Welcome to flavor paradise, y’all! Get ready to experience an EPIC Spicy Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla that will absolutely blow your mind. This dish is the ultimate fusion of bold spices, tender chicken, and melty, gooey cheese – all wrapped up in a perfectly crispy tortilla. This is no ordinary quesadilla, my friends. This is a LEGENDARY food adventure that’s about to make your taste buds do a happy dance!
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla
Prepare to have your world rocked by this sensational Spicy Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors that will have you craving more with every bite. The tender, juicy chicken is coated in a mind-blowing chipotle marinade that packs a serious punch, while the melty cheese and crispy tortilla create an irresistible texture contrast. This dish is a true explosion of flavor that will leave you feeling like a culinary rockstar. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer, a satisfying main course, or just an incredible snack, this Spicy Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s sure to have everyone begging for the recipe. Get ready to take your taste buds on the ride of their life!
Ingredients
To create this epic Spicy Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla, you’ll need a few simple but incredibly flavorful ingredients. Start with juicy chicken thighs, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, garlic, lime juice, and a blend of spices including chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. For the quesadilla itself, you’ll use flour tortillas, shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, and a dollop of sour cream to balance out the heat. Get ready to transform these humble ingredients into a true LEGENDARY meal!
- 1 lb (454 g) – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3-4 – Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) – Lime juice
- 2 tsp (10 ml) – Chili powder
- 1 tsp (5 ml) – Ground cumin
- 1 tsp (5 ml) – Smoked paprika
- 8 (8-inch) – Flour tortillas
- 2 cups (200 g) – Shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend
- Sour cream, for serving
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (for a leaner option)
- Sour Cream: Plain Greek yogurt or avocado (for a dairy-free swap)
How to Make Spicy Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla
Let’s start by getting everything ready for the ultimate Spicy Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla! First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, grab your chicken thighs and give them a good rinse under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels and set them aside.
Step 1: Prep Work
Next, let’s make the insanely delicious chipotle marinade. In a food processor or blender, combine the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, garlic, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Blend until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Now it’s time to coat those chicken thighs in the chipotle marinade. Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or shallow dish, and pour in the marinade. Make sure each piece is evenly coated, then cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours for even more flavor).
When you’re ready to cook, heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before shredding it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Now it’s time to assemble the EPIC Spicy Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas! Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface and sprinkle half of it with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Top the cheese with a generous amount of the shredded chipotle chicken, then fold the other half of the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape.
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Carefully transfer the quesadilla to the hot surface and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and fillings to create 4-6 quesadillas.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once your quesadillas are perfectly crispy and melty, it’s time to serve them up in style! Cut each quesadilla in half and arrange them on a platter. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a beautiful and flavorful presentation.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Protein Swap: Try swapping in shredded rotisserie chicken or even grilled steak for the protein.
- Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese blends, like Monterey Jack and pepper Jack, or even crumbled queso fresco for a more authentic Mexican flavor.
- Add-Ins: For a truly EPIC experience, try adding some diced avocado, roasted corn, or even black beans to the filling for extra texture and nutrition.
- Spice Level: If you really want to turn up the heat, you can add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the chipotle marinade.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Fresh salsa, guacamole, or a side of seasoned black beans for a complete Mexican-inspired feast.
Storage: Leftover quesadilla halves can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Uncooked quesadillas can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Place leftover quesadilla halves on a baking sheet and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
Make-Ahead: The chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance, and the quesadillas can be assembled and then frozen for easy reheating later.
Nutrition Information
This Spicy Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla packs a serious flavor punch, but it also delivers a nutritional boost that will keep you feeling satisfied and energized. Each serving contains a generous portion of protein-rich chicken, as well as heart-healthy fats from the cheese.
- Serving Size: 1 half quesadilla
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Protein: 29 g
- Carbs: 33 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 810 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Spicy Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla ahead of time?
Absolutely! The chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance, and the quesadillas can be assembled and then frozen for easy reheating later. Just be sure to let the quesadillas thaw completely before cooking them on the griddle or in a skillet.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
If the chipotle peppers are a little too much for your taste buds, try using just 1-2 peppers in the marinade instead of the full 3-4 called for in the recipe. You can also reduce the amount of chili powder and smoked paprika. And don’t forget the cooling sour cream or Greek yogurt topping to help balance the heat.
Can I use a different protein besides chicken?
Absolutely! This Spicy Chipotle Quesadilla recipe is incredibly versatile. Try swapping in grilled steak, shredded pork, or even sautéed mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times as needed for your protein of choice.
What should I serve with these quesadillas?
These Spicy Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas are a complete meal on their own, but you can definitely amp up the flavor and nutrition by serving them with some tasty sides. Try pairing them with a fresh, crunchy salad, some seasoned black beans, or even a zesty pico de gallo for the ultimate Mexican-inspired feast.
Can I make these quesadillas in the oven instead of on the stovetop?
Definitely! For a hands-off approach, you can assemble the quesadillas on a baking sheet and bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Try These Next
- Spicy Chipotle Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers
- Spicy Chipotle Chicken Avocado Wraps
- Spicy Chipotle Chicken Wraps
Spicy Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Fire Zone
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
A delicious and spicy quesadilla filled with chipotle chicken, cheese, and veggies.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
1/2 cup diced bell peppers
1/4 cup diced onions
2 tablespoons chipotle sauce
4 large flour tortillas
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, chipotle sauce, bell peppers, onions, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half with cheese.
4. Add a portion of the chicken mixture on top of the cheese.
5. Fold the tortilla over and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Flip and cook the other side until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
7. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
Notes
Serve with salsa and sour cream for dipping.
Feel free to add more vegetables or adjust spice levels to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: quesadilla, chicken, spicy, chipotle