Viral Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla

Are you craving that viral Chipotle quesadilla you’ve seen everywhere online? Instead of heading to the restaurant only to find out they’re not serving it, why not recreate it at home? With a little guidance, you can make this cheesy, smoky, and completely satisfying chipotle quesadilla on your own!

Ingredients

To make your own Chipotle-style quesadilla, here’s a quick list of ingredients:

• Red Onion

• Garlic

• Scallions

• Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce

• Fresh Tomatoes

• Honey

• Shredded Chicken

• Cilantro

• Flour Tortillas

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Chipotle Quesadilla Recipe

Key Ingredient Details

〰 Red Onion, Garlic, and Scallions: These add aromatic layers and a slight sweetness that balances the heat.

〰 Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: This is where the smoky, spicy magic happens. You can adjust the number of peppers based on your spice tolerance.

〰 Fresh Tomatoes: Tomatoes add acidity and moisture, which blends beautifully with the smoky spice of the chipotle.

〰 Honey: A touch of honey rounds out the spiciness and adds a slight sweetness.

〰 Cooked Shredded Chicken: Shredded chicken works great for this recipe. Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience.

〰 Cilantro: This herb brings a fresh, vibrant flavor that enhances the smokiness of the dish.

〰 Flour Tortillas: The soft and pliable texture of flour tortillas makes them ideal for quesadillas, allowing you to easily fold and cook them to a golden crisp.

〰 Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This cheese melts smoothly and adds tanginess to balance the smoky flavors.

Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Here’s a step-by-step guide:

〰 Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add chopped red onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.

〰 Add the Heat: Stir in minced chipotle peppers and diced tomatoes. Allow this to cook down until the mixture thickens, around 15-20 minutes.

〰 Build the Flavor: Stir in honey, salt, scallions, cilantro, and shredded chicken. Keep the mixture warm.

〰 Prepare the Tortillas: Heat a pan on medium. Place a tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and spread the chicken mixture on one half.

〰 Cook to Golden Perfection: Once the cheese starts to melt, fold the tortilla over and cook until crispy and golden, flipping as needed.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Quesadillas

Choosing the Right Tortilla

Opt for flour tortillas for the best texture. They crisp up nicely while remaining pliable.

Best Way to Melt Cheese

Distribute the cheese evenly and avoid overloading it to ensure a smooth melt and prevent spills.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these quesadillas hot, fresh off the pan. Sour cream and lime wedges make excellent accompaniments, adding a cooling contrast to the smoky heat.

Freezing and Storing Leftovers

Leftover quesadillas can be frozen for up to three months. Wrap them in foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

What Makes the TikTok Chipotle Hack So Popular?

The viral “hack” mixes flavors in a fun and unexpected way, pairing quesadillas with a creamy sauce made from sour cream and Chipotle vinaigrette. While Chipotle has restrictions around custom quesadilla orders, you can make it however you like at home.

Why Use Chipotle Peppers?

Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are key to the unique, smoky heat of this recipe. They bring a complex, layered spiciness that can be adjusted by removing the seeds if you prefer a milder flavor.

How to Make It Less Spicy?

The recipe calls for six chipotle peppers with seeds, but feel free to reduce this amount if you prefer less heat. Removing the seeds can also help tone it down for a milder flavor.

Chipotle Quesadilla Nutrition

One quesadilla can clock in around 694 calories, with about 45 grams of fat, 34 grams of protein, and 39 grams of carbs. This makes it filling and satisfying, especially when you’re craving a protein-packed meal.

FAQs

Can I make these quesadillas vegetarian?

Yes, swap the chicken for cooked black beans or sautéed vegetables.

How do I make the quesadilla less spicy?

Reduce the number of chipotle peppers or remove the seeds for a milder version.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a Mexican cheese blend will work well.

How do I prevent the quesadilla from getting soggy?

Serve it hot and fresh, right off the pan. If needed, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave to maintain crispiness.

Can I make the chicken filling ahead of time?

Yes, the filling can be made up to two days in advance. Store it in the fridge, then assemble and cook the quesadillas when you’re ready to eat.