How to Make Ree's Easy Chicken Quesadillas

How to Make Ree's Easy Chicken Quesadillas is a easy Tex-Mex recipe that serves 4. 720 calories per serving. Recipe by Food Network on YouTube.

Prep: 18 min | Cook: 24 min | Total: 52 min

Cost: $14.67 total, $3.67 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (about 1.5 pounds, trimmed)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for sautéing)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher or table salt)
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning Packet (store‑bought, about 1 oz)
  • 1 medium Onion (sliced for sauté, plus ¼ cup diced for pico)
  • 1 piece Red Bell Pepper (sliced)
  • 1 piece Yellow Bell Pepper (sliced)
  • 1 piece Green Bell Pepper (sliced)
  • 4 large Flour Tortillas (10‑inch, flexible)
  • 2 cups Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese (or cheddar/mozzarella blend)
  • 1 tablespoon Butter (softened, for pan)
  • 1 cup Tomatoes (diced for pico)
  • ¼ cup Cilantro (chopped for pico)
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 small Jalapeño (seeded and diced for pico (optional heat))
  • to taste Salt (for pico) (season pico de gallo)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Pan and Add Oil

    Place a large skillet over high heat and drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil, letting it heat until shimmering.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: high

  2. Season the Chicken

    Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season both sides with 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and the contents of one taco seasoning packet. Rub the seasoning into the meat.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Cook the Chicken

    Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet. Cook 3‑4 minutes per side, or until the interior reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior is nicely browned.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: high

  4. Rest and Chop Chicken

    Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board, let rest 2 minutes, then dice into bite‑size pieces.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Slice Vegetables

    Thinly slice the onion and the red, yellow, and green bell peppers. Set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Sauté Vegetables

    Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet, lower heat to medium‑high, and sauté the onion and bell peppers until softened and lightly charred, about 4 minutes.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: medium-high

  7. Combine Chicken and Veggies

    Return the diced chicken to the skillet, stir to combine, and cook an additional 2 minutes to re‑heat.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium-high

  8. Prepare Pico de Gallo

    In a mixing bowl combine ¼ cup diced onion, 1 cup diced tomato, ¼ cup chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, diced jalapeño (if using), and salt to taste. Toss gently.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Butter the Pan for Quesadillas

    Wipe the skillet clean, add 1 tbsp butter, and set heat to medium‑low. Allow butter to melt and coat the surface.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium-low

  10. Assemble First Quesadilla

    Place one tortilla in the pan. Sprinkle ½ cup shredded cheese, a generous layer of chicken‑vegetable mixture, then another ½ cup cheese, and top with a second tortilla.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium-low

  11. Cook First Side

    Cook until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt, about 3 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium-low

  12. Flip and Finish

    Carefully flip the quesadilla with a spatula or tongs. Cook the other side another 3 minutes until golden and the cheese is fully melted.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium-low

  13. Repeat for Second Quesadilla

    Wipe the pan, add a little more butter if needed, and repeat steps 10‑12 for the remaining tortillas and filling.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: medium-low

  14. Serve

    Slice each quesadilla into wedges, plate, and serve with the fresh pico de gallo on the side.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
720
Protein
38 g
Carbohydrates
55 g
Fat
38 g
Fiber
6 g

Dietary info: High protein, Can be made gluten‑free with corn tortillas, Can be made dairy‑free with vegan cheese

Allergens: Chicken, Dairy, Gluten, Soy

Last updated: April 20, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

How to Make Ree's Easy Chicken Quesadillas

Recipe by Food Network

A fast, family‑friendly Tex‑Mex style chicken quesadilla packed with seasoned chicken, colorful bell peppers, and melty cheese, served with a fresh pico de gallo. Ready in about 16 minutes of active cooking, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.

EasyTex-MexServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
28m
Prep
23m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 1m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$14.67
Total cost
$3.67
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cooking chicken to 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety
  • Searing the chicken until well‑browned for flavor
  • Ensuring cheese melts before flipping the quesadilla
  • Flipping the quesadilla without breaking the tortilla

Safety Warnings

  • Always wash hands and sanitize surfaces after handling raw chicken
  • Hot oil can cause burns – use a splatter guard if needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of chicken quesadillas in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

Quesadillas originated in Mexico as simple corn‑tortilla snacks filled with cheese. In Tex‑Mex culture they evolved to include flour tortillas, a variety of proteins like chicken, and colorful bell peppers, becoming a staple fast‑food and home‑cooking favorite.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of quesadillas in Mexican and Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

In central Mexico, quesadillas are often made with corn tortillas and just cheese, sometimes with huitlacoche or squash blossoms. In Texas, flour tortillas, shredded cheese blends, and fillings such as chicken, beef, or vegetables are common, reflecting American ingredient availability.

cultural
Q

How is chicken quesadilla traditionally served in Tex‑Mex households?

A

It is typically cut into wedges and served hot with sides like pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. Families often enjoy it as a quick dinner or snack after sports or gatherings.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations feature chicken quesadillas in Tex‑Mex culture?

A

Chicken quesadillas are popular for casual gatherings, game nights, football tailgates, and family meals because they are quick to assemble and can be customized for each guest’s taste.

cultural
Q

What makes chicken quesadilla special in Tex‑Mex cuisine compared to other quesadilla types?

A

The addition of seasoned chicken and colorful bell peppers adds protein and vibrant flavor, while the use of taco seasoning gives a distinct, mildly spicy profile that sets it apart from plain cheese quesadillas.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chicken quesadillas?

A

Overcooking the chicken, using too much filling that prevents the tortilla from crisping, and flipping before the cheese fully melts are typical errors. Follow the timing steps and keep the heat medium‑low for the final cooking stage.

technical
Q

Why does this chicken quesadilla recipe use butter in the pan instead of just oil?

A

Butter adds a rich, nutty flavor and helps the tortilla develop a golden, slightly crisp edge that plain oil alone doesn’t achieve, especially at medium‑low heat.

technical
Q

Can I make chicken quesadillas ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. Cook and dice the chicken, sauté the vegetables, and prepare the pico de gallo up to two days ahead. Store each component in airtight containers in the refrigerator and assemble the quesadillas just before reheating in a skillet or oven.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Food Network specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Food Network showcases a wide range of cooking shows, chef demonstrations, and quick‑recipe videos covering diverse cuisines, from classic American comfort foods to international dishes, aimed at home cooks of all skill levels.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Food Network's approach to Tex‑Mex cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Food Network often emphasizes accessible, restaurant‑quality recipes with clear visual steps and professional chef insights, while also providing variations for dietary needs, setting it apart from hobbyist channels that may focus on a single home‑cook’s style.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Three Easy One-Pan Chicken Dinners
37

Three Easy One-Pan Chicken Dinners

This recipe collection features three simple, budget-friendly one-pan chicken dinners: Parmesan Garlic Lemon Chicken with Potatoes and Green Beans, Spicy Soy Noodles with Chicken, and Crispy Chicken Thighs with Rice. Each dish is designed for minimal prep, maximum flavor, and easy cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

2 hrs 15 minServes 4$27
American with Asian influence
Sticky Spiced Chicken Wings with Thai Green Curry Rice and Peanut‑Dressed Green Beans
104

Sticky Spiced Chicken Wings with Thai Green Curry Rice and Peanut‑Dressed Green Beans

A vibrant Southeast Asian‑inspired dinner featuring sweet‑tangy sticky chicken wings, fragrant jasmine rice tossed in homemade Thai green curry paste, and crisp‑green beans coated in a crunchy peanut‑chili dressing. Perfect for a family meal or entertaining guests.

2 hrs 12 minServes 4$87
Thai
Spatchcock Chicken with Green Goddess Sauce
45

Spatchcock Chicken with Green Goddess Sauce

A fast, flavorful whole chicken flattened and grilled in just 10 minutes, served with a vibrant avocado‑based Green Goddess sauce, crunchy homemade croutons, and a simple lemon‑dressed salad. Perfect for a quick dinner that feels restaurant‑quality.

38 minServes 4$15
British
Green Chicken Salsa Verde (Mexican‑Style Chicken Thighs)
45

Green Chicken Salsa Verde (Mexican‑Style Chicken Thighs)

Bone‑in, skin‑on chicken thighs are seared until the skin is crispy, then simmered in a bright, herbaceous salsa verde made from tomatillos, jalapeño, onion, garlic, mint and cilantro. The chicken is shredded, bones removed, and the mixture frozen in silicone “Lego” cubes for quick, nutritious Mexican‑flavored meals.

1 hr 17 minServes 4$7
Mexican
Jeff Mauro's Greek Lemon Chicken and Orzo Casserole
239

Jeff Mauro's Greek Lemon Chicken and Orzo Casserole

A bright, lemon‑infused Greek‑style casserole that captures the flavor of avgolemono soup without the eggs. Tender chicken, buttery orzo, and a silky lemon‑chicken stock sauce bake together for a comforting family dinner.

60 minServes 4$9
Greek
Ree Drummond's Lemon-Thyme Sheet Pan Chicken and Potatoes
41

Ree Drummond's Lemon-Thyme Sheet Pan Chicken and Potatoes

A simple, flavorful one‑pan dinner featuring bone‑in, skin‑on chicken thighs roasted with red potatoes, red onion, and a bright lemon‑thyme marinade. The dish finishes with roasted lemon wedges and fresh thyme for a fresh, aromatic finish.

1 hr 25 minServes 4$9
American