Kale And Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

The more children cook and prepare fresh food from scratch, the more likely they are to try and appreciate healthier, varied ingredients. Give the children in your life the opportunity to become involved cooking with you. Here is a simple, farm-fresh chicken quesadilla recipe that you and your kids can easily make together for dinner or lunch. Discover the surprising ingredient that will elevate your homemade chicken quesadilla to a whole new level of flavor and satisfaction. You’re sure to hear your kids asking for seconds of “that kale dish” and you’ll be pleased they are eating something as nutritious as kale. This kale and chicken quesadilla recipe is courtesy of Chef Josh Kroner of Terrapin Restaurant.

In this ultimate guide, we will unlock the secrets to creating the perfect chicken quesadilla – a mouthwatering delight that will leave you craving for more. From choosing the best tortillas to best cheese, we have got you covered. So, get ready to elevate your quesadilla game with our comprehensive tips and techniques. Whether you are cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, don’t settle for anything less than extraordinary. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure and taste the difference today!

Chicken and Kale Quesadilla [Terrapin Restaurant Recipe]

Tired of the same old meals? You’ll love this creative and delicious chicken quesadilla recipe that will add a flavorful twist to your dinner table.This kale quesadilla is super easy to make and you will love the soft and crunchy tortilla with the melty cheese and the slightly bitter kale. Delish! Chicken is a great staple but if you prefer a vegetarian option, try substituting cooked butternut squash slices or sauteed mushrooms. Butternut squash and mushrooms both go great with a kale quesadilla.

Unlock the secrets to creating the ultimate chicken quesadilla with this comprehensive guide, packed with tips and techniques to ensure every bite is bursting with deliciousness.

Ingredients For Chicken Kale Quesadillas

• ½ pound chicken breast, cooked and sliced thinly
• 8 flour tortillas
• ¾ pound cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons onion, chopped and sauteed
• 2 tablespoons jalapenos, chopped
• ½ pound kale, cleaned and chopped, and sauteed or steamed
• 4 teaspoons canola oil or other light cooking oil
• Salt and pepper

Choosing the Best Tortillas

When it comes to crafting the perfect chicken quesadilla, one crucial element that cannot be overlooked is the choice of tortillas. The tortillas serve as the foundation of your creation, providing the vessel that holds all the delicious fillings together. Therefore, it is essential to select the best tortillas to ensure a quesadilla that is both flavorful and structurally sound. I suggest flour tortillas because they are substantial and have a chewy texture. They also provide a neutral base that allows the flavors of the fillings to shine.

Next, pay attention to the size of the tortillas. The ideal tortilla size will depend on your personal preference, as well as the amount of filling you intend to use. Smaller tortillas are great for appetizers, while larger ones can accommodate heartier fillings and will yield a meal size quesadilla.

Selecting the Perfect Chicken

The perfect chicken for your quesadilla should be tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, elevating each bite to new heights. For an easy option, I suggest rotisserie chicken sliced thin. Chicken breasts tend to be leaner and provide a milder flavor, while thighs are juicier and bring a touch of richness to the dish. In terms of seasoning, simplicity is key. A classic blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder works wonders, enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken without overpowering them.

Flavorful Cheese

Cheese is undeniably the star of the show when it comes to a mouthwatering quesadilla. It’s what brings that ooey-gooey goodness and adds a creamy, melty texture that perfectly complements the savory chicken and crispy tortilla. Sharp cheddar cheese (orange or white) offers a delicious bold taste.

Healthy Addition

Kale sauteed in a little oil with a little diced onion makes the perfect addition to the chicken quesadilla. The fragrant aroma and distinct taste of the kale and onion bring a burst of flavor to each bite.

How To Make A Chicken and Kale Quesadilla

Preheat oven to 450º degrees fahrenheit.

Place 4 large flour tortillas on a flat surface.

Divide the chicken, onions, jalapenos, kale and cheese 4 ways and spread evenly on the tortillas. Cover each with the remaining tortillas.

Pour one teaspoon of oil onto each of the tops of the 4 quesadillas and evenly coat the tortilla with either a pastry brush or with your fingers.

Lightly oil 2 cookie pans and place 2 quesadillas on each pan. Place the pans in the oven and bake until the tops are crispy, about 6 minutes.

Slice the chicken and kale quesadillas like a pizza. Serve and enjoy with your favorite salsa and/or sour cream.

This chicken and kale quesadillas recipe is easy to prepare, tasty, and healthy.  I hope you enjoy the variety.

Printable Recipe For Chicken And Kale Quesadilla

Thanks to Chef Josh Kroner for sharing this recipe with us. He has been a driving force behind the farm to table movement in the Hudson Valley since he opened his first restaurant in 1998. As executive Chef/Owner of Terrapin Restaurant in Rhinebeck, NY, voted Best Restaurant in Dutchess County in 2010 & 2011, he continues to please Hudson Valley diners with his New American cooking, blending aspects of French, Southwestern and Asian cuisines, and local, organic ingredients.

Perfecting the Cooking Technique

It’s time to perfect the quesadilla cooking technique to achieve that golden, crispy exterior and gooey interior that we all crave.

Be sure to evenly distribute the filling ingredients, including the chicken, cheese, and any additional flavors you’ve chosen to include. This will help it cook more evenly and serve more uniformly.

Brushing canola oil or olive oil or butter on the outside of the tortilla before cooking will give your quesadilla a deliciously crispy texture and enhance the overall flavor.

Once your quesadilla is cooked to perfection, remove it from the pan and allow it to cool for a minute or two before cutting it into wedges. This will prevent the cheese from oozing out and burning your mouth.

Conclusion

Now, armed with the knowledge of how to cook this easy chicken quesadilla recipe, the possibilities are endless. You can even experiment with different fillings, spices, and flavors to create your signature masterpiece. Let us know how you enjoyed this chicken and kale quesadilla recipe! Bon appétit!

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