl: For mixing the canned chicken, salsa, cheese, and onion together. Make sure it is big enough to combine all the ingredients without making a mess.
Fork: For gently flaking the canned chicken in the bowl and stirring together the chicken mixture with salsa, cheese, and onion.
Flat Work Surface: To assemble the quesadillas by placing the tortillas and topping them with the chicken mixture before griddling in the skillet.
Spatula: For flipping the quesadillas in the skillet to make sure they are evenly cooked and golden brown on both sides.
Condiment Dishes: For serving the quesadillas with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or any other desired condiments.
what goes with it?
Mexican Street Corn: the elote-style corn with mayo, cotija cheese, and chili powder will add a flavorful kick to your quesadillas.
Tequila Shots: nothing says "let's get the party started" like washing down your quesadillas with a shot of tequila. Just don't forget the lime and salt!
Churros: end your meal on a sweet note with crispy fried churros dusted in cinnamon sugar. The perfect balance to your savory quesadillas.
nutrition data
669 calories, 22 grams fat, 83 grams carbohydrates, 33 grams protein per serving.
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reviews & comments
April 3, 2022
Taste amazing, even with canned chicken.
September 10, 2011
I love this recipe. What I do instead of using fry pan, I use my sandwich grill on my waffle iron, cooks both sides at once
November 17, 2008
This recipe was great I made it for a party and everyone loved them.