Smoked Cheddar Quesadillas: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Delight
Imagine the comforting crunch of a perfectly crisp quesadilla filled with the bold, smoky flavor of cheddar, paired harmoniously with tender chicken and sweet caramelized onions. If you’re tired of the standard cheese quesadillas and are seeking a recipe that brings a sophisticated twist while remaining delightfully simple, look no further. These Smoked Cheddar Quesadillas, crafted with only three key filling ingredients, are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. This recipe is both quick and delicious, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.
Preparation and Cooking Times
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 min |
| Cook Time | 20 min |
| Total Time | 35 min |
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup smoked cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 medium onion
- 1 tablespoon Mexican oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- Butter (for greasing tortillas)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken: Start by slicing the boneless, skinless chicken breast into thin strips. In a small bowl, combine the Mexican oregano, cumin, and garlic powder. Sprinkle this spice mixture over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. For best results, cover the bowl and refrigerate the seasoned chicken for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
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Caramelize the Onions: Peel and slice the onion in half, then slice each half into thin strips. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and caramelized. This process usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Be patient, as this step is key to adding a rich sweetness to your quesadillas.
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Cook the Chicken: While the onions are caramelizing, heat another 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a separate skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken strips. Sear the chicken on both sides until it is cooked through and has a nice blackened exterior. This should take about 5 minutes. Ensure the skillet is hot enough to achieve a good sear without burning the chicken.
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Assemble the Quesadillas: To assemble, start by buttering one side of each flour tortilla. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place the buttered side of the tortilla down in the skillet. Sprinkle about 1/3 to 2/3 cup of Mexican blend cheese over the tortilla, spreading it evenly. Then, add about 1/4 cup of shredded smoked cheddar cheese. Be cautious not to overdo the smoked cheddar as its strong flavor can easily overwhelm.
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Add Chicken and Onions: On one half of the tortilla, arrange a handful of the cooked chicken strips. Top the chicken with some of the caramelized onions. You can adjust the amount of chicken and onions to your liking, but be careful not to overfill the quesadilla.
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Cook the Quesadillas: Fold the tortilla in half, creating a half-moon shape, and press down slightly. Cook the quesadilla until the bottom is lightly browned and crispy. Carefully flip it over and cook the other side until it is golden brown and crispy as well. The cheese should be melted and gooey inside.
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Serve and Enjoy: Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for a minute before slicing it into wedges. Serve the quesadillas warm with your favorite accompaniments such as sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.
Note: This recipe yields 3-4 large quesadillas, depending on how much filling you use per tortilla. Feel free to adjust the amounts of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences and the size of your tortillas.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 902.8
- Fat: 63.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 39.9 g
- Cholesterol: 274.4 mg
- Sodium: 1886.9 mg
- Carbohydrates: 9.1 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Sugar: 6.9 g
- Protein: 72 g
These Smoked Cheddar Quesadillas offer a deliciously rich and satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or a fun gathering, they are sure to impress with their bold taste and delightful crunch. Enjoy every bite of this simple yet gourmet twist on a classic favorite! 🌮🧀🍗
