SIMPLE and EASY Chicken Cheese Quesadilla 🌮

SIMPLE and EASY Chicken Cheese Quesadilla 🌮 is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 2. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Abi Marquez on YouTube.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 15 min

Cost: $7.90 total, $3.95 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pieces Flour Tortilla (large, 10‑inch flour tortillas)
  • 0.5 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
  • 0.5 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
  • 0.5 cup CDO Chicken Flakes (drained; pre‑cooked chicken flakes in broth)
  • 0.5 piece Red Bell Pepper (diced)
  • 0.5 piece Green Bell Pepper (diced)
  • 1 tablespoon Butter (unsalted, softened)
  • 1 teaspoon Vegetable Oil (for cooking chicken flakes)
  • 2 tablespoons Salsa (for serving)
  • 2 tablespoons Sour Cream (for serving)
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Dice Bell Peppers

    Dice the red and green bell peppers into small, uniform cubes.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Grate Cheese

    Grate the mozzarella and cheddar together using a fine grater.

    Time: PT1M

  3. Drain Chicken Flakes

    Place the CDO chicken flakes in a fine mesh sieve and let excess broth drain completely.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Heat Pan and Warm Chicken

    Heat the skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, add the oil, then stir in the drained chicken flakes and heat for 1‑2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

  5. Assemble Quesadilla

    Lay one tortilla in the pan, sprinkle half the cheese, add the warmed chicken flakes, sprinkle the diced peppers, top with the remaining cheese, and fold the tortilla over.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Cook Quesadilla

    Cook for about 2 minutes until the bottom is golden brown, then flip and cook another 2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the tortilla is crisp.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: medium heat

  7. Slice and Serve

    Transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board, let rest 30 seconds, cut into three wedges, and serve with salsa, sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
20 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: High protein, Contains gluten, Contains dairy

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Soy

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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SIMPLE and EASY Chicken Cheese Quesadilla 🌮

Recipe by Abi Marquez

A super‑quick, five‑minute quesadilla packed with melty mozzarella‑cheddar blend, pre‑cooked CDO chicken flakes, and colorful bell peppers. Perfect for a snack or light meal, served with salsa, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.

EasyMexicanServes 2

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

Source Video
8m
Prep
4m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
22m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.90
Total cost
$3.95
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Heat Pan and Warm Chicken
  • Assemble Quesadilla
  • Cook Quesadilla

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot skillet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Be careful when cutting the tortilla; the knife is sharp.
  • Hot cheese can cause scalds; allow a brief rest before slicing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of quesadillas in Mexican cuisine?

A

Quesadillas originated in central Mexico as a simple street‑food snack, traditionally made with corn tortillas and melted cheese. Over time they evolved to include a variety of fillings like meats, vegetables, and beans, reflecting regional tastes.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of quesadillas across Mexico?

A

In Oaxaca, quesadillas are often made with corn tortillas and filled with Oaxacan cheese (quesillo). In the north, flour tortillas and hearty fillings such as grilled beef or chicken are common. Some regions add squash blossoms or huitlacoche for a unique twist.

cultural
Q

How is a quesadilla traditionally served in Mexican households?

A

A classic quesadilla is cut into wedges and served hot, accompanied by fresh salsa, guacamole, or a drizzle of crema. It is often enjoyed as a snack (antojito) or as part of a larger meal with beans and rice.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations or occasions are quesadillas commonly enjoyed in Mexican culture?

A

Quesadillas are a staple at family gatherings, festivals, and street fairs because they are quick to prepare and easy to share. They are especially popular during weekend brunches and after‑school snacks.

cultural
Q

How does this Easy Chicken Flake Quesadilla fit into the broader Tex‑Mex cuisine tradition?

A

Tex‑Mex cuisine blends Mexican flavors with American convenience, and this recipe mirrors that by using pre‑cooked CDO chicken flakes for speed while keeping authentic elements like cheese, peppers, and salsa.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a classic Mexican quesadilla versus acceptable substitutes used here?

A

Traditionally, quesadillas use corn tortillas, Oaxacan cheese, and simple fillings like mushrooms or chorizo. In this recipe, flour tortillas, a mozzarella‑cheddar blend, and CDO chicken flakes are convenient substitutes that still deliver flavor.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican dishes pair well with this Easy Chicken Flake Quesadilla?

A

Serve it alongside refried beans, Mexican rice, guacamole, or a fresh cucumber‑lime salad for a balanced meal that highlights the quesadilla’s richness.

cultural
Q

What makes this Easy Chicken Flake Quesadilla special or unique in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

The use of CDO chicken flakes, which are already seasoned and cooked in broth, cuts prep time dramatically while still delivering a savory, juicy chicken flavor that pairs perfectly with the melty cheese and crisp tortilla.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this Easy Chicken Flake Quesadilla?

A

Common errors include overfilling the tortilla, using wet chicken flakes, cooking on too high heat (burns tortilla), and not allowing the cheese to melt before cutting. Follow the critical steps and keep the heat medium.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use pre‑cooked CDO chicken flakes instead of fresh chicken breast?

A

CDO chicken flakes are already cooked and seasoned, which eliminates the need for marinating or grilling, allowing the entire quesadilla to be assembled and cooked in under five minutes while still delivering deep flavor.

technical
Q

Can I make this Easy Chicken Flake Quesadilla ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can pre‑dice the peppers and grate the cheese, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the quesadilla just before cooking, or freeze the assembled uncooked quesadilla for up to a month and cook directly from frozen.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Abi Marquez specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Abi Marquez focuses on quick, family‑friendly Latin‑American and Tex‑Mex recipes, emphasizing minimal ingredients, fast preparation, and approachable cooking techniques for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Abi Marquez's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?

A

Abi Marquez prioritizes speed and convenience, often using pre‑made ingredients like CDO chicken flakes, while still preserving authentic flavors. Other channels may focus more on traditional, time‑intensive methods.

channel

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