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Cheesy Salsa Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

4.4 from 98 reviews

A flavorful and easy-to-make Cheesy Salsa Chicken Quesadilla bursting with tender shredded chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, smoky spices, and a melty Tex-Mex cheese blend, all sandwiched between crispy low-calorie tortillas. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner that’s both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • ½ onion, finely diced
  • ½ red pepper, finely diced
  • ½ green pepper, finely diced
  • 1 green onion, finely chopped (green part only)

Protein & Dairy

  • 200g (7oz) cooked shredded chicken
  • 80g (2.8oz) grated Tex-Mex cheese blend (or 50g grated mozzarella + 30g Red Leicester or orange cheddar)

Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Other

  • 90g (⅓ cup) salsa (mild)
  • 2 low-calorie 8-inch tortilla wraps
  • Low-calorie cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and spray it with low-calorie cooking spray. Make sure the pan is large enough to comfortably fit the tortillas.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the finely diced onion, red pepper, and green pepper to the pan. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
  3. Cook Chicken and Spices: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add the chopped green onions and cook for a few minutes until the chicken is evenly coated with the spices and heated through.
  4. Add Salsa: Mix in the salsa until well combined with the chicken and vegetables. Then transfer this mixture to a bowl and wipe the pan clean for the quesadilla assembly.
  5. Assemble Quesadilla: Spray the pan again with low-calorie cooking spray and place one tortilla in the pan over medium heat. Layer half of the grated cheese evenly over the tortilla, then spread all of the chicken mixture on top. Add the remaining cheese over the chicken, then place the second tortilla on top. Spray the surface of the top tortilla with more cooking spray and press down firmly with a spatula to help everything stick together.
  6. Cook Quesadilla: Cook until the bottom tortilla is crisp and golden brown, then carefully flip the quesadilla using a large plate or spatula. Cook the other side until it is also golden and crisp, and the cheese inside has melted completely.
  7. Serve: Transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board and slice into 6 pieces using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy your cheesy, flavorful meal!

Notes

  • You can adjust the spice levels by varying the amount of cayenne or using a spicier salsa.
  • For a lower calorie option, use a reduced-fat cheese blend or less cheese.
  • Make sure to press firmly on the quesadilla to ensure it holds together while flipping.
  • This quesadilla is versatile; feel free to add other vegetables like corn or black beans for extra texture and flavor.
  • Using pre-cooked chicken helps speed up the process, making this a quick weeknight meal.

Keywords: cheesy chicken quesadilla, salsa chicken, Tex-Mex quesadilla recipe, quick chicken dinner, low calorie quesadilla