Ingredients:

For the Quesadillas:

• 6 large flour tortillas
• 1 lb (450g) chicken (ground, shredded, or finely chopped)
• 1/2 cup tomato purée
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, minced (or to taste)
• 3 tbsp pickled jalapeños, chopped
• 1 tbsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
• Olive oil (as needed for cooking)
• 2 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped
• 3 cups (300g) grated cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, pepper jack, Oaxaca, or queso quesadilla)

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Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
   • Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until soft and translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Add the chicken (ground, shredded, or finely chopped) to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, for about 6-8 minutes or until fully cooked through and no longer pink.
3. Season the Chicken:
   • Stir in the tomato purée, pickled jalapeños, paprika, cumin powder, oregano, and salt. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
   • Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken evenly.
   • Once the chicken is fully cooked and the seasoning is well incorporated, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro.

Step 2: Assemble the Quesadillas

1. Grate the Cheese:
   • Grate your choice of cheese. You can use a combination of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, pepper jack, or Oaxaca for a melty and flavorful result.
2. Assemble the Quesadillas:
   • Lay one flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous portion of the cooked chicken mixture evenly over half of the tortilla.
   • Sprinkle about 1/2 cup of grated cheese (or more if you like it extra cheesy) over the chicken filling.
   • Fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently to seal it.
   • Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and chicken mixture.

Step 3: Cook the Quesadillas

1. Heat the Skillet:
   • Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and drizzle a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Quesadillas:
   • Place the assembled quesadilla in the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is fully melted.
   • Be careful not to overfill the quesadillas, as this can make flipping difficult.
3. Repeat:
   • Repeat the process for the remaining quesadillas, adding more olive oil to the skillet as needed.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

1. Slice the Quesadillas:
   • Once cooked, transfer the quesadillas to a cutting board and allow them to cool slightly. Slice them into wedges using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
2. Serve Hot:
   • Serve the quesadillas hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or a side of fresh salad.

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Cooking Tips:

• Customize the Filling: Feel free to customize the quesadilla filling by adding other ingredients like sautéed bell peppers, onions, corn, or black beans for added flavor and texture.
• Cheese Choices: The cheese you choose will affect the flavor and meltability of the quesadillas. Cheddar and Monterey Jack provide a sharp, melty texture, while Oaxaca and queso quesadilla add a milder, more traditional flavor.
• Even Cooking: For even cooking, make sure to press down on the quesadilla with a spatula while it’s in the skillet. This ensures that the filling heats evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
• Keep Warm: If making a large batch, keep cooked quesadillas warm by placing them in a 200°F (95°C) oven until all the quesadillas are ready to serve.

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Storage:

• Refrigeration: Leftover quesadillas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the quesadilla in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the tortilla is crispy and the filling is heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in a microwave, though the tortilla may not be as crispy if microwaved.
• Freezing: To freeze quesadillas, assemble and cook them as directed. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each quesadilla tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a skillet or oven until warmed through.

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Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 900mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 27g

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Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with ground beef, turkey, or pork. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.

2. Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble and cook the quesadillas when you’re ready to serve.

3. What dipping sauces go well with quesadillas?
Quesadillas pair well with a variety of dipping sauces such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or even hot sauce for a spicy kick.

4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or black beans.

5. How can I make the quesadillas extra crispy?
To make the quesadillas extra crispy, lightly brush the tortillas with olive oil or melted butter before cooking. Cooking them on medium heat ensures the tortilla becomes golden and crispy without burning.

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Conclusion:

Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas are a perfect blend of savory chicken, melted cheese, and delicious spices, making them a hit for any occasion. Whether served as a meal, snack, or party appetizer, these quesadillas offer the ideal balance of flavors and textures. With the option to customize the fillings and cheeses, you can tailor the recipe to suit your preferences. Easy to prepare, store, and reheat, these quesadillas are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy them hot with your favorite dipping sauces for a truly satisfying meal!