![- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese - 8 large flour tortillas - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced - 1 medium onion, diced - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 cup salsa (your choice of spicy or mild) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish - Suggested serving sides, like extra salsa or guacamole This dish uses simple ingredients. Shredded chicken forms the base flavor. You can use leftover chicken to save time. Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese create a creamy, melty layer. The flour tortillas hold everything together. The red bell pepper and onion add sweetness and crunch. Garlic powder and ground cumin boost the flavor. Salsa adds moisture and zest. Olive oil helps cook the veggies and adds richness. Garnishing with fresh cilantro gives color and freshness. Serve with extra salsa or guacamole for dipping. This easy family meal can please everyone at the table. For the full recipe, check the details linked above. - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your bake cooks evenly. - In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté these for about 5 minutes until they become soft and smell great. - Mix 2 cups of shredded chicken with the sautéed vegetables. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. - Spread half of 1 cup of salsa in a large baking dish. This creates a tasty base. Take a flour tortilla, scoop some of the chicken mixture into the center, and sprinkle a blend of 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese on top. Fold the tortilla in half and place it seam-side down in the dish. Repeat with the other tortillas, filling the dish snugly. - Pour the rest of the salsa over the folded tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for a cheesy crust. - Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for the cheese to be melted and bubbly, with a golden top. - Once done, let it cool for 5 minutes. Cut into squares or triangles for easy serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To ensure the cheese melts perfectly, use a mix of cheeses. I love using cheddar and Monterey Jack. They melt well and add great flavor. Layer the cheese in your quesadillas. This helps it melt evenly and creates a smooth texture. For tender chicken, always use cooked chicken. Shredded chicken works best. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease. This saves time and adds great taste. When mixing the chicken with spices, be gentle. This keeps the chicken soft and juicy. For sauces, salsa is a must. You can choose spicy or mild based on your taste. A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess. Guacamole is another great option. It pairs well with the flavors of the dish. To make your meal look appealing, serve the quesadilla squares on a colorful platter. Add extra salsa on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color. This makes your dish more inviting and fun. Prep ingredients in advance to save time. You can chop the vegetables a day before. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This makes cooking quicker and easier on busy nights. If you have leftovers, use them for other meals. You can add leftover quesadilla filling to salads or wraps. This minimizes waste and gives you quick meal options. Get creative with what you have! For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla Bake. {{image_4}} You can change the protein in your quesadilla bake. Instead of chicken, you can use ground beef or shredded beans for a meatless option. Both swaps add their own unique flavors. For cheese, mix it up! Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder taste. You can even use a blend of your favorites. To boost the taste, add spices like chili powder or paprika. These spices add warmth and depth. You can also use flavored tortillas, like whole wheat or spinach. This small change adds color and nutrients while keeping it fun. For gluten-free diets, look for gluten-free tortillas. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. If you want to go vegetarian or vegan, swap the chicken for mushrooms or extra beans. Use vegan cheese to keep it creamy and delicious. These changes let everyone enjoy this tasty dish without worry. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To keep your quesadilla bake fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents it from getting dry. Place the container in the fridge, and it will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to save some for longer, freeze it. Cut the bake into portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy it later! When it’s time to eat your leftovers, you want them to taste great. The best way to reheat the quesadilla bake is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bake on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the cheese nice and melty. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating. Just warm it for 1-2 minutes, but it may not stay as cheesy. In the fridge, your quesadilla bake will last about 3 to 4 days. After that, it may spoil. Look for signs like an off smell or changes in texture. If you see mold or anything that looks odd, it’s best to toss it. Always remember, food safety first! Enjoy your tasty bake while it’s fresh! For the complete cooking process, check the Full Recipe. How do I know when the quesadilla bake is done? The quesadilla bake is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly. Look for a golden layer on top. If it’s not golden yet, give it a few more minutes. The edges should be slightly crispy, which adds a nice texture. Can I make this dish in advance? Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time. Assemble everything and cover it tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it's cold from the fridge. What are some easy ways to customize the flavors? You can easily change up the flavors. Try adding black beans for extra protein. For spice, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can even mix in different veggies like corn or spinach for a twist. Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! You can use any cheese that melts well. Pepper Jack adds a nice kick. Mozzarella will give you a great stretch. Experiment with blends to find your favorite combination. Information on calories and macros This dish has about 400 calories per serving. It includes protein from chicken and cheese. There are also carbs from the tortillas. The exact numbers can change based on your portion sizes and ingredients. How to make it healthier without losing flavor To make it healthier, use whole wheat tortillas. You can also reduce the cheese slightly without losing too much flavor. Adding more veggies boosts nutrition and keeps it tasty. Try to balance out the dish with a side salad for extra nutrients. This blog post covered creating a tasty quesadilla bake. We started with key ingredients like chicken, cheese, and tortillas. Then, we walked through step-by-step cooking instructions and helpful tips. I shared ways to customize the dish and store leftovers. Take this recipe and make it your own. Enjoy cooking and feeding your loved ones. Happy baking!](https://recipetorch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/dbdb9ccb-ed65-4feb-9492-bfb16a563e84-250x250.webp)
Chicken and Cheese Quesadilla Bake
Indulge in a cheesy delight with this Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla Bake! Packed with shredded chicken, two kinds of cheese, and vibrant veggies, this easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners. Layered with salsa and baked to perfection, it's comfort food that everyone will love. Discover how to whip up this scrumptious dish in just 40 minutes. Click through for the full recipe and get ready to impress your family and friends!