Ingredients and Weight:
- 8 flour tortillas (each about 10 inches in diameter)
- 2 pounds of shredded chicken breast meat
- 1 pound of shredded Monterey jack cheese or regular processed cheese
- 1 bunch of chopped fresh cilantro (about 1/4 cup)
- 1/4 cup of diced ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup of diced fresh tomato
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder (or more if desired for spicier flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes (depends on the slicing and shredding speed)
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty; requires careful handling of ingredients and frying)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cheese, cilantro, chili powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Lay out four tortillas on a clean work surface. Evenly spread the chicken-cheese mixture onto each tortilla, leaving a small border.
- Top each tortilla with the diced avocado and tomato.
- Fold the tortillas in half to cover the filling and press gently to seal.
- Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat and cook the quesadillas for about 5 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the cooked quesadillas to a baking sheet and bake for additional 5-7 minutes to ensure the inside is fully cooked.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or chili con queso.
Nutritional Information: (per serving assuming equal distribution among 8 people)
- Calories: Depending on the ingredients used, approximately 400-500 calories per serving.
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Protein: 25-35g
Dish Characteristics:
- A Mexican-style breakfast dish that is perfect for a quick and filling morning meal.
- The combination of cheese, chicken, and spices creates a savory and hearty flavor profile.
- The dish is versatile and can be customized with different toppings or sauces according to individual preferences.
User Comments:
- "The quesadillas were a hit at our breakfast! The combination of flavors was spot on."
- "The dish was easy to make, and the whole family enjoyed it."
- "I added some additional jalapenos for a spicier kick – turned out great!"
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Ensure the tortillas are not too wet or too dry before adding the filling to prevent them from breaking during cooking.
- For even cooking, press down gently on the filled tortillas to seal the edges before frying.
- Adjust the seasoning according to personal preference, adding more chili powder for a spicier flavor or more cheese for a richer taste.
