Chicken Fajita Quesadillas combine the bold, sizzling flavors of classic fajitas with the cheesy, crispy comfort of a quesadilla. Packed with seasoned chicken, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and melted cheese between golden tortillas, this dish is an irresistible favorite for any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a perfect fusion of two beloved Tex-Mex dishes—fajitas and quesadillas. It’s easy to prepare, ready in under 30 minutes, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home. Great for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or casual entertaining, these quesadillas are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, sliced
- Olive oil
- Red, green, and yellow bell peppers, sliced
- Onion, sliced
- Garlic powder
- Chili powder
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Salt and pepper
- Flour tortillas
- Shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese
- Butter or additional olive oil for cooking
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken slices and season with garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the bell peppers and onions until tender and slightly charred, about 5–7 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to combine with the vegetables.
- Heat a clean skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil.
- Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle one half with cheese, add the chicken fajita mixture, and top with more cheese. Fold the tortilla over.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Repeat with remaining ingredients, slice into wedges, and serve.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 and takes approximately 25–30 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
- Low-Carb: Use low-carb or whole wheat tortillas.
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with mushrooms, tofu, or black beans.
- Different Cheeses: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for a crisp texture or in the microwave for convenience. Avoid freezing assembled quesadillas, but the filling can be frozen separately for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works well. Just reheat it with the spices.
What tortillas are best for quesadillas?
Flour tortillas are preferred for their flexibility and crispness when cooked.
How do I keep quesadillas crispy?
Cook them in a lightly oiled skillet and avoid overfilling with wet ingredients.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the filling in advance and assemble just before cooking for the best results.
What sides go well with chicken fajita quesadillas?
Serve with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a side salad.
Can I bake quesadillas instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What type of cheese melts best?
Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack are all excellent options for melting.
Can I add rice or beans to the filling?
Yes, black beans, pinto beans, or a small amount of rice can be added.
Are these freezer-friendly?
Assembled quesadillas don’t freeze well, but the chicken and veggie filling can be frozen.
How do I prevent the filling from falling out?
Use a modest amount of filling and press down gently with a spatula while cooking.
Conclusion
Chicken Fajita Quesadillas are the ultimate fusion of flavor and convenience. With tender, spiced chicken, vibrant vegetables, and gooey cheese encased in a crispy tortilla, this dish offers a satisfying meal any time of day. Whether served with your favorite dips or enjoyed on their own, they’re sure to become a regular favorite.
PrintChicken Fajita Quesadillas
This honey garlic chicken dish offers a simple, nourishing, and delicious meal in just 30 minutes, with plenty of flexibility for customization.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 500g boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into pieces
- 2 tbsp oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1/4 cup water (for slurry, if using cornstarch)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Chopped green onions or sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked.
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
- Pour sauce over cooked chicken and simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- If a thicker sauce is desired, stir cornstarch with water to make a slurry and add to the skillet. Simmer until thickened.
- Serve hot over rice and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Use cauliflower rice or noodles as a low-carb side alternative.
- Cook sauce and chicken ahead for easier weeknight meals.
- Portion into containers for convenient meal prep.
- The sauce thickens best when simmered or with added slurry.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (without rice)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg