Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla

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We take pride here at Dinnertime Somewhere in our effective use of Leftovers. This recipe is absolutely no exception. A recreation of the awesome Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla using these delicious leftovers from our tasty Chipotle Bowl (recipe here)

The beauty in the Chipotle menu and why they are so popular really comes down to a couple of basic reasons. First, they keep their recipes very simple. Simple recipes that people can relate to go a long way in the food world. There’s nothing super fancy about the Chipotle menu is there? It’s just very relatable which is what a lot of people love

The other reason I think Chipotle is so successful is they use fresh ingredients. I mean, it’s great when you walk into a Chipotle and out the back you can see the grill filled with fresh Chicken Thighs getting a beautiful char on them. Then they go straight into the front where the server picks it out for you. Sure the ingredients are simple, but that all you need! Simple ingredients that are fresh and cooked well. Sounds like a great meal to us!

So, our Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla is exactly that. Good ingredients and a simple recipe to follow. Nothing fancy here. Just lovely, marinated Chicken Thighs, Onions and Peppers, and some nice Sharp Cheddar Cheese. A bit of Guac and / or Sour Cream on the side and you’re good to go!

How to make our Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla from scratch

In the below recipe we’re providing a few links to several other recipes on this website. As this Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla is part of our Lunching on Leftovers section, the recipe is tailored to those who have prepared the wonderful Chipotle Chicken from the Homemade Chipotle Burrito Bowl. If you haven’t made that dish, don’t worry as we’ve got you covered. Here’s an outline of how to make each component of this great dish right here!

How to make the Chipotle Chicken

To recreate our (very decent) version of Chipotles famous Chicken, it’s all about the marinade. You want to combine 1 tsp. each of Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Coriander Powder, 2 Garlic Cloves which have been finely chopped, 2 tbsp. of Olive Oil. Finally, the secret ingredient is you also add 2 tbsp. of Chipotles in Adobo Sauce. The Chipotles are what gives the Chicken its wonderful smoky flavor, instantly transforming the dish into those familiar Mexican Flavors

You let the Chicken Thighs marinade in that sauce for a good amount of time. We recommend letting it marinade overnight for the best results. When you’re ready to cook the Chicken, let it sit at room temperature for about 1 hour and then pan fry on a hot frying pan or Cast-Iron Skillet until cooked with an internal temperature of 160F

If you want to produce the most authentic Chipotle Chicken flavor and have the means, then we recommend grilling the Chicken on an open flame. You’ll achieve that wonderful smoked Chicken flavor and get those classic Grill lines on the Chicken. Chop the Chicken up once it’s rested and it’s done –Chicken ready for your Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla

Prepare the Peppers and Onions and Pico de Gallo

Those classic Chipotle side dishes of Peppers and Onions and Pico de Gallo are staples in Mexican food, including the Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla. They’re both so easy to make too, taking just minutes

To make the Pico, simply cut up Cherry Tomatoes and Red Onions. You want about 2 times the Tomatoes to Onions, so stick to that ratio and you’ll be fine. Cut the Onions with a relatively fine dice but keep the Tomatoes a little chunkier for the best texture. You then give them a generous squeeze of Lime Juice (2 Limes is ideal) and season well with Salt. Mix it around then finish off with some finely chopped Cilantro and it’s done

For the Peppers and Onions, you want about the same proportion of Onions to Peppers. Brown Onion is the preferred Onion Choice, and you can use either Red, Green, or Yellow Peppers – it’s really up to personal preference

Cut the vegetables relatively thick and then place them into a hot pan that’s been heating up about 1 tsp. of Olive Oil. Stir Fry the Vegetables for about 4 – 5 minutes so they are cooked, but still a little bit crunchy for the best texture. Add some chopped Garlic if you like, cook that down for 1 minute then season well with Salt and they’re done!

Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

Ingredients

• ½ lb. Chipotle Chicken (Recipe here)
• Leftover Pico de Gallo (Recipe here)
• Leftover Peppers and Onions (Recipe here)
• 2 large Flour Tortillas
• 1 cup Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded
• 2 tbsp. Sour Cream
  
  

Instructions

1. Place a Tortilla In a large skillet or frying pan then turn the heat on the medium
2. While the Tortilla is heating up, prepare the Quesadilla by placing all of the ingredients on one half of the Tortilla. Begin with Cheese, then Chicken, Peppers and Onions, and finally finish with more Cheese
3. It’s important not to overload the Quesadilla, as much as you want to! When we fold the Tortilla over it needs to easily fit. So for each Quesadilla, use a thin layer of each ingredient as you are layering
4. Fold the empty half of the Tortilla over the top of the filling to form a half circle shape. Press down on the Tortilla with a spatula to help the Cheese to stick to each side
5. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the cheese starts to melt and the Tortilla is darkening to a golden brown. Carefully flip the Tortilla over to cook the other side
6. Cook for a further 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and cut into 4 triangle segments. Serve immediately with a side of Pico de Gallo and Sour Cream. Enjoy!
   
   

For more simple lunch recipes using leftovers, please check out our Lunching on Leftovers page

Here are a few of our favorite dishes we’ve made for lunch using leftovers from other fantastic dishes on this website:

• Air Fryer Chicken Nachos
• Homemade Sloppy Joe’s
• Lamb Empanadas with Sweet Sherry Sauce
• Pork Egg and Cheese Sandwich
• Fish Croquettes
• California Breakfast Burrito
  
  

Happy Cooking!