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Crispy Loaded Chicken Pepper Jack Quesadillas

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A quick and easy snack featuring crispy tortillas loaded with seasoned shredded chicken, spicy pepper jack cheese, and fresh veggies. Perfect for casual gatherings or a flavorful midweek treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works wonders)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell peppers
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Butter or cooking spray (for crisping the tortillas)
  • Optional extras: jalapeño slices, sour cream, guacamole, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat evenly. (About 5 minutes)
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced red bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened but still crisp. Stir in seasoned chicken and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Lay one flour tortilla flat. Sprinkle 3/4 cup shredded pepper jack cheese evenly over half the tortilla. Add half the chicken and pepper mixture on top, then sprinkle with green onions and cilantro. Fold tortilla over to cover filling.
  4. Heat butter or cooking spray in skillet over medium-low heat. Place folded quesadilla in pan and cook 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and cheese is melted. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  5. Repeat assembly and cooking for second quesadilla.
  6. Let quesadillas rest for a minute before slicing into wedges. Serve warm with sour cream, guacamole, and lime wedges. Add jalapeño slices inside or on top for extra heat if desired.

Notes

Use medium-low heat to get a crispy tortilla without burning and to allow cheese to melt fully. Cover skillet with a lid if cheese melts slowly. For gluten-free, swap flour tortillas for corn or gluten-free tortillas. For dairy-free, use plant-based pepper jack alternatives. To keep quesadillas warm, place on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven. Avoid microwaving leftovers to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy quesadilla, chicken quesadilla, pepper jack cheese, easy snack, loaded quesadilla, spicy snack, quick recipe

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/crispy-loaded-chicken-pepper-jack-quesadillas-easy-recipe-for-perfect-snacks/