Quick Chicken & Cheese Quesadilla

Ingredients

• 4 large tortillas (20–25 cm / 8–10 in)
• 300 g cooked, shredded chicken (about 2 cups)
• 200 g shredded mozzarella (about 2 cups)
• 3 tablespoons creamy cheese spread (requeijão) or cream cheese
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for browning)
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for finishing)

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion in the olive oil until translucent; add the garlic and cook 30 seconds.
2. Add the shredded chicken, season with salt and black pepper, and heat 2–3 minutes, stirring to combine; remove from heat.
3. Spread 1/2 tablespoon of the creamy cheese spread over half of each tortilla and sprinkle a portion of shredded mozzarella on top.
4. Place a layer of the warmed chicken over the cheese and finish with a little more mozzarella; fold the tortilla in half to form a half-moon.
5. Heat another skillet over medium-low with half the butter (or lightly grease the pan) and cook the quesadilla until golden, 2–3 minutes per side, pressing with a spatula to seal and help the cheese melt.
6. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, adding more butter if needed; if you prefer, cover the skillet for 1 minute to ensure the cheese fully melts.
7. Remove the quesadillas, let rest 1 minute, cut into 2 or 4 pieces and serve sprinkled with parsley and accompanied by the remaining creamy cheese spread.

Tips

• Use cold shredded chicken to make assembly easier and to prevent the tortilla from getting soggy.
• For an extra-crispy crust, brown in butter; for a lighter version, toast in a nonstick pan without butter.
• If you want the cheese to melt faster, cover the skillet for a few seconds while cooking.

Variations

• Add 1/2 cup cooked corn and diced bell pepper for more texture.
• Swap the mozzarella for 100 g (about 3.5 oz) of mild yellow cheese (like young cheddar) or mix with 50 g grated Parmesan for a bolder flavor.
• Make mini quesadillas using small tortillas as a party snack or appetizer.

FAQ