How to Make Easy Pesto Chicken Quesadillas

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal, look no further than these Easy Pesto Chicken Quesadillas. These quesadillas are packed with flavor and can be made in just a few simple steps.

To make these quesadillas, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken breast
• Pesto sauce
• Shredded cheese
• Tortillas

To start, cook the chicken breast until it’s fully cooked. Once cooked, shred the chicken and set it aside. Next, spread a layer of pesto sauce onto a tortilla. Add the shredded chicken on top of the pesto sauce. Then, sprinkle some shredded cheese over the chicken.

Place another tortilla on top to form a sandwich. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the quesadilla until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy. Flip the quesadilla halfway through to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, remove from the heat and let it cool slightly before slicing into wedges. Serve with your favorite salsa or sour cream, and enjoy!

Ingredients

1. Chicken breast:

Start with boneless, skinless chicken breast. You will need about 2 cups of cooked and shredded chicken for this recipe.

2. Pesto sauce:

Pesto sauce adds a burst of flavor to these quesadillas. You can either use store-bought pesto or make your own using fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

3. Flour tortillas:

Flour tortillas are the base for these quesadillas. Use medium-sized tortillas that will fit nicely in a skillet or griddle.

4. Mozzarella cheese:

Mozzarella cheese brings creaminess to the quesadillas and helps hold them together. Shred some fresh mozzarella or use pre-shredded mozzarella for convenience.

5. Tomato:

Adding fresh tomato slices to the quesadillas gives a refreshing and juicy element to the dish. Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.

6. Fresh basil leaves:

Fresh basil leaves are used as a garnish for the quesadillas. They add a hint of freshness and a pop of color to the dish.

7. Olive oil:

Olive oil is used for cooking the quesadillas. It adds flavor and helps crisp up the tortillas.

With these simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal. Gather them all and get ready to make some delicious Easy Pesto Chicken Quesadillas!

Preparation

The preparation for Easy Pesto Chicken Quesadillas begins with gathering all the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you will need chicken breast, pesto sauce, tortillas, cheese, and any additional toppings you desire. Make sure to have all the ingredients measured and prepared before starting the cooking process.

Once the ingredients are ready, the next step is to cook the chicken. You can either grill, bake, or pan-fry the chicken breast until it is fully cooked and tender. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips. This will ensure that the chicken remains juicy and easy to incorporate into the quesadillas.

Now it’s time to assemble the quesadillas. Take a tortilla and spread a layer of pesto sauce on one side. Place a handful of sliced chicken on top of the pesto sauce, ensuring an even distribution. Sprinkle a generous amount of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, over the chicken. Adding some optional toppings like sliced tomatoes, onions, or bell peppers can enhance the flavor and texture of the quesadillas.

To seal the quesadilla, fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently to ensure the fillings stick together. If desired, you can brush the outer side of the tortilla with olive oil or melted butter to achieve a crispy exterior. Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas and fillings.

Next, heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the assembled quesadillas onto the hot surface and cook for a few minutes on each side until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on the quesadillas to prevent them from burning, adjusting the heat if necessary.

Once the quesadillas are cooked to perfection, transfer them to a cutting board and let them cool for a minute. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice them into wedges or halves. Serve the Easy Pesto Chicken Quesadillas warm, either as a main dish or as a delightful appetizer for a gathering with friends and family.

Cooking Instructions

To make Easy Pesto Chicken Quesadillas, follow the step-by-step instructions below:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of pesto sauce and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix well and set aside.
3. Place 4 tortillas on a baking sheet. Spread the pesto mixture evenly onto each tortilla.
4. Evenly distribute 1 cup of cooked chicken and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese onto two of the tortillas.
5. Place the remaining two tortillas on top of the chicken and cheese-filled tortillas to create the quesadillas.
6. Press down gently to seal the tortillas together.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
9. Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve hot.

These Easy Pesto Chicken Quesadillas are perfect for a quick and tasty weeknight meal. The combination of pesto, chicken, and melted cheese creates a flavorful and satisfying dish. Serve them as a main course with a side salad or as a tasty appetizer for a party or gathering.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Salad: Pair your quesadillas with a fresh side salad for a lighter meal. A simple green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing would complement the flavors of the pesto chicken perfectly.
• Salsa and Guacamole: Add a Mexican flair to your meal by serving the quesadillas with homemade salsa and guacamole. The tangy and spicy flavors of the salsa will contrast nicely with the creamy and smooth guacamole.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: Create a complete meal by serving the quesadillas with a side of cilantro lime rice. The zesty flavors of the rice will pair well with the pesto chicken, adding a refreshing element to your dish.

For a more substantial meal, you can also serve the Easy Pesto Chicken Quesadillas with some additional toppings and accompaniments. Here are some ideas:

1. Sour Cream: Spoon some sour cream onto the quesadillas before serving. The cool and creamy texture of the sour cream will balance out the bold flavors of the pesto chicken.
2. Sliced Avocado: Top your quesadillas with slices of ripe avocado. The creamy and buttery texture of the avocado will add richness to each bite.
3. Jalapeños: If you like a bit of heat, add some sliced jalapeños to your quesadillas. The spicy kick of the jalapeños will elevate the flavors and give your dish an extra punch.