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How to Make Chicken Quesadillas in the Oven!

Chicken quesadillas are a beloved staple of Mexican cuisine, loved for their simplicity, versatility, and of course, their cheesy goodness. While traditionally cooked on a stoveop, there’s a lesser-known method that’s equally as delcious: baking in the oven.

Why Bake Your Quesadillas?

Sure, cooking quesadillas on the stovetop is quick and easy, but there are several advantages to cooking them in the oven. First, you can make multiple quesadillas at one time, making it easy to feed a hungry crowd quickly! Also, baking your quesadillas ensures an even distribution of heat, resulting in uniformed melty cheese and crispy exterior with less risk of burning your tortilla shells.

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How to Make Quesadillas in the Oven

There’s no exact measurements for this recipe, making this recipe simple and flexible. Want more protein? Add more chicken. Want more spice? Use a spicier salsa and pepper jack cheese. Want more ooey-gooey cheesiness? Add more of your favorite cheese. Basically, make these how you like them. Here’s the basic ingredients you’ll need:

  • Chicken.  You can make some chicken and dice it up. You can use a rotisserie chicken from the store and use it. You can even roast your own chicken. Even use canned or frozen cooked chicken if you want. You just need some chicken.
  • Salsa. Chunky will hold up better in this recipe. You choose your spice level and mix the salsa with the cooked chicken to add savory flavor to your quesadillas.
  • Cheese. Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, colby, pepper jack, the choice is yours. Add as much or little as you want to your quesadillas.
  • Tortillas.  I recommend flour tortillas, but you could make this with gluten-free or plant-based tortillas.
  • Spreadable Butter. You need just enough butter to butter one side of your tortilla to get a nice, crispy exterior.

That’s all you’ll need to make quesadillas in the oven. It’s easy and delicious.

Looking for more simple meals? Try these:

Oven-Baked Quesadillas

Easy baked quesadillas to feed a crowd
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword baked quesadillas
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • Butter
  • Chicken
  • Salsa (chunkier is better since it holds up better, but use your favorite)
  • Tortillas (plan on 2 per person to make 1 quesadilla. My 2 year old just ate ½.)
  • Cheese (cheddar, monterrey jack, colby, pick your favorite)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Lightly butter one side of each tortilla.
  • Place tortillas butter side down on a cookie sheet (as many as you want to make).
  • Mix the chicken and salsa together. Use as much salsa as you want.
  • Spread about ¼ - 1/3 cup of the chicken mix on half of the tortilla. Don’t be too generous or it will ooze out later. Top with cheese.
  • Bake for 5-7 minutes just until the tortillas are soft.
  • Fold over the tortilla. Bake for another 5-10 minutes until all is melted.
  • Serve and enjoy! Dip in sour cream and more salsa, if desired.

Jayme is a wife to 1 and a mother to four little boys. She tries to coupon, builds a smart stockpile, and always meal plans. While she likes to cook, she’s in the stage of life where simple is usually better – she never knows how many hands she’ll have free at dinner time! You can find her on Instagram.

{ 11 comments… add one }
  • Linda Gertig August 23, 2014, 1:00 am

    The Quesadillas look delicious but when the heat index is over a hundred degrees maybe recipes that don’t cause the AC to run over time might be more appropriate. How about cooking them in the microwave or out on the grill.

    Reply
    • Nicole August 23, 2014, 1:30 pm

      Great idea!

      Reply
  • josie January 31, 2015, 3:34 pm

    Do you use can chicken?

    Reply
    • Nicole February 5, 2015, 10:57 am

      Jayme uses leftover chicken probably from another meal or cooked chicken she defrosted from her freezer. You could use canned chicken for this recipe though. Just drain it well. 🙂

      Reply

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