Hey foodie friend! Ready for a quesadilla that kicks up the flavor with a smoky, spicy punch? These Cheesy Chipotle Adobo Chicken Quesadillas are a fiesta in every bite—packed with tender chicken simmered in smoky chipotle peppers, bright citrus notes, and melty cheddar cheese all hugged by warm tortillas. It’s the kind of meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
The inspiration? This recipe borrows from classic Mexican flavors with a twist—chipotle in adobo sauce brings that deep, smoky heat that feels like a warm hug on a cool evening. Pair that with fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and a creamy dollop of Greek yogurt, and you’ve got something that’s both comforting and exciting. Trust me, this one’s a total game-changer and perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Chipotle Adobo Chicken Quesadillas
This isn’t just your average quesadilla. It’s a vibrant flavor bomb that’s hearty, spicy, cheesy, and fresh all at once. Plus, it’s super customizable and easy to put together, so whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, it delivers big on taste with minimal fuss. The balance between smoky chipotle, gooey cheese, and tangy mango or pickled onions makes it unforgettable.
Is this Cheesy Chipotle Adobo Chicken Quesadillas recipe for you? Let’s see.
Cheesy Chipotle Adobo Chicken Quesadillas are…
- Smoky and spicy with chipotle peppers lending a rich, smoky heat that warms every bite.
- Creamy and melty from shredded cheddar cheese that stretches beautifully.
- Fresh and zesty with cilantro, lime zest, and a tangy Greek yogurt topping to brighten it all up.
- Texturally satisfying thanks to tender chicken, crispy tortillas, and juicy mango or pickled red onions.
- Perfect for any occasion—from a quick lunch to a fun dinner party snack.
Quick tip: Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet before assembling for extra crispiness and a toasty flavor.
Ingredients in Cheesy Chipotle Adobo Chicken Quesadillas
Here’s what brings this flavor fiesta together:
Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes: They add a smoky, slightly sweet base to the chicken filling.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: The star ingredient—smoky, spicy, and packed with bold flavor.
Chili Powder, Dried Oregano & Cumin: These spices layer warmth and earthiness into the dish.
Kosher Salt and Pepper: To season and balance the flavors.
Fresh Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to brighten the quesadillas.
Small Corn or Flour Tortillas: The perfect vessel for all that cheesy goodness.
White or Brown Rice: Makes it a filling meal, adding a comforting base.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey deliciousness with every bite.
Plain Greek Yogurt: A creamy, tangy topping that cools down the heat.
Zest of Lime: Adds a fresh citrus kick.
Diced Mango, Pickled Red Onion, Jalapeños, Cilantro, and Lime Wedges: Optional but highly recommended for serving—they add color, crunch, sweetness, and brightness.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions: Let’s build these quesadillas step-by-step:
Prepare the Chicken Filling: In a skillet, combine fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, chili powder, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer until fragrant and thickened. Add cooked chicken (shredded or diced) and fresh cilantro—mix well to coat the chicken in smoky, spicy sauce.
Cook the Rice: Prepare white or brown rice according to package instructions. This adds a hearty element to your quesadilla or serves as a perfect side.
Assemble the Quesadillas: Lay a tortilla flat and sprinkle half with shredded cheddar cheese. Add a generous layer of the chipotle chicken mixture, then top with a bit more cheese before folding the tortilla over.
Cook the Quesadillas: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Place the quesadilla in the skillet and cook until the tortilla is golden and crispy, and the cheese inside has melted—about 3-4 minutes per side.
Serve: Cut into wedges and serve with dollops of plain Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of lime zest, and a side of diced mango, pickled red onion, jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. These add a fresh and tangy balance that perfectly complements the smoky, cheesy filling.
How to Serve Cheesy Chipotle Adobo Chicken Quesadillas?
Here are some ideas to elevate your serving game:
- Pair with a crisp green salad or a simple slaw for crunch and freshness.
- Serve alongside cilantro-lime rice or black beans for a filling, balanced meal.
- Offer extra Greek yogurt and lime wedges so everyone can customize their heat and creaminess.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of green and herbaceous flavor.
Additional Tips for Cheesy Chipotle Adobo Chicken Quesadillas
Prep Ahead: Make the chipotle chicken filling a day in advance—flavors deepen and it’s ready to roll when hunger strikes.
Ingredient Swaps: Don’t have chipotle peppers? Smoked paprika with a dash of cayenne can add a smoky heat substitute.
Storage Tips: Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to keep them crispy.
Double the Batch: These quesadillas freeze well. Prepare, cool, and freeze individually wrapped for quick meals anytime.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
A1: Absolutely! Both work great—flour tortillas tend to be softer, while corn tortillas give a more authentic texture and flavor.
Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A2: Yes! Swap chicken for black beans or sautéed veggies for a delicious vegetarian version.
Q3: How spicy are these quesadillas?
A3: They have a medium heat level thanks to the chipotle peppers, but you can adjust the number of peppers or leave out the jalapeños to tame the spice.
Q4: Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
A4: Yes! The flavors actually improve when the filling sits overnight in the fridge.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat quesadillas?
A5: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a crispy exterior, or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
Thanks for hanging out and diving into these Cheesy Chipotle Adobo Chicken Quesadillas with me! Once you try them, you’ll see why they’re a crowd favorite — smoky, cheesy, spicy, and utterly satisfying. Ready to get cooking? I’m sure you’ll love every bite. Enjoy!
Cheesy Chipotle Adobo Chicken Quesadillas
Ingredients
- – 2 tablespoons olive oil
- – 1 pound boneless skinless chicken tenders or small breasts
- – 1 poblano pepper sliced
- – 1 14 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- – 2 chipotle peppers in adobo chopped
- – 1 teaspoon chili powder
- – 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- – 1 teaspoon cumin
- – 1 teaspoon kosher salt and pepper
- – 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- – 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- – 1 cup white or brown rice cooked
- – 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- – 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- – Zest of 1 lime
- – Diced mango pickled red onion, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken tenders and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté sliced poblano pepper until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add fire roasted diced tomatoes, chopped chipotle peppers, chili powder, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Chop cooked chicken and return to skillet. Stir in cilantro and combine well.
- Lay tortillas flat and evenly distribute chicken mixture, rice, and shredded cheddar cheese over half of each tortilla.
- Fold tortillas in half and cook in a clean skillet over medium heat until golden and cheese is melted, about 3 minutes per side.
- Serve quesadillas warm topped with Greek yogurt, lime zest, diced mango, pickled red onion, jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.
