Oven Baked Chicken Quesadillas are a delicious and easy meal that everyone will love! These cheesy, crispy quesadillas are packed with flavorful chicken and colorful veggies. They make for a perfect lunch, dinner, or even a snack.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great because it combines simple ingredients, quick preparation, and minimal cleanup. You bake them in the oven, which means you can make several at once without standing by the stove. Plus, they are customizable to fit your taste. You can adjust the spices or add more vegetables to suit your family’s preferences.
How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Quesadillas
Making Oven Baked Chicken Quesadillas is easy! Just follow the steps below, and you’ll have a tasty meal ready to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 400 g / 14 oz chicken (cut into small bite-size pieces – thigh, breast, or tenderloin)
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or substitute with onion powder)
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- 1/2 tsp salt + black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- 1/2 small onion (diced – brown, white, or yellow)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 red capsicum / bell pepper (diced)
- 1 green capsicum / bell pepper (diced)
- 4 flour tortillas (20cm/8”)
- Olive oil spray
- 1 cup grated cheese (or more to taste – tasty, cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack or other melting cheese)
Directions
- Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and mix in cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and pepper to coat the chicken evenly.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the diced red and green capsicum, and cook for 2 more minutes until they start to soften. Transfer this mixture into the bowl with the chicken.
- Return the skillet to the stove and add the marinated chicken. Cook until browned. Add this to the same bowl and let it cool. For faster cooling, cover and refrigerate or spread it out on a plate.
- Preheat your oven to 220C / 430F (standard) or 200C/390F (fan/convection).
- Lightly spray a baking tray with olive oil. Heat this tray in the oven while you assemble your quesadillas.
- Divide the chicken and vegetable filling between the tortillas, covering half of each. Top with whichever grated cheese you prefer. Fold the tortillas in half and press down gently.
- Carefully remove the baking tray from the oven. Place the folded quesadillas on the tray (you should hear a soft sizzle).
- Bake for 8 minutes. Then turn the quesadillas over (flipping on the folded edge) and press down with a spatula. Bake for another 8 minutes or until the surface is crispy.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately!
How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Quesadillas
You can serve these quesadillas hot with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa on the side. A fresh salad or some chopped cilantro can also add a nice touch.
How to Store Oven Baked Chicken Quesadillas
If you have leftovers, let them cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake them in the oven again until warm.
Tips to Make Oven Baked Chicken Quesadillas
- Make sure to let the filling cool before assembling. This helps the tortillas stay crispy.
- Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or cheeses based on what you like.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking tray to ensure even cooking.
Variation
You can easily turn this recipe into a vegetarian option by using black beans and a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini instead of chicken.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cutting and cooking.
Q: What kind of cheese is best for quesadillas?
A: Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or Monterey Jack are excellent choices because they melt well and add great flavor.
Q: Can I make these quesadillas in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the quesadillas when you’re ready to bake them.
Oven Baked Chicken Quesadillas
Ingredients
For the filling
- 400 g 400 g chicken (cut into small bite-size pieces) Thigh, breast, or tenderloin can be used.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp 1 tsp garlic powder Or substitute with onion powder.
- ½ tsp 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper Adjust to taste.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp paprika powder
- ½ tsp 1/2 tsp salt Plus black pepper to taste.
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp olive oil For cooking.
- ½ small 1/2 small onion (diced) Brown, white, or yellow.
- 1 clove 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 red capsicum 1 red capsicum / bell pepper (diced)
- 1 green capsicum 1 green capsicum / bell pepper (diced)
- 4 pieces 4 flour tortillas (20cm/8”)
- 1 spray Olive oil spray
- 1 cup 1 cup grated cheese Add more to taste; options include tasty, cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or other melting cheese.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and mix in cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and pepper to coat the chicken evenly.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the diced red and green capsicum, and cook for 2 more minutes until they start to soften. Transfer this mixture into the bowl with the chicken.
- Return the skillet to the stove and add the marinated chicken. Cook until browned. Add this to the same bowl and let it cool. For faster cooling, cover and refrigerate or spread it out on a plate.
- Preheat your oven to 220C / 430F (standard) or 200C/390F (fan/convection).
Assembly and Baking
- Lightly spray a baking tray with olive oil. Heat this tray in the oven while you assemble your quesadillas.
- Divide the chicken and vegetable filling between the tortillas, covering half of each. Top with whichever grated cheese you prefer.
- Fold the tortillas in half and press down gently.
- Carefully remove the baking tray from the oven. Place the folded quesadillas on the tray (you should hear a soft sizzle).
- Bake for 8 minutes. Then turn the quesadillas over (flipping on the folded edge) and press down with a spatula. Bake for another 8 minutes or until the surface is crispy.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately!
