Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something delicious but don't have a lot of time? Then look no further! This canned chicken quesadilla recipe is your answer to quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying homemade cooking. It's a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a truly delicious dish, ideal for busy weeknights or a satisfying lunch. This healthy meal is packed with flavor and protein, making it a fantastic choice for the whole family.
Ingredients:
- 1 (15-ounce) can chicken breast, drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite Mexican blend)
- Optional toppings: salsa, sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Sauté the veggies: Add olive oil to the skillet. Once hot, add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until softened.
Add the chicken and spices: Stir in the drained canned chicken, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Assemble the quesadillas: Lay out four tortillas on a clean surface. Divide the chicken mixture evenly among the tortillas, spreading it over half of each. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
Fold and cook: Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
Cook to perfection: Place the quesadillas in the preheated skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Use a spatula to gently press down on the quesadillas while they cook to ensure even browning and melting cheese.
Serve and enjoy: Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and cut each in half (or into triangles, depending on your preference). Serve immediately with your favorite toppings such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or chopped cilantro. Enjoy this easy and delicious meal!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
- Add some veggies: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like diced tomatoes, mushrooms, or corn.
- Different cheese: Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend for a unique flavor.
- Leftovers: Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
- Make it a meal prep: These quesadillas are perfect for meal prepping. Prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and assemble the quesadillas when you're ready to eat.
Nutritional Information (per quesadilla, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This canned chicken quesadilla recipe is a simple, delicious, and budget-friendly dinner option perfect for busy weeknights. The best recipes are often the simplest, and this one proves it! Enjoy this quick dinner idea and let us know what you think in the comments below.