Grilled Chicken Quesadillas: A Flavorful Fiesta on Your Grill!

Grilled chicken quesadillas are a fantastic way to enjoy a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious meal. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend barbecues, or even a fun lunch. This recipe combines the smoky flavor of grilled chicken with the cheesy goodness of quesadillas, creating a truly irresistible dish. Get ready to elevate your quesadilla game! This recipe offers detailed steps and instructions, ensuring a successful and mouthwatering outcome every time.

Why Grilled Chicken Quesadillas?

* **Flavorful:** The grilling process adds a smoky char to the chicken that enhances the overall taste.
* **Easy:** Minimal prep time and simple cooking techniques make this recipe a breeze.
* **Versatile:** Customize the fillings to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
* **Quick:** From start to finish, you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
* **Crowd-pleasing:** Everyone loves quesadillas!

Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Grilled Chicken:

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)

### For the Quesadillas:

* 8 large flour tortillas (10-12 inch)
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite blend)
* 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
* 1/2 cup chopped red onion
* 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
* 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
* Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, jalapenos

## Equipment

* Grill (gas or charcoal)
* Grill brush
* Mixing bowl
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring spoons and cups
* Large skillet or griddle (optional, for finishing quesadillas)
* Spatula

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade:

In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice (if using). Whisk together until well combined.

### 2. Marinate the Chicken:

Place the chicken breasts in the bowl with the marinade. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.

### 3. Prepare the Grill:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-450°F or 190-232°C). Clean the grill grates with a grill brush to prevent sticking.

### 4. Grill the Chicken:

Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the remaining marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.

### 5. Rest the Chicken:

Remove the grilled chicken from the grill and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before shredding or dicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

### 6. Shred or Dice the Chicken:

Using two forks or a sharp knife, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

### 7. Assemble the Quesadillas:

Lay out the flour tortillas on a clean work surface. Sprinkle a generous layer of cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese on one half of each tortilla. Top with the shredded or diced grilled chicken, red onion, cilantro, black beans, and corn kernels. Feel free to add any other desired fillings at this stage.

### 8. Fold and Press:

Fold the empty half of the tortilla over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Gently press down on the quesadilla to help seal the edges and ensure the filling is evenly distributed.

### 9. Grill or Cook the Quesadillas:

**Option 1: Grill:** If you prefer to grill the quesadillas, reduce the grill heat to medium-low. Place the quesadillas on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

**Option 2: Skillet/Griddle:** If using a skillet or griddle, heat it over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. Place the quesadillas in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. You can also use a panini press for this step.

### 10. Cut and Serve:

Remove the cooked quesadillas from the grill or skillet and place them on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut each quesadilla into wedges. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, and jalapenos.

## Tips and Variations

* **Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Oaxaca, or queso quesadilla.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrients and flavor.
* **Spicy Kick:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade or include some chopped jalapenos in the quesadilla filling for a spicy kick.
* **Chicken Thighs:** You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Substitute the chicken with grilled or sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly quesadilla.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the grilled chicken and fillings ahead of time and assemble the quesadillas just before cooking.
* **Leftovers:** Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
* **Marinade Variations:** Try different marinade recipes to change the flavor profile of the chicken. Teriyaki, lemon-herb, or BBQ marinades all work well.
* **Tortilla Options:** While flour tortillas are traditional, you can also use whole wheat or corn tortillas for a different taste and texture. Gluten-free tortillas are also a great alternative.
* **Smoked Chicken:** If you have a smoker, consider smoking the chicken instead of grilling it for an even deeper smoky flavor.
* **Add some greens:** Add spinach or kale when assembling the quesadillas to increase the nutrients.
* **Use a food processor:** To quickly chop vegetables like onions and bell peppers, use a food processor.
* **Serve with a side salad:** A light side salad complements the rich flavors of the quesadillas.

## Serving Suggestions

Grilled chicken quesadillas are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when served with a variety of sides and toppings. Here are some ideas:

* **Sour Cream:** A classic topping for quesadillas, adding a creamy and tangy element.
* **Guacamole:** Freshly made guacamole adds richness and flavor.
* **Salsa:** Choose your favorite salsa, whether it’s mild, medium, or hot.
* **Pico de Gallo:** A fresh and vibrant salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapenos.
* **Jalapenos:** Add sliced or pickled jalapenos for extra heat.
* **Mexican Rice:** A flavorful and colorful side dish.
* **Black Beans:** Serve with a side of seasoned black beans.
* **Corn on the Cob:** Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a perfect summer side.
* **Coleslaw:** A refreshing coleslaw can balance the richness of the quesadillas.
* **Chips and Dip:** Serve with tortilla chips and your favorite dip, such as guacamole or queso.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

* Calories: Approximately 450-600 per quesadilla
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
* Fiber: 5-7 grams

## Conclusion

Grilled chicken quesadillas are a surefire way to satisfy your cravings for a delicious and easy meal. With their smoky flavor, cheesy goodness, and customizable fillings, they’re perfect for any occasion. So fire up your grill and get ready to enjoy a flavor-packed fiesta! This detailed recipe provides all the steps and tips you need to create the perfect grilled chicken quesadillas every time. Enjoy!