Cilantro Lime Chicken Quesadillas: Easy & Flavorful Recipe.

Craving a quick, delicious, and impressive meal? Look no further!

These Cilantro Lime Chicken Quesadillas are the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers (or your weekend fiesta dreams!). Bursting with fresh flavors and a satisfying cheesy goodness, they’re incredibly easy to make and sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love It

• The vibrant flavors of cilantro and lime perfectly complement the savory chicken and melted cheese.
• They’re incredibly quick to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• The crispy tortilla and melty cheese provide a satisfying texture that will keep you coming back for more.
• They are easily customizable with your favorite toppings, allowing you to create the perfect quesadilla for your taste.
• They’re a crowd-pleaser, loved by adults and kids alike. Plus they can be dressed up or down for any occasion!

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What sets this recipe apart is the combination of marinating the chicken in a bright and zesty cilantro lime mixture *before* cooking, infusing it with incredible flavor all the way through. This isn’t just a sprinkle of lime juice after the fact! This step makes a huge difference, ensuring each bite is packed with deliciousness, unlike some of the blander quesadillas out there.

Ingredient List

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
• 2 limes, juiced and zested (about 4 tablespoons juice, 2 teaspoons zest)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter or oil
• 8 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)

Cilantro and Limes: The key elements that make this recipe burst with flavor. It brings a freshness that is hard to beat and really elevates your dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken, cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat everything well.
2. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours for best results).
3. Heat a tablespoon of butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until it’s cooked through and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Lightly grease the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low. Place one tortilla in the skillet, top with a layer of cheese, then the cooked chicken, and another layer of cheese.
5. Carefully place another tortilla on top, pressing down gently.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
7. Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it cool slightly on a cutting board before slicing it into wedges.
8. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
9. Serve immediately and garnish with extra cilantro.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Take your Cilantro Lime Chicken Quesadillas to the next level with these tasty additions:

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop adds creaminess.
• Guacamole or sliced avocado: For a rich, buttery touch.
• Pico de gallo: A classic fresh salsa that’s always a winner.
• Salsa: Your choice of store-bought or homemade.
• Jalapeños: Sliced or pickled, if you like a kick.

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip the marinating step! It makes all the difference in the flavor of the chicken.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan, cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
• Use a good quality melting cheese, like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend.
• Be careful not to overfill your quesadillas, or they will be hard to flip and the ingredients might fall out.
• Use a spatula to carefully flip your quesadillas for even cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use different types of meat?
  

  Yes, you can substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp, steak, or even ground beef. Adjust cooking times as needed.

• Can I make these ahead of time?
  

  You can prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for 1-2 days. Assemble and cook the quesadillas just before serving for the best results. Fully assembled quesadillas don’t hold up well to being made ahead.

• Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
  

  Yes, corn tortillas will work but may not crisp up as well. If using corn tortillas, warm them slightly before assembling to prevent breakage.

• Can I make these spicy?
  

  Absolutely! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade, include some sliced jalapeños, or use a spicy salsa on top.

• How should I store leftovers?
  

  Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

Variations and Customization Options

Get creative with your quesadillas!

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add sauteed bell peppers, onions, and black beans.
• Spicy Version: Include diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the marinade and filling.
• “Loaded” Version: Add more veggies such as sauteed mushrooms, spinach, or corn.
• Black Bean Version: Mix in some cooked black beans with the chicken and cheese for extra protein.
• Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, cotija, or Oaxaca.

Serving Suggestions

These quesadillas are fantastic on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of your favorite dips like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa. A simple side salad or some fresh fruit can round out the meal for a satisfying lunch or light dinner. They’re also great as part of a larger spread for a party!

Conclusion

These Cilantro Lime Chicken Quesadillas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and are easy enough to make any day of the week. The fresh flavors, melty cheese, and crispy tortillas make them absolutely irresistible. So, what are you waiting for? Go grab those ingredients and get cooking! Don’t forget to snap a photo of your creation and share it with us. And if you love it, make sure you subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss any of our other delicious recipes!