Spicy Chicken and Andouille Sausage Quesadillas
These Spicy Chicken and Andouille Sausage Quesadillas are a delightful fusion of flavors, perfect for a hearty lunch or an exciting snack! Tender chicken thighs, zesty andouille sausage, and a medley of vibrant vegetables come together with a perfect blend of spices, providing a spicy kick that will awaken your taste buds. Each quesadilla is generously layered with melty cheddar cheese, making it a comfort food classic. Serve these crispy quesadillas with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for a truly satisfying meal that’s sure to impress family and friends!
N/A
Servings
600
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Boneless skinless chicken thighs
6 (cut into small pieces)
Andouille sausage
8 ounces (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
Red bell pepper
1 (seeded and finely chopped)
Onion
1 medium (finely chopped)
Garlic cloves
4 (minced)
Diced green chilies
1 (4 ounce) can (drained)
Jalapeno pepper
1 (seeded and finely chopped)
Chili powder
1 tablespoon (none)
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Flour tortillas
8 (8 inch) (none)
Cheddar cheese
2 cups (grated)
Instructions
1
Heat a large skillet over high heat and add the vegetable oil, tilting the pan to ensure it coats the surface evenly.
2
Add the chicken thighs and andouille sausage to the skillet, cooking for about 8 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables have softened.
3
Incorporate the finely chopped red bell pepper and onion, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender.
4
Add the minced garlic, drained green chiles, and chopped jalapeno to the skillet, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
5
Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, and salt, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to a bowl to cool slightly.
6
To assemble the quesadillas, lay a flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread one-fourth of the chicken and sausage mixture evenly over the tortilla, then top with one-fourth of the grated cheddar cheese.
7
Place another tortilla on top and repeat the process for the remaining tortillas and filling.
8
In a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat and cook each quesadilla for about 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the cheese has melted.
9
Transfer the cooked quesadillas to a cutting board, slice into wedges, and serve hot with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Nutrition Information
30
Fat
60
Carbs
40
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary proteins in these quesadillas?
The recipe uses boneless skinless chicken thighs and andouille sausage.
Can I substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, though thighs are recommended for their juiciness and flavor.
How spicy are these quesadillas?
These quesadillas have a significant kick due to the andouille sausage, fresh jalapeno, diced green chilies, and chili powder.
What kind of sausage is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 8 ounces of andouille sausage, which provides a smoky and spicy flavor profile.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes red bell pepper, onion, garlic, diced green chilies, and jalapeno pepper.
How much cheese is required?
You will need 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese.
What type of tortillas should I use?
The recipe recommends using eight 8-inch flour tortillas.
How long does it take to cook the chicken and sausage mixture?
The chicken and sausage should be cooked for about 8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Should the green chilies be drained before adding them?
Yes, the recipe specifies using one 4-ounce can of diced green chilies, drained.
What spices are used to season the meat?
The mixture is seasoned with 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What is the recommended cooking temperature for the quesadillas?
Cook the assembled quesadillas in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
How many minutes should I cook each side of the quesadilla?
Each side should be cooked for about 3 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
What are the suggested toppings for serving?
They are best served hot with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
How many quesadillas does this recipe make?
The recipe yields 4 full quesadillas (using 8 tortillas total).
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 600 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 40 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in these quesadillas?
There are 30 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
Each serving contains 60 grams of carbohydrates.
Can I make these less spicy?
To reduce the heat, you can remove the seeds from the jalapeno or omit it entirely, and use a mild sausage.
How should I prepare the chicken thighs?
The chicken thighs should be boneless and skinless, cut into small pieces.
Do I need to seed the jalapeno?
Yes, the instructions suggest seeding and finely chopping the jalapeno.
What oil is best for sautéing the filling?
The recipe suggests using 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cheddar is recommended for its melting properties, Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend would also work well.
How do I assemble the quesadilla?
Lay a tortilla flat, spread 1/4 of the filling, top with 1/4 of the cheese, and place another tortilla on top.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch or dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as suitable for lunch, snack, and dinner.
How many cloves of garlic are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves.
What size should the sausage pieces be?
The andouille sausage should be cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
Should I let the filling cool before assembly?
Yes, the instructions suggest transferring the mixture to a bowl to cool slightly before assembling the tortillas.
Can I use corn tortillas instead?
While flour tortillas are specified for their flexibility and size, you can use corn tortillas, though they may be smaller and more fragile.
How should the finished quesadillas be sliced?
Transfer them to a cutting board and slice them into wedges for easier serving.