If you are craving a bold and satisfying meal that combines smoky heat with melty, gooey cheese, then you have to try this Cheesy Chipotle Adobo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe. This dish masterfully blends tender shredded chicken infused with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, tangy lime, and a perfect balance of spices, all nestled between crisp, golden tortillas. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing snack, these quesadillas deliver hearty flavor and irresistible texture with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Chipotle Adobo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe is all about simple ingredients that pack incredible flavor. Each component plays a key role: creamy cheese for richness, smoky chipotle peppers for heat, and bright lime juice to brighten up the savory chicken filling. These essentials come together effortlessly for a dish that is as vibrant in taste as it is easy to prepare.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Provides the hearty base with tender, juicy texture.
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped: Adds the signature smoky and spicy kick.
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce: Enhances the chipotle flavor and adds depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings a warm, earthy note that complements the spices.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses savory aroma and flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances all the bold flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and a mild tang to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions: Offers a fresh, slightly sharp crunch.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brightens the mix with zesty acidity.
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts beautifully for that irresistible cheesy goodness.
- 4 large flour tortillas: Crisp up nicely and hold all the fillings together.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter for cooking: Helps achieve a perfectly golden, crispy exterior.
How to Make Cheesy Chipotle Adobo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
Start by mixing your shredded chicken with finely chopped chipotle peppers, the adobo sauce, cumin, garlic powder, salt, sour cream, green onions, and lime juice. Stir these together in a medium bowl until every shred is evenly coated with smoky, creamy goodness. This filling is the heart of the recipe, delivering layers of flavor that will shine through once cooked.
Step 2: Assemble the Quesadillas
Lay out your large flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle half a cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese on one half of each tortilla to create a melty base. Then, spoon the chipotle adobo chicken mixture evenly over the cheese, ensuring each quesadilla gets a generous helping. Top the filling with another half cup of cheese — this top layer will make sure your quesadillas are wonderfully cheesy and hold together when folded.
Step 3: Cook Until Golden and Melty
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place one folded quesadilla in the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, watching closely until the tortillas turn a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese inside melts to oozy perfection. Repeat with the remaining quesadillas. Let them rest for a minute or two before slicing into wedges to serve warm.
How to Serve Cheesy Chipotle Adobo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these quesadillas, top them off with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or tangy guacamole. These extras brighten each bite and add a refreshing contrast to the smoky chicken and melty cheese.
Side Dishes
Pair your quesadillas with classic sides like a fresh pico de gallo, salsa verde, or even a crisp salad with lime vinaigrette. These accompaniments provide a refreshing balance, cutting through the richness and enriching the meal’s texture and flavor profile.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your quesadilla wedges on a large platter with small bowls of different dips—chipotle mayo, jalapeño ranch, or black bean dip—allowing everyone to customize their bites. You can also top the quesadillas with diced avocado or pickled onions for added color and zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from this Cheesy Chipotle Adobo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed well will maintain the quesadilla’s moisture and flavor while preventing them from becoming soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked assembled quesadillas by wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and cook as directed for a quick meal solution.
Reheating
To reheat and preserve that crispy crust, warm your quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side rather than using the microwave. This method ensures the cheese melts nicely again and the tortillas stay delightfully crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly in the Cheesy Chipotle Adobo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe, making it even easier to whip up this flavorful meal without extra cooking effort.
How spicy are these quesadillas?
The chipotle peppers in adobo add a smoky heat that can be adjusted based on your taste. If you want it milder, use fewer chipotle peppers or reduce the adobo sauce. For extra kick, feel free to add jalapeños or more chipotle.
Can I substitute the flour tortillas with corn tortillas?
While flour tortillas are best for folding and crispness in this recipe, you can use corn tortillas if you prefer. Keep in mind that corn tortillas are less flexible, so you might want to make smaller quesadillas or double them to hold the filling well.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! This Cheesy Chipotle Adobo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe has manageable spice levels and plenty of cheesy goodness that kids tend to love. Adjust the chipotle quantity to suit younger taste buds if needed.
What can I serve with these quesadillas for a full meal?
Consider sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a colorful salad. Adding fresh veggies or a tangy salsa can round out the plate beautifully and provide a balanced meal.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and exciting about a perfectly made Cheesy Chipotle Adobo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe. It melds smoky spices, creamy cheese, and tender chicken into a delicious dish that’s quick to make and sure to please everyone around the table. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this warm, cheesy delight — I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes in no time!
Print
Cheesy Chipotle Adobo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
These Cheesy Chipotle Adobo Chicken Quesadillas are a deliciously spicy and creamy Mexican-inspired meal featuring shredded chicken mixed with smoky chipotle peppers and adobo sauce, layered with melted Mexican blend cheese inside warm flour tortillas. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner or snack.
Ingredients
Chicken Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Quesadilla Assembly
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare chicken filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, sour cream, chopped green onions, and lime juice. Stir well until everything is evenly mixed to create a flavorful, creamy filling.
- Assemble quesadillas: Lay the flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese on one half of each tortilla. Spoon the prepared chicken mixture evenly over the cheese layer, then top with another 1/2 cup of shredded cheese. Fold the tortillas over to form half-moon shapes, pressing down gently to seal.
- Cook quesadillas: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place one quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the outside is golden brown and crisp, and the cheese inside is melted. Repeat the process with the remaining quesadillas, adding more oil or butter as needed.
- Serve: Remove quesadillas from the skillet and let them rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Slice into wedges and serve warm, optionally with guacamole, salsa, or extra sour cream for dipping.
Notes
- Serve with guacamole, salsa, or extra sour cream for dipping.
- For a spicier version, add jalapeños or extra adobo sauce to the filling.
- This recipe works well using rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for convenience.
