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.
Create the ultimate chicken quesadilla with this comprehensive guide. It’s 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 large flour tortillas
- ¾ pound cheddar cheese, shredded (or Monterey jack)
- 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 Card For Kale and Chicken Quesadilla
Chicken and Kale Quesadillas Recipe
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450º.
- Place 4 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 and enjoy with your favorite salsa or sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Chicken and Kale Quesadillas Recipe
Serves: 4
|
Amount Per Serving: 1 quesadilla
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 806.58 kcal | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 46.51 g | 70.8% | |
| Saturated Fat 19.58 g | 95% | |
| Trans Fat 1.09 g | ||
| Cholesterol 123.04 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium 1332.61 mg | 55.5% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 55.62 g | 18.3% | |
| Dietary Fiber 4.79 g | 16% | |
| Sugars 4.46 g | ||
| Protein 42.72 g | ||
| Vitamin A 58.06 % | Vitamin C 79.72 % | |
| Calcium 83.07 % | Iron 26.39 % | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Family Focus Blog
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 Quesadilla Cooking Technique
It’s time to perfect the quesadilla cooking technique to achieve that golden, crispy exterior and gooey interior that we all crave. Quesadillas can be cooked in the oven or on the stovetop. If you are cooking just one for a quick lunch, the stovetop is fast and easy. If you are cooking for a family weeknight dinner, the oven is great for batch cooking. You can cook several at once on a baking sheet.
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 with a pizza cutter. This will prevent the cheese from oozing out and burning your mouth. You may wish to serve with a chunky salsa on the side for dipping.
Conclusion
The best part about this cheesy chicken quesadilla recipe is how easy it is to make with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you bake it or cook it on the stovetop, each bite is packed with gooey cheese and flavorful chicken, all wrapped in a perfectly toasted tortilla. Cooked to a golden brown crisp, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite for busy weeknights or easy lunches.
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 simple recipe for chicken quesadillas! Bon appétit!
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Kayla @ TheEclecticElement says
Wow, that’s a new way to use kale I’ve never seen before! I love this cheesy chicken quesadilla recipe.
How awesome and incredibly yummy looking 🙂
Maddie says
This cheesy chicken quesadilla recipe was amazing! I love how it uses simple ingredients but still delivers that gooey cheese and golden brown crunch. The best part is how quick and satisfying it is—definitely adding this to my repeat weeknight dinner list!
Alice Johnson says
I tried this cheesy chicken quesadilla recipe and it was a hit with the whole family! The gooey cheese and golden brown tortilla made every bite delicious. Such an easy and tasty meal idea!
Melissa says
This easy dinner recipe is exactly what I needed—quick, simple, and full of flavor! The gooey cheese and crispy golden brown outside make it so satisfying. I can’t wait to try it with different fillings too!
Laveeke says
This easy recipe is amazing! I love how versatile quesadillas are— whether you go classic cheese or add chicken. That melty cheese and crispy tortilla combo is always a win! The chicken and kale make it filling and healthy.
Pakistan Savings says
Scarlet, this kale and chicken quesadilla recipe is both healthy and delicious! I love how you’ve combined great flavor with nutritious ingredients. Thanks for sharing such a simple and tasty meal idea!