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Vacation Dinner Quesadillas

Crispy chicken black bean quesadilla with melted Monterey Jack cheese

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These smoky chicken and black bean quesadillas are a quick, satisfying meal that tastes like a vacation. With minimal ingredients and a crispy golden exterior, they are perfect for busy weeknights or a simple summer dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
  • 4 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 cup corn kernels, diced jalapenos, or chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Warm a large nonstick skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Add olive oil or butter.
  2. Toss in the shredded chicken with smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
  3. Stir in the black beans and corn if using. Remove from heat.
  4. Lay one tortilla flat on a cutting board. Sprinkle half the cheese over one half of the tortilla.
  5. Spoon a quarter of the chicken-bean mixture on top of the cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the filling.
  6. Fold the empty half over to create a half-moon shape. Press gently.
  7. Place the filled quesadilla in the same skillet over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
  8. Flip carefully using a spatula. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
  9. Let each quesadilla rest for one minute before slicing. Serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use corn tortillas or certified gluten-free flour tortillas. For dairy-free, swap cheese for a plant-based version. Avoid overfilling the tortillas to prevent spillage. Let quesadillas rest before cutting to keep filling intact.

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