Taco seasoned chicken and refried beans make up the filling in this Chicken Quesadilla recipe that is family friendly and filling.
My favorite dinner hack is using shredded chicken for fast and easy meals. If you love easy and fast, too, also try these White Chicken Enchiladas or these Chicken Chilaquiles. Or any of my favorite Shredded Chicken Recipes!
Today, I’m here to spill the beans (pun intended) with the ultimate chicken quesadillas! Brace yourselves for a recipe that will have you coming back for seconds, thirds, and even fourths!
I’ve seriously made this chicken quesadilla recipe more times that I could count. They are a little different from your typical quesadillas because of the refried beans. They make these substantial enough for a filling dinner that my family loves!
The crispy, golden tortilla encases the warm, melty cheese, while the chicken and refried beans provide a satisfying contrast. It’s a symphony of texture that everyone in the family will enjoy!
So, get ready to elevate your quesadilla game!
How to Make Chicken Quesadillas
This recipe starts with cooked, shredded chicken. I use this a lot in my cooking – mostly because it’s an easy way to get dinner on the table in a hurry. If you make chicken often, take the leftovers and shred it and keep it for easy recipes like this. Or check out my post about shredded chicken so you can cook it up and keep it in the freezer for easy dinners.
- You’ll start by combining the chicken with taco seasoning and simmering them together. Then you’ll stir in refried beans.
- Spread the chicken and bean mixture evenly over half of you tortilla. Top with cheese, green onions and cilantro. Then fold the tortilla in half, enclosing all of those fillings.
- Heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet. When it’s hot, add the folded tortilla and cook until the quesadilla is crispy. Flip the quesadilla and cook on the second side.
- Cut the quesadilla into triangles and serve. My favorite is to serve them with sour cream, salsa and guacamole!
Substitutions
The great thing about recipes like this one is that it’s pretty hard to mess up. You can swap ingredients in or out according to your preferences.
Instead of chicken, try leftover pulled pork or beef barbacoa.
I like to use Monterey Jack cheese, but cheddar, colby, or even mozzarella would be great!
Don’t have refried beans? Use a can of black beans and mash them up with a fork before adding them.
Instead of using vegetable oil to cook the quesadillas, use butter.
More Quesadilla Recipes:
Grilled Corn Quesadilla Recipe
Bacon Cheeseburger Quesadillas
Greek Quesadillas
Shrimp Quesadillas with Chorizo
Cuban Quesadilla Recipe
Chipotle Beef Quesadilla Recipe
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Chicken Quesadilla with Refried Beans
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 3/4 cup water
- 2-4 teaspoons taco seasoning depending on preference
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Vegetable oil
Instructions
- Combine chicken, water and taco seasoning in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer (uncovered) for 15 minutes. Stir in retried beans.
- Spread approximately 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture over half of each tortilla. Layer cheese, green onions and cilantro evenly over the chicken mixture. Fold each tortilla in half.
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot. Quickly fry each quesadilla until slightly crisp, turning once. Cut each quesadilla into quarters.
bristol says
These sound so good, thanks for sharing this delicious looking recipe.
Simon
Chels R. says
I think you photographed them beautifully! I’d eat it! 🙂
bev @ bevcooks says
Hot dang, girl. I’m on board.
Matea says
I’ve only recently discovered the magic of turning left-overs into quesadillas. So now that I’m going through a quesadilla-phase, these quesadillas showed up right on time! Yummy!! 🙂
Kathleen @ Yummy Crumble says
These look fantastic! I agree about photographing them. Mine tend to look sloppy, but these turned out great in the photos :).
Kim says
Made these for dinner last night minus the cilantro (we’re not cilantro fans). We really enjoyed them. Thanks for sharing!
Bellini Valli says
I now know what I am having for supper with my leftover spatchcock chicken… I just need some cheese, although what about goat cheese:D
kellypea says
Love quesadillas! And who says melty cheese is unphotogenic? It looks droolworthy to me.
Mama Goose says
This looks awesome. I think I’ll try it tonight. I’d love your taco seasoning recipe when you get a chance. Thanks!
Elle says
I LOVE these, they look so good! Quesadillas are such a great, quick meal. I am bookmarking this one! Oh, and I really like this photo, too.
finsmom says
Your quesadillas have inspired me to make (and write!) about my own! Yours look delightful, and similar to the ones I make!
Ruth Elkin says
I’ve only had a quesadilla once and loved it…. why have i never made it before! You’ve inspired me!
Tracy says
I love quesadillas! I love the idea of bad photo Sunday — although those photos really aren’t bad. I think I should do the opposite — good photo Sunday, and just assume the rest are bad.