Dinner

15-Minute Easy Chicken Quesadillas (Cheesy!) Recipe

Bymia larkspur October 26, 2025October 26, 2025

Introduction

These 15-minute easy chicken quesadillas are a quick and cheesy meal perfect for busy days or casual gatherings. Packed with flavorful spices, fresh herbs, and gooey melted cheese, they offer a tasty twist on a classic favorite.

The image shows a white plate with a quesadilla cut into three triangular pieces, stacked partially on top of each other. The top layer is a golden-brown, slightly crispy tortilla with darker toasted spots. Inside, the filling has multiple layers visible: melted white cheese, chunks of light orange chicken mixed with green spinach leaves, and some creamy sauce blending the ingredients. On the side of the plate, there is a fresh salad with dark green lettuce, bright red cherry tomato halves, and some slices of green avocado, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup shredded or chopped chicken (rotisserie or cooked)
2 Tbsp cream cheese
1 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 tsp cumin
1/3 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
1 jalapeno, chopped
1/2 cup chopped arugula
Handful basil leaves or some chopped dill
1/2 cup shredded cheese (such as mozzarella)
2 flour tortillas

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, minced garlic, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, crushed red pepper, and a teaspoon of water until smooth.
Step 2: Add the shredded chicken, chopped jalapeno, arugula, and basil or dill to the mixture and stir to combine.
Step 3: Spread half of the mixture over one half of a flour tortilla, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Repeat with the second tortilla.
Step 4: Fold each tortilla in half, then toast in a non-stick pan lightly coated with olive oil over medium heat until golden brown on one side. Flip and toast the other side until golden and the cheese is melted.
Step 5: Slice each quesadilla into 3-4 pieces and serve warm. Enjoy on its own or with guacamole for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Swap chicken for cooked shrimp or black beans for a different protein option.
Use pepper jack or cheddar cheese for extra flavor and a bit of spice.
If you prefer less heat, remove seeds from the jalapeno before chopping.
Try adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving for a bright finish.
To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and increase the cheese and veggies.

Storage

Store leftover quesadillas wrapped in foil or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to keep them crispy, or use a microwave for convenience, though the tortilla may soften.

How to Serve

A close-up of a stack of four triangular quesadilla pieces with a golden-brown crispy outer tortilla layer, showing gooey melted light orange and white cheese mixed with cooked chicken pieces and green spinach leaves inside each layer. The quesadilla is placed on a wooden board, and in the blurred background, half an avocado is visible. The cheese looks stretchy and soft, and the chicken pieces have a slightly textured, cooked look. The overall colors range from the warm brown of the cooked tortilla to the bright green and creamy orange inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tortillas?

Yes, whole wheat or corn tortillas can be used, but the texture and folding may vary slightly. Corn tortillas tend to be less pliable, so warming them beforehand helps prevent cracking.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute cream cheese and shredded cheese with dairy-free alternatives available in most stores. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor if you want to skip vegan cheese.