Name: Chicken Avocado Quesadillas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced); 1 –2 ripe avocados (sliced or mashed); 1½ –2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend); 8 flour tortillas (8-inch); 2 –3 tablespoons olive oil or butter; Optional: diced tomatoes (sliced green onions, cilantro, lime juice); Optional sauces: sour cream (salsa, or hot sauce); Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Warm, cheesy quesadillas bursting with tender chicken and creamy avocado make for a satisfyingly quick meal any time of day. The rich melted cheese perfectly balances the fresh avocado’s smoothness, creating a flavor-packed, comforting wrap that’s hard to resist.

Whether you’re craving a simple lunch, a cozy dinner, or a hearty snack, these quesadillas deliver irresistibly with minimal effort—ready in just minutes and adaptable with your favorite add-ins and dips.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously combines creamy avocado with savory chicken for a unique twist.
Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
Customizable with cheese types and optional extras like lime and cilantro.
Serves well as a snack, lunch, or dinner.

Ingredients

Cooked Chicken (2 cups): Use shredded or diced chicken for tender, protein-packed quesadilla filling.
Ripe Avocados (1–2): Creamy, sliced or mashed avocados add a fresh and buttery texture.
Shredded Cheese (1½–2 cups): Cheddar, Monterey Jack or Mexican blend for gooey, flavorful melting.
Flour Tortillas (8-inch, 8 pieces): Soft, pliable tortillas serve as the perfect wrap for fillings.
Olive Oil or Butter (2–3 tbsp): Used for pan-frying to achieve golden, crispy quesadilla exteriors.
Diced Tomatoes (optional): Adds juicy bursts and a touch of acidity to brighten flavors.
Sliced Green Onions (optional): Offers mild sharpness and fresh crunch.
Cilantro (optional): Fresh herb with vibrant citrus notes, enhancing Mexican flavors.
Lime Juice (optional): Adds tangy brightness, balancing richness of avocado and cheese.
Sour Cream (optional): Creamy dipping sauce that complements the savory quesadilla.
Salsa (optional): Provides zesty and spicy contrast to the milder filling.
Hot Sauce (optional): For those who prefer a spicy kick to their quesadillas.

Instructions

Prep the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked shredded or diced chicken with sliced or mashed avocado. If desired, mix in lime juice and chopped cilantro for added freshness. Season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
Assemble the Quesadillas: Lay one flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over half of the tortilla to help bind the ingredients as it melts. Add a portion of the chicken and avocado mixture on top, then sprinkle a bit more cheese before folding the tortilla in half to encase the filling securely.
Heat the Skillet: Warm a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil or butter. This fat ensures the quesadilla crisps up nicely without sticking and adds a golden-brown finish.
Cook First Side: Place the folded quesadilla in the hot skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until you see the bottom side turn golden and the cheese inside starts to melt, softening the tortilla and binding the fillings.
Flip and Cook Second Side: Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula, cooking the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes until it is golden and crispy and the cheese is fully melted for that perfect stretchy texture.
Repeat with Remaining Tortillas: Continue assembling and cooking the rest of the quesadillas, maintaining the same procedure to ensure even cooking and delicious results.
Serve Warm: Cut each quesadilla into wedges with a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Serve immediately while warm with side dips like sour cream, salsa, or your preferred hot sauce for an extra flavor boost.

You Must Know

Choosing a cheese blend maximizes melting and flavor complexity.
Use ripe avocados for optimal creaminess and natural sweetness.
Adjust cooking heat to avoid burning the tortillas before cheese melts.
For extra flavor, consider adding black beans, corn, or sliced jalapeños.

Storage Tips

Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain crispiness and warm evenly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve quesadillas with a fresh green salad or a side of Mexican rice for a complete meal. Pair with guacamole and a bright salsa verde for authentic Mexican flair.

Professional Tips

Press down gently on the quesadilla in the skillet to achieve uniform crispness.
If using mashed avocado, add lime juice to prevent browning and maintain vibrant color.
Use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar for melty texture and bold flavor.
Prepare fillings ahead to speed up assembly, especially helpful for busy weeknights.

FAQs

Can I use leftover cooked chicken?: Yes! Leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken works great and enhances the flavor of these quesadillas.
What type of avocado is best?: Choose ripe Hass avocados that yield slightly when pressed for the perfect creamy texture.
Can I make these quesadillas gluten-free?: Absolutely, use gluten-free tortillas to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
How do I prevent the quesadillas from getting soggy?: Use just enough filling to avoid overstuffing and ensure the skillet is properly heated for a crisp exterior.
Can I freeze prepared quesadillas?: Yes, flash freeze them on a baking sheet before storing in freezer bags. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven for best texture.