Easy Baked Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas: A Perfect Beginner-Friendly Recipe
These Easy Baked Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas are golden, crispy, and loaded with melty cheese and tender, seasoned chicken. Baked instead of fried for less mess and more crunch, they’re the perfect easy meal or snack—just slice, dip, and enjoy! 🌮✨
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 4 cups fiesta blend cheese, shredded
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the quesadillas bake evenly and develop a crisp, golden exterior.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the tortillas from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Using a brush, spread half of the melted butter over the parchment paper. This helps achieve a crisp, golden texture on the bottom of the quesadillas.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sour cream, taco seasoning, and 3 cups of shredded cheese. Mix until the ingredients are evenly coated. The sour cream adds a creamy texture, while the taco seasoning enhances the flavor with a blend of spices.
Step 4: Assemble the Quesadillas
Lay the tortillas flat on the prepared baking sheet. Scoop a portion of the chicken mixture onto one half of each tortilla. Sprinkle extra cheese on top of the filling for an extra cheesy texture.
Fold the tortillas over the filling, pressing them gently to ensure they stay closed.
Step 5: Brush with Butter
Brush the tops of the folded tortillas with the remaining melted butter. This helps them turn golden brown and crispy in the oven.
Step 6: Bake the Quesadillas
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes, then carefully flip each quesadilla using a spatula. Return them to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes or until the tortillas are golden brown and crisp.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the quesadillas are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before cutting them into halves or quarters. Serve them warm with your favorite dips or toppings.
Notes
How to Cook the Chicken
If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, here are a few simple methods:
- Boiling: Place chicken breasts in a pot of water or broth, bring to a boil, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Shred the chicken using two forks.
- Baking: Bake chicken breasts at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, then shred.
- Slow Cooker: Cook chicken in a slow cooker with some broth on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, then shred.
- Rotisserie Chicken: For convenience, use store-bought rotisserie chicken and shred it.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Quesadillas are not crispy enough: Make sure to brush both sides with butter and bake long enough. If necessary, leave them in the oven for an extra 2-3 minutes.
- Cheese is not melting properly: Ensure the cheese is finely shredded for even melting. Also, avoid overfilling the tortillas, as this can prevent heat from distributing evenly.
- Filling is too dry: Add a little more sour cream or a splash of broth if the chicken mixture feels dry.
Efficiency Tips
- Pre-shred the chicken: Cook and shred the chicken in advance to cut down on prep time.
- Use a baking rack: If you want even crispier quesadillas, place them on a wire rack over the baking sheet so air circulates underneath.
- Make-ahead option: Assemble the quesadillas in advance, store them in the refrigerator, and bake when ready.