Chicken Quesadilla Grande Recipe

This Chicken Quesadilla Grande is a real show stopper, perfect for a Friday night fakeaway or a game day feast. It isn’t usually made by brushing the outside of the tortillas with shortening—most people just oil the pan—but we’ve used this diner trick to create a uniformly golden, flaky crust that doesn’t burn. To make the filling extra savory, you can sprinkle in some crumbled bacon along with the chicken. Not traditional, maybe, but very delicious.

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Chicken Quesadilla Grande Recipe Ingredients

• The Shell:
  • 2 x 12-inch flour tortillas (large burrito size)
  • 1/2 oz shortening (or softened butter)
• The Filling:
  • 4 oz grilled chicken breast, cooked and sliced
  • 2 Tbsp chipotle pepper sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheese blend (Monterey Jack and Cheddar)
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)
  • 1 small tomato, diced
  • 2 tbsp onion, diced
  • 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, minced
  • 2 strips bacon, fried and crumbled (optional)
• For Serving:
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • Sour cream
  • 1 green onion, thinly sliced
  • Salsa

How To Make Chicken Quesadilla Grande Recipe

1. Prep the crust: Brush one side of each large flour tortilla generously with the shortening (or softened butter). This is the “outside” of your quesadilla.
2. Build the base: Lay one tortilla on the counter, shortening-side down. Spread the chipotle pepper sauce evenly over the dry side of the tortilla.
3. Warm the protein: Place the cooked chicken in the microwave for about 45 seconds to take the chill off. Scatter the warm chicken over the sauce.
4. The cheesy layer: Pile on the shredded Jack and Cheddar cheeses. Top with the diced jalapeño, tomato, onion, cilantro, and crumbled bacon if using. Be generous—this is a “Grande.”
5. Seal it: Place the second tortilla on top, shortening-side up. Press down gently to pack the filling.
6. Grill: Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the quesadilla in the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom is deep golden brown and crispy.
7. The Flip: Carefully slide a large spatula under the quesadilla and flip it over. Cook for another 3 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
8. Serve: Transfer to a cutting board. Slice into wedges using a pizza cutter. Serve immediately with shredded lettuce, dollops of sour cream, sliced green onions, and salsa.

Recipe Tips

• The Shortening Secret: Brushing the tortilla directly with shortening or butter is key. Putting oil in the pan creates spotty browning, but brushing the bread ensures an even, flaky, pastry-like crunch.
• Warm Chicken: Always warm your chicken before putting it inside. The cheese melts fast, and if you start with fridge-cold chicken, the outside will burn before the meat inside is hot.
• The Cheese Glue: Put a little cheese on the bottom layer and a little cheese on the very top of the filling stack. This acts as “glue” to stick both tortillas to the filling so it doesn’t fall apart when you flip it.
• Chipotle Kick: If you don’t have chipotle sauce, mix a little mayonnaise with taco seasoning or adobo sauce from a can of chipotles for that creamy, smoky kick.

What To Serve With Chicken Quesadilla Grande Recipe

This Chicken Quesadilla Grande Recipe is a massive meal that covers all the bases, but it loves a fresh side. A scoop of chunky Guacamole is essential for dipping. For a restaurant-style meal, serve it with a side of Mexican Rice or Refried Beans topped with cheese. If you want something to wash it down, a frozen Margarita or a cold Mexican Beer with a lime wedge is the perfect pairing to cut through the rich cheese and spicy chipotle.

How To Store Chicken Quesadilla Grande Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat in a dry skillet over medium heat to re-crisp the tortilla. Do not microwave leftover quesadillas, as they will turn into a soggy, chewy mess.
• Freeze: It is best to freeze the filling and tortillas separate, but you can freeze cooked slices wrapped in foil. Reheat in the oven at 375°F.

Chicken Quesadilla Grande Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 850 kcal
• Fat: 45g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Protein: 45g

Nutrition information is estimated per full quesadilla (serves 2).

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