Simplify Your Weekly Meals: Effortless Chicken Quesadilla Recipe For Meal Prep

Craving a quick and easy meal that’s packed with flavor? Look no further than this chicken quesadilla recipe meal prep. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of prep work, you can have a delicious and satisfying dinner ready in no time. Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or a parent on the go, this recipe is sure to be a lifesaver.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 10 large tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Guacamole, salsa, and sour cream, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chicken, onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper.
• Cook until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are softened.
• Stir in the black beans, corn, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
• Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the mixture is heated through.

2. Assemble the Quesadillas:

• Place a tortilla on a flat surface.
• Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture.
• Top with 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of the Monterey Jack cheese.
• Fold the tortilla in half.

3. Cook the Quesadillas:

• Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
• Place the quesadillas in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

4. Serve:

• Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve immediately with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.

Meal Prep Tips

• Cook the Chicken Ahead of Time:
• To save time, cook the chicken the night before or on the weekend. You can also use leftover chicken from a previous meal.

• Make the Quesadilla Filling in Advance:
• The quesadilla filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the filling in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

• Assemble the Quesadillas Just Before Cooking:
• To prevent the tortillas from getting soggy, assemble the quesadillas just before you’re ready to cook them.

• Freeze the Quesadillas for Later:
• If you want to make a large batch of quesadillas, you can freeze them for later. To do this, place the cooked quesadillas in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Then, transfer the quesadillas to a freezer bag and store them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the quesadillas in a skillet or oven until warmed through.

Variations

• Change the Protein:
• Instead of chicken, you can use other proteins such as ground beef, turkey, or tofu.

• Add Different Vegetables:
• Feel free to add other vegetables to the quesadilla filling, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.

• Use Different Cheeses:
• Experiment with different types of cheeses, such as mozzarella, pepper Jack, or queso Oaxaca.

• Make it Spicy:
• If you like spicy food, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the quesadilla filling.

• Serve with Different Toppings:
• In addition to guacamole, salsa, and sour cream, you can also serve the quesadillas with other toppings such as pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, or sliced avocado.

Benefits of Meal Prepping Chicken Quesadillas

• Saves Time:
• Meal prepping chicken quesadillas saves you time during the week when you’re short on time. Simply grab a quesadilla from the refrigerator or freezer and heat it up for a quick and easy meal.

• Healthy and Nutritious:
• Chicken quesadillas are a healthy and nutritious meal that is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.

• Versatile:
• Chicken quesadillas can be customized to your liking. You can change the protein, vegetables, and cheese to create a quesadilla that everyone will enjoy.

• Cost-Effective:
• Meal prepping chicken quesadillas is a cost-effective way to feed your family. You can buy the ingredients in bulk and make a large batch of quesadillas for a fraction of the cost of eating out.

Wrap Up

With this chicken quesadilla recipe meal prep, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. So next time you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner solution, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

Q: How long do the quesadillas last in the refrigerator?
A: The quesadillas will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: How long do the quesadillas last in the freezer?
A: The quesadillas will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I make the quesadillas ahead of time and reheat them later?
A: Yes, you can make the quesadillas ahead of time and reheat them later. To reheat, simply place the quesadillas in a skillet or oven until warmed through.

Q: What are some other ways to serve chicken quesadillas?
A: You can serve chicken quesadillas with a variety of toppings, such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, or sliced avocado.