Cheesy Chipotle Adobo Chicken Quesadillas.
If only all Mondays could include these quesadillas.
Wouldn’t that be amazing?! Well, now they can, because I have pretty good feeling you guys are going to LOVE this recipe. I mean, cheesy Mexican food on a Monday?
Yes, please!
These quesadillas are such a fun way to start the week. My weekend was pretty non-eventful, but still a great weekend. I spent a little sister time with Asher watching Mary-Kate and Ashley movies (more on these later…I still love them at 23 years old), planning her summer trip to Italy after watching When in Rome (I like the way the girl thinks), and working on a food photography presentation for an upcoming conference I’m speaking at (yeah, nervous times like ten!). I didn’t really do anything too fun food-wise, so this recipe just felt kind of perfect for today!
And really when is Mexican food ever a bad idea? Hint…it’s always a the best idea…duh.
So I have to tell you guys a little secret…I know that Cinco De Mayo is still a few weeks away, but I’ve been secretly planning for it for weeks now, I am SO excited. And I have so many Mexican-ish recipes to share between now and May 5th (which happens to fall on a Friday this year making it all the more fun) that I figured I might want to start now and spread them out a bit. Didn’t want to completely overwhelm you guys with my Cinco inspired recipes the entire first week of May, so we’ll start today!
Plus, I feel like there’s been so much talk of Easter, that you guys just might be looking for a delicious and easy dinner for tonight. Hoping you are, because these quesadillas, filled with chipotle chicken, peppers, rice, and lots of cheddar, need to happen in everyone’s kitchen’s soon. <–for real.
Let me explain these quesadillas and how they came to be. It’s kind of rare that I don’t always have food ready for eating in the fridge at any given time. I’m constantly cooking and baking (and making messes in the process), but then there are those times when I either don’t cook for a day or I tested a bunch of baking recipes and only have desserts on hand (my mom’s kind of dinner…fortunately I don’t think she would actually go there).
These are the nights I improvise and use whatever I have on hand. I’m pretty sure I’ve probably told you guys this same story a time or two before, but honestly some of my best recipes come out of just throwing things together. It takes me back to the days when I first started to cook and I’d just use the odds and ends that were in the fridge at the time. My Dad taught me pretty well how to just throw a bunch of ingredients into a dish and pray for the best.
With these cheesy quesadillas I had an idea of where I wanted them to go, and how I wanted them to taste, so I grabbed what I had, which was rice (I always have rice in the fridge around here), chicken, one poblano pepper, a can of tomatoes and some seasonings. In less than an hour, these quesadillas were ready. I knew the second I pulled them out of the oven that they were going to be so freaking good. I mean, the cheese oozing out from inside practically had me jumping for joy.
A few important factors to these…
…instead of just cooking the chicken in a skillet with spices, I decided to sear the chicken and simmer it with fire roasted tomatoes and chipotle peppers. I wanted an extra saucy chicken (surprise, surprise), and a chicken that would be anything but dry. Once the chicken is fully cooked, just shred it right in the pot and toss with the sauce.
…with every quesadilla I make you will notice two things, there’s always rice and plenty of cheese! And typically peppers too. These have all the three.
…typically quesadillas are pan-fried on the stove, but I’m going to be honest, I was just lazy and didn’t feel like dirtying up the stove top. So instead I opted to cook these in the oven, and you know what? They actually turned out amazing. The tortillas got crispy on the outside and the cheese that oozed out got that nice golden, almost fried like crust, so good.
…to finish, I drizzled them with a little lime yogurt and topped with fresh mango, cilantro and sliced avocado. Perfection.
Now come on, after reading all that you guys have to admit these sound perfect for dinner tonight, right?
Yes, yes, YES!
Cheesy Mexican dinner for the win!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Cheesy Chipotle Adobo Chicken Quesadillas
By halfbakedharvest
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Chicken Quesadillas, chipotle chicken
These chicken quesadillas are packed full of flavor and cheesy goodness!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken tenders or small breasts
- 1 poblano pepper, sliced
- 1 (14 ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, chopped
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup white or brown rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- zest of 1 lime
- diced mango, pickled red onion, jalapeños, cilantro, and limes, for serving
Instructions
-
1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium size pot over high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until seared on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Add the poblano pepper and cook 3-4 minutes or until just charred.
2. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the tomatoes, 1/2 cup water, the chipotle peppers, chili powder, oregano, cumin, salt and pepper. Stir to combine and then simmer 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily. Shred the chicken in the pot. Remove from the heat and stir in the cilantro.
3. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
4. On a baking sheet, rub the tortillas with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Lay 4 tortillas flat and then layer evenly with cheese, rice, and chicken. Add the top tortilla. Transfer to the oven and cook for 5-8 minutes, then flip and cook another 5 minutes more, or until the cheese has melted and the tortillas are crisp.
5. Meanwhile stir together the yogurt and lime zest. Season to taste with salt.
6. Serve the quesadillas topped with diced mango, jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and drizzled with yogurt. EAT!
PS. Margaritas on a Monday may or may not be the best idea ever. <–maybe just one.
These quesadillas are all kinds of awesome. Drooling over here.
Awh thank you Alida!
These quesadillas sound absolutely amazing, especially with the chipotle peppers. Can’t wait to give these a try!
Thanks Andrea!! Hope you love them as always (:
These look loaded!!!! Best way to have quesadillas. And I still watch Disney films ?
Haha yes! They’re the best. Thanks so much Mariana!
hmmmmm i’m already hungry!! I have some tortillas in my pantry, I think I might just do this dish.
https://bloglairdutemps.blogspot.pt/
Haha, yes! Love having the ingredients without running to the store! Hope you love them Ruth!
SOOO delicious…cinco de mayo is probably my favorite food holiday (uh hello tacos & margs & guac) so i can’t wait to see what else you have in store! xx
Ah me too!! Thanks so much Jess! Stay tuned!!
‘Taco Tuesday’ revisited….
I am so making these tomorrow night.
Of course have to substitute a couple of things…but know it will be delish.
thank you. Happy Monday .
Well I hope you love them Leslie! Thank you!
Omg, quesadillas are just the best and these look so good!
(: Thanks Tori!!
Your comment about planning for Cinco de Mayo made me laugh out loud. I have been wanting to have a house-warming party since I purchased my house a year ago, but life has been busy! We have now gotten the house into a good working order to have a bunch of people over and I said “let’s do a Cinco de Mayo/housewarming party.” I’ve been planning for it now for about a month 🙂 Taco and nacho bar with all the fixings and margaritas, galore!
OH MY GOSH!! That sounds like so much fun!! Congrats on the house and party!!
My husband would love these.
Awesome!!
Wow these quesadillas look amazing!!
Thanks Sara!
These are right up my alley! I’ve been secretly planning Cinco de Mayo myself…for like months now! Hands down favorite food day. Good luck planning your conference, I’m sure you’ll do great! 🙂
Its a big planning day! Even bigger food day!
Thanks Lindsay I hope so!
Definitely making these! Was the chicken overly spicy with two adobo peppers? I have a sensitive spice baby I’m cooking for. haha!
Hi!! So I definitely like spicy, but it’s not overly so. I’d say use one though just to be safe. You will have all the flavor, but just less heat! Let me know if you have questions. Thank you! 🙂
Seriously yum! My Monday night could use a great Mexican meal 🙂
Mondays always could!! Thanks Laura!
Be still my drooling heart….I just finished dinner and I want to devour these insanely gorgeous Quesadillas…perfection…I can already taste them…This is like the pinnacle of go-to food that makes you swoon. Your photo’s make these guys even more appealing, if that is even possible….I need to go lie down now… 🙂
Haha oh my gosh! SO happy you like them Tammy! Hopefully you get to try them soon!
Hello Teigen!
Would you recommend crispy potatoes or jackfruit substitute rather than chicken for a vegetarian version?
I’m excited to try this soon!
Hmm! I have never tried jackfruit, so I can’t really say for sure. I think potatoes would be awesome! 🙂 Hope you love these!
Literally perfect. This + your lime margarita = Monday perfection!
Awh thanks Jennifer (:
I’ll be in Mexico on Sunday and I’m hoping for a quesadilla (or two) that resembles these bad boys!
Ah so jealous Gina! Hope you get one and have an amazing time!
This looks freaking amazing!!! and that chipotle adobo chicken!!! oh my gawd! yummm!!!
So happy you like it Alice (: Thank you!
Loving these loaded quesadillas!
Thank you Matt!
These sounds HEAVENLY!! Totally making these soon! Just give me all the cheese #drooling
I hope you love them Danielle!! Thank you!
These quesadillas are seriously epic. I mean, WOW! And that saucy chicken!
Ah thank you so much Joanne!
Oh, would I love all Mondays to include these quesadillas!!
I can agree with that! Thanks Mary Ann!
When I saw this recipe this morning I knew i had most of the ingredients so I knew I was going to make it. But when I went to start, I had forgotten the tenders were frozen. So I cooked those sou vide. These quesadillas turned out fantastic! Easy and so so delicious. Thanks for the great recipe!
Ah so awesome when you have everything ready!
So happy you liked them Terence! Thank you.
Listen…made these last night, and the whole family devoured them before I could post a pic on Instagram. These are literally going bring peace to the world! I cannot tell you how good all of your recipes have been! I’ve been so inspired to cook everyday because of your blog! The Pozole, buffalo falafel pitas, Zucchini pitas, and Vodka Pasta(just to name a few!) have injected new life into my weeknight menu. Thank you so much for all of your hard work, creativity, and ingenuity!
Haha!! YES! SO happy you guys liked them!!
Love that i’m inspiring you (:
Thank you so much Aliyah!
Man, I’m so late to this party but I am 100% making these! I can’t even. So.much.everything…!!!!!
How fun!! I hope you love them (: Thank you!
These look so good! I am a vegetarian and kind of new to cooking – do you think this would work with black beans and how many cans would you use?
I think black beans will be amazing. I’d use around 2 cans, drained and rinsed. Let me know if you have questions. Hope you love it!
I used about 1.5 cans (in case anyone else is wondering) and it turned out great. thanks!
Oh wow, awesome thank you!
When I saw the picture of these quesadillas I knew I had to have them! Made them last night, except I didn’t have time to stand at the stove, so I threw all the ingredients into my pressure cooker. They were delicious and the whole family loved them. Thanks for the recipe!
Sounds easy, and delish!! So happy you liked them Stephanie, thank you!
Did you use flour or corn tortillas?
Hi Monique, I used corn tortillas, but either or will work. Let me know if you have questions. Hope you love the quesadillas!
Yes I used corn also. They were delicious paired with your pineapple lime beer rita.
We made these last night and really liked them. Mine didn’t get as crispy on the bottom and they cooked really fast even though I decreased the temperature even more since I have a fan oven (200c in a fan oven) so might decrease that more next time. Really love the chicken mixture, might use that on burrito bowls for lunches as well 😀 Thanks for another lovely recipe!
As a side note, my whole ‘to make soon’ list is basically just your website! Can’t wait for the cookbook!
I am thrilled you loved these Shannon! Thank you so much and the chicken on burrito bowls sounds amazing!
Took me longer than 45 minutes but oh my god… it was amazing and so worth the effort!!
I am so glad this turned out amazing for you! Thank you Erin!
Great flavors, but your pictures don’t match the recipe. The poblanos in the picture are charred and put on top and not mixed with chicken. Also, when I made this, it did not end up crispy like the pics depicted. It was a mushy mess but still delicious.
I wish the comments on your bog were more helpful instead of just praising but thank you for the great cooking inspiration!
Hi there. Is there something I can help you with specifically? I did indeed stir the peppers into the chicken as directed. I find the recipe works best this way. As for the crispiness, did you rub the tortillas with oil before baking? that will help them crisp. Please let me know if there is anything I can actually help you with. Very glad you enjoyed this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
This was a different method of assembling and cooking quesadillas than I’ve tried before. Started with precooked, leftover chicken breast so modified the method a bit. Used fresh Roma tomatoes from the garden as well, so the mixture was a little less saucy. Will probably make again, but with less chipotle pepper. Two in this recipe was WAYYYY too hot for me, and I have a pretty high heat tolerance. The flavor was great but much too spicy.
Hi Emma! I hope you do try this again with a little less spice! Thank you for trying this! xTieghan
These quesadillas were sooooooo spicy! I had to throw away the rest because my whole face and hands were burning. Any tips on making these less spicy ? I loved the the taste but just couldn’t bare the spice
Hi Lucy,
Sorry that you did not enjoy the spice level. Next time I would recommend leaving out the chipotle peppers and just use the adobo sauce. I hope this helps, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I just made these. Very yummy! I was confused about the rice though. Is it supposed to be one cup of rice, prepared separately, or was it supposed to be added into the sauce to cook? I wasn’t sure, so I cooked it separately, then tossed it in the veg sauce as the chicken came out. In any case, it was great.
Thank you so much Ashley! That is really great to hear! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan!
These look great – I am just curious – I see the ingredient list recommends 1 cup of rice .. is the thought that this rice is incorporated into the chicken mixture? Or made and served as a side? I didn’t see the rice mentioned in the following steps.
Thank You for clarifying! Looking forward to trying this deliciousness!
Hey Jean,
You are going to add the rice to the quesadillas in step 4. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan