Easy Chicken Quesadillas for Cinco de Mayo

May 3, 2013

Cinco de Mayo is celebrated on May 5th. The holiday commemorates the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War.  If you are looking for a fun and easy dish to get your family in the mood for Cinco de Mayo, definitely try these Easy Chicken Quesadillas.  This recipe can be made in 30 minutes flat – perfect for the busy family. It’s kid friendly, filling, and definitely delicious.

A quesadilla is a savory Mexican turnover that is generally made in a soft flour tortilla. The mixture can be just about anything including refried beans, cheese, ground beef or shredded chicken.

Easy Chicken Quesadillas

Ingredients

• 2 cups of cooked and shredded chicken breast
• 2/3 cup salsa
• 3/4 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 6 soft tortillas
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 cups Monterey Jack or Colby Jack cheese, shredded
• Sour Cream
• Chives, chopped

Directions

1. Combine the shredded chicken, salsa, cumin, salt, and oregano in a pan.  Cook over low heat until warm, stirring occasionally.
2. Turn the oven to 475F.  Put three tablespoons of butter on a cookie sheet and place it in the oven until it is melted.
3. Remove the cookie sheet with the melted butter from the oven.
4. Take a flour tortilla and place it on the cookie sheet making sure the back is coated with melted butter.
5. Place the shredded chicken mixture on the left half of the tortilla.
6. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack or Colby Jack cheese over the chicken mixture.
7. Fold the right hand side of the flour tortilla to the left forming a half circle.
8. Press down gently so it stays.
9. Continue with each tortilla until they are each filled and folded.
10. Bake in the 475F oven for 5 to 10 minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning.
11. Cut each folded quesadilla in half.
12. Serve with sour cream and top with freshly chopped chives.
13. You can top with extra salsa or quacamole if you like as well.

Enjoy! What are your favorite Mexican food-inspired dishes?

Sharing is caring!