Cookout Chicken Quesadilla: A Tasty and Easy Copycat Recipe
How to Make a Delicious Cookout Chicken Quesadilla at Home
If you love the cookout chicken quesadilla from your favorite fast-food restaurant, you might be wondering how to make it at home. Well, you're in luck because we have a simple and easy copycat recipe that will satisfy your cravings. All you need are some basic ingredients, a skillet, and an oven. You can customize your quesadilla with your favorite toppings and sauces, and enjoy a cheesy and spicy meal in no time.
cookout chicken quesadilla copycat recipe
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/4 cup of taco seasoning
2 tablespoons of oil
1/4 cup of diced onion
1/4 cup of diced bell pepper
2 teaspoons of minced garlic
8 medium flour tortillas
2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
Cookout quesadilla sauce (see recipe below)
Sour cream, salsa, cilantro, or any other toppings you like
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375F and lightly grease a baking sheet.
In a small bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the taco seasoning until well coated.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, and a pinch of salt to the same skillet. Cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and caramelized.
Lay four tortillas on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle half of the cheese evenly over them. Spoon the chicken and vegetable mixture over the cheese. Top with the remaining cheese and another tortilla on each one.
Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crisp.
Cut into wedges and serve with cookout quesadilla sauce and your favorite toppings.
Cookout Quesadilla Sauce Recipe
This creamy and tangy sauce is the perfect complement to your cookout chicken quesadilla. It's easy to make with just a few ingredients that you probably have in your pantry. Here's how to make it:
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of sour cream, 2 teaspoons of paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 3 teaspoons of finely chopped pickled jalapeños, and 2 teaspoons of juice from the pickled jalapeños.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Benefits of Eating Chicken Quesadillas
Chicken quesadillas are not only delicious, but they also have some health benefits. Here are some of the reasons why you should enjoy this dish:
Chicken quesadillas are high in protein, which helps you build and maintain muscle mass, support your immune system, and keep you feeling full.
Chicken quesadillas are low in calories, which can help you manage your weight and prevent overeating.
Chicken quesadillas are a source of healthy carbs, which provide you with energy and stabilize your blood sugar levels.
Chicken quesadillas are rich in calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for strong bones and teeth.
Chicken quesadillas are versatile and customizable, which means you can add more vegetables, beans, or spices to suit your taste and nutritional needs.
Tips for Making the Best Cookout Chicken Quesadilla Copycat Recipe
If you want to make your cookout chicken quesadilla copycat recipe even better, here are some tips to follow:
Use a cast-iron skillet or a griddle to cook your quesadillas. This will ensure even browning and crispiness.
Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut your quesadillas into wedges. This will prevent the filling from spilling out.
Use a spatula or a plate to flip your quesadillas. This will prevent them from breaking or falling apart.
Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. This will enhance the flavor and quality of your quesadillas.
Use shredded cheese instead of sliced cheese. This will help the cheese melt faster and more evenly.
How to Store and Reheat Cookout Chicken Quesadilla Copycat Recipe
If you have any leftovers from your cookout chicken quesadilla copycat recipe, you can easily store and reheat them for another meal. Here are some tips on how to do it:
Store your leftover quesadillas in an airtight container or a ziplock bag in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Reheat your quesadillas on the stovetop for the best results. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and cook each side of the quesadilla for about a minute or until crispy and warm.
You can also reheat your quesadillas in the oven or the air fryer. Preheat the oven or the air fryer to 375F and place the quesadillas on a baking sheet or a wire rack. Bake or air fry for 10 minutes or until heated through.
If you are in a hurry, you can reheat your quesadillas in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30 seconds or until warm. However, this method may make the tortillas soggy and less crispy.
Variations of Cookout Chicken Quesadilla Copycat Recipe
One of the best things about quesadillas is that they are very versatile and customizable. You can change up the ingredients and flavors to suit your preferences and mood. Here are some variations of the cookout chicken quesadilla copycat recipe that you can try:
Chicken and Cheese: This is the simplest and most classic version of a quesadilla. You can use any cheese you like, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, Mexican blend, or even smoked gouda for a more intense flavor.
Chicken Fajita: Add some sautéed peppers and onions to your chicken and cheese quesadilla for a fajita-style twist. You can also add some fajita seasoning to the chicken for extra spice.
Chicken Pizza: Turn your quesadilla into a pizza by adding some pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and marinara sauce for dipping. You can also add other pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or pineapple.
Chicken Pesto: For a Mediterranean flair, spread some pesto sauce on your tortilla and add some sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese along with the chicken.
BBQ Chicken: Drizzle some BBQ sauce over your chicken and cheese quesadilla and add some green pepper, red onion, and a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
Buffalo Chicken: Spice up your quesadilla with some buffalo sauce and blue cheese along with the chicken and cheddar cheese. You can also drizzle some ranch dressing over the top for a creamy contrast.
How to Serve Cookout Chicken Quesadilla Copycat Recipe
Quesadillas are great on their own, but they can be even better when served with some complementary sides and sauces. Here are some ideas on how to serve your cookout chicken quesadilla copycat recipe:
Rice and Beans: This is a classic Mexican side dish that goes well with any quesadilla. You can use red kidney beans, black beans, or refried beans, and season them with salsa, cilantro, and cumin. You can also use brown rice or white rice, depending on your preference.
Pico de Gallo: This is a fresh and zesty salsa made with chopped tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice. It adds a burst of flavor and color to your quesadillas, and it's easy to make at home.
Guacamole: This is a creamy and nutty dip made with mashed avocados, lime juice, garlic, salt, and cilantro. It's a perfect match for the cheesy and spicy quesadillas, and it also provides some healthy fats and vitamins.
Steamed Broccoli: If you want to add some greens to your meal, steamed broccoli is a simple and nutritious option. It's low in calories and high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. You can season it with salt, pepper, lemon juice, or cheese sauce.
Cucumber Tomato Salad: This is a refreshing and crunchy salad that balances out the richness of the quesadillas. It's made with sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, basil, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. You can also add some feta cheese or olives for extra flavor.
Roasted Carrots: These roasted carrots are sweet and tender, and they pair well with the savory quesadillas. They're coated with olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices, and roasted until caramelized. They also add some vibrant color to your plate.
How to Make Cookout Chicken Quesadilla Sauce
One of the secrets to making a delicious cookout chicken quesadilla copycat recipe is the sauce. The sauce adds a creamy and tangy touch to the quesadillas, and it's easy to make at home with a few ingredients. Here's how to make cookout chicken quesadilla sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of sour cream, 2 teaspoons of paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 3 teaspoons of finely chopped pickled jalapeños, and 2 teaspoons of juice from the pickled jalapeños.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Enjoy with your cookout chicken quesadillas or any other dish you like.
How to Make Cookout Chicken Quesadilla in Oven
If you want to make a large batch of cookout chicken quesadillas without standing over the stove, you can bake them in the oven instead. This method is easy and convenient, and it results in crispy and cheesy quesadillas that you can serve to a crowd. Here's how to make cookout chicken quesadilla in oven:
Preheat the oven to 220C/430F (standard) or 200C/390F (fan/convection). Spray a baking tray lightly with olive oil and heat it in the oven while you assemble the quesadillas.
Divide the chicken and vegetable filling between the tortillas, covering half of the surface. Top with cheese and bacon bits if using. Fold in half and press down gently but firmly.
Remove the baking tray from the oven and place the quesadillas on it, leaving some space between them. Spray or brush the tops of the quesadillas with some more oil.
Bake for 10 minutes, then flip and bake for another 10 minutes or until golden and crisp.
Cut into wedges and serve with cookout chicken quesadilla sauce and your favorite toppings.
Conclusion
Cookout chicken quesadilla copycat recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a Mexican-style meal at home. You can make the filling with seasoned chicken, onion, bell pepper, cheese, and bacon bits, and bake the quesadillas in the oven for a crispy and cheesy result. You can also make your own cookout chicken quesadilla sauce with mayonnaise, sour cream, jalapeños, and spices. Serve your quesadillas with some rice and beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, steamed broccoli, cucumber tomato salad, roasted carrots, or any other side dish you like. Enjoy this tasty and satisfying dish with your family and friends! a27c54c0b2
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