What To Know
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is fall-apart tender.
- Reduce the amount of cheese in the quesadillas for a lower-fat version.
- With tender chicken, melted cheese, and a medley of vibrant seasonings, it’s a dish that will satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling content.
Craving a delicious and hassle-free meal? Look no further than this chicken quesadilla recipe crock pot! With tender chicken, melted cheese, and a blend of flavorful seasonings, this dish will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Plus, the convenience of the crock pot makes it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 10 tortillas
- Guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crock Pot:
- Lightly grease the crock pot with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Season the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, combine the taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts or thighs.
3. Sauté the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Brown the chicken breasts or thighs for 2-3 minutes per side, just until golden brown.
4. Transfer to the Crock Pot:
- Place the browned chicken in the prepared crock pot.
5. Add the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the crock pot.
6. Pour in the Tomatoes:
- Pour the undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chilies over the chicken and vegetables.
7. Cook on Low:
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is fall-apart tender.
8. Shred the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and shred it using two forks.
9. Assemble the Quesadillas:
- Place a tortilla on a flat surface.
- Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese in the center of the tortilla.
- Top with the shredded chicken, guacamole, salsa, and sour cream (if desired).
- Fold the tortilla in half, pressing down gently to seal the edges.
10. Cook the Quesadillas:
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Cook the quesadillas for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
- Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve immediately.
- Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces, such as guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Quesadilla:
- Use a variety of cheeses for a more flavorful quesadilla.
- Add other toppings of your choice, such as cooked black beans, corn, or diced avocado.
- Make sure to cook the quesadillas until they are golden brown and crispy for the best texture.
- Serve the quesadillas with your favorite dipping sauces for an extra burst of flavor.
Variations:
- Chicken and Black Bean Quesadilla: Add 1 cup of cooked black beans to the chicken mixture before assembling the quesadillas.
- Chicken and Corn Quesadilla: Add 1 cup of cooked corn kernels to the chicken mixture before assembling the quesadillas.
- Chicken and Avocado Quesadilla: Add 1/2 cup of diced avocado to the chicken mixture before assembling the quesadillas.
- Chicken and Salsa Verde Quesadilla: Use salsa verde instead of taco seasoning for a tangy flavor.
Healthier Options:
- Use whole-wheat tortillas instead of regular tortillas for a healthier option.
- Reduce the amount of cheese in the quesadillas for a lower-fat version.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier and tangy topping.
“Crock-tastic” Ending
This crock pot chicken quesadilla recipe is a culinary delight that combines convenience and flavor effortlessly. With tender chicken, melted cheese, and a medley of vibrant seasonings, it’s a dish that will satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling content. So, gather your ingredients, turn on your crock pot, and embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and make your taste buds sing. Happy cooking!
Questions You May Have
Q: What is the recommended cooking time for the chicken in the crock pot?
A: Cook the chicken on low for 6-8 hours, or until it is fall-apart tender.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, make sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and cooking them.
Q: What is the best way to shred the chicken?
A: The easiest way to shred the chicken is to use two forks. Simply pull the chicken apart with the forks until it is shredded into small pieces.
Q: What are some alternative dipping sauces that I can serve with the quesadillas?
A: Besides guacamole, salsa, and sour cream, you can also serve the quesadillas with pico de gallo, ranch dressing, or a spicy chili sauce.
Q: Can I make the quesadillas ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the quesadillas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat them in a skillet or oven until warmed through.
