Baked Chicken Quesadillas

Baked Chicken Quesadillas are a crispy, cheesy, and satisfying meal that comes together with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or a hearty lunch, these quesadillas are loaded with seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and your favorite fillings—all baked to golden perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baking quesadillas in the oven means no flipping, less mess, and multiple servings made at once. This method gives you a perfectly crisp tortilla on the outside with gooey melted cheese and savory chicken on the inside. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken, and you can easily scale the recipe to feed a crowd.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• Flour tortillas
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• Olive oil or melted butter
• Taco seasoning or a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
• Diced onions (optional)
• Bell peppers (optional)
• Fresh cilantro (optional)
• Sour cream, salsa, or guacamole (for serving)

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a bowl, toss the cooked chicken with taco seasoning. Add onions and bell peppers if using.
3. Lay tortillas flat and sprinkle one half of each with shredded cheese, seasoned chicken mixture, and additional toppings. Top with more cheese.
4. Fold the tortillas in half to create a half-moon shape.
5. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil or melted butter.
6. Place quesadillas on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes. Flip and bake another 5–6 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
7. Slice into wedges and serve with your favorite dips.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4 (makes 4 full quesadillas)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
• Veggie-loaded: Include sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
• BBQ twist: Use BBQ sauce instead of taco seasoning for a smoky-sweet flavor.
• Breakfast quesadilla: Add scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage or bacon.
• Low-carb: Use low-carb tortillas or bake the filling in lettuce wraps.

storage/reheating

Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in a skillet to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tortillas soggy. Quesadillas can also be frozen—wrap tightly in foil and reheat straight from frozen.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe.

What cheese is best for quesadillas?

Cheeses that melt well, like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend, are ideal.

Do I have to flip the quesadillas while baking?

Flipping helps both sides get evenly crisp, but you can skip it if you don’t mind one side being softer.

Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble them and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

What’s the best dipping sauce for these?

Sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or a chipotle mayo all pair wonderfully.

Can I add beans to the filling?

Absolutely—black beans or refried beans add extra protein and texture.

How do I prevent the quesadillas from getting soggy?

Avoid overfilling and make sure the ingredients are not too wet. Baking also helps maintain crispiness.

Can I use corn tortillas?

Yes, but they are smaller and may tear more easily. Slightly warm them before assembling.

What’s a good side dish for chicken quesadillas?

Mexican rice, refried beans, corn salad, or a simple green salad work well.

Are baked quesadillas healthier than pan-fried?

Yes, baking uses less oil and results in less grease while still giving you a crispy texture.

Conclusion

Baked Chicken Quesadillas are an easy, delicious solution for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With crisp tortillas, cheesy filling, and endless customization options, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite. Serve with your favorite dips and sides for a complete, satisfying meal everyone will love.

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