Crispy Chicken Quesadillas with Creamy Salsa Verde
Recreate the mouthwatering delight of Chicken Quesadillas similar to those served at Ruby Tuesday's with this easy-to-follow recipe. Featuring tender chunks of marinated grilled chicken enveloped in a crispy tortilla, melty Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese, and a spicy kick from jalapeños, this dish is perfect for a family dinner or game day snack. Serve it up with fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream for a satisfying meal that everyone will love!
4-6 servings
Servings
133
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breast halves
5 ounces (cut into 3/4-inch pieces after grilling)
Italian salad dressing
to coat (used for marinating chicken)
Flour tortilla
1 (12-inch, brushed with melted margarine)
Margarine
to coat (melted for brushing tortilla)
Shredded Monterey Jack/Cheddar cheese
1 cup (used as filling)
Diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon (for filling and topping)
Diced jalapeño pepper
1 tablespoon (for filling)
Cajun seasoning
to taste (sprinkled in filling)
Shredded lettuce
1/2 cup (for garnish)
Diced tomatoes
1/4 cup (for garnish)
Sour cream
to taste (for topping)
Salsa
for dipping (served in a small bowl)
Instructions
1
In a bowl, combine the boneless, skinless chicken breast halves with Italian salad dressing, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly coated. Allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2
Preheat a lightly oiled grill pan over medium heat. Grill the marinated chicken until fully cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway. Once done, remove from heat, let cool slightly, and cut the chicken into 3/4-inch pieces.
3
Brush one side of each flour tortilla with melted margarine, and place it in the heated frying pan, coated side down.
4
On one half of the tortilla, sprinkle an even layer of cheese followed by diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning, spreading the ingredients to the edges for maximum flavor.
5
Evenly distribute the cut grilled chicken over the filling. Fold the tortilla over to cover the filling, then carefully flip it in the pan so the cheese side is facing up.
6
Cook the quesadilla for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and the tortilla is golden brown and crispy.
7
Remove the quesadilla from the pan and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut it into six equal wedges.
8
On a serving plate, place the wedges alongside shredded lettuce topped with diced tomatoes and a generous scoop of sour cream.
9
Serve your freshly made quesadillas with salsa on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
7
Fat
12
Carbs
8
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurant inspired this chicken quesadilla recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the chicken quesadillas served at Ruby Tuesday's.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the quesadillas?
The chicken should be marinated in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
What is used to marinate the chicken?
The chicken is marinated in Italian salad dressing to absorb flavor.
How long does it take to grill the chicken?
Grill the chicken for approximately 6 to 8 minutes, flipping it halfway through.
What size should the chicken be cut into after grilling?
The grilled chicken should be cut into 3/4-inch pieces.
How do I prepare the flour tortilla for frying?
Brush one side of the 12-inch flour tortilla with melted margarine before placing it in the pan.
What kind of cheese is recommended for this recipe?
A blend of shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese is used for these quesadillas.
Are there any spicy ingredients inside the quesadilla?
Yes, the filling includes diced jalapeño peppers and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
How do I assemble the quesadilla in the frying pan?
Place the tortilla margarine-side down, add cheese, tomatoes, jalapeños, and seasoning to one half, then top with chicken and fold.
How long should the assembled quesadilla cook?
Cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden and crispy.
How should the finished quesadilla be sliced?
Use a sharp knife to cut the quesadilla into six equal wedges.
What garnishes are served with the quesadillas?
Serve the wedges with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a scoop of sour cream.
Is salsa included in this recipe?
Yes, salsa is served on the side in a small bowl for dipping.
How many calories are in a serving of these quesadillas?
Each serving contains approximately 133 calories.
What is the fat content of this dish?
There are 7 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is provided per serving?
Each serving provides 8 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 12 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 5 ounces of boneless, skinless chicken breast halves.
What size tortilla is used?
A large 12-inch flour tortilla is used for the quesadilla.
How much cheese is needed for one large quesadilla?
The recipe uses 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese.
What heat setting should I use for grilling the chicken?
The chicken should be grilled over medium heat on a lightly oiled grill pan.
Where should the chicken be kept while marinating?
The chicken should be kept in the refrigerator while marinating for 30 minutes.
How much lettuce is suggested for the garnish?
The recipe suggests 1/2 cup of shredded lettuce for garnish.
How many tomatoes are needed for the filling?
One tablespoon of diced tomatoes is used inside the filling.
Is there tomato used as a topping as well?
Yes, 1/4 cup of diced tomatoes is used as a garnish on top of the lettuce.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients required for this recipe.
How many people does this recipe serve?
The recipe makes approximately 4 to 6 servings.
Can I substitute margarine?
The recipe uses melted margarine to crisp the tortilla, but butter is a common substitute.
Is this recipe suitable for game day?
Yes, it is described as a perfect snack for game day or a family dinner.
How do I ensure the filling is flavorful?
Spread the cheese, tomatoes, jalapeños, and Cajun seasoning all the way to the edges of the tortilla half.