Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadillas are a delightful blend of savory, creamy, and crispy goodness that will tantalize your taste buds. These tortillas are stuffed with tender chicken, smoky ham, and melty Swiss and mozzarella cheeses, creating a satisfying meal that’s hard to resist. The aroma of toasting tortillas fills the kitchen as you prepare them for family dinners or casual gatherings, making every bite an experience to savor. Plus, they’re easy to whip up, bringing a warm, comforting dish to your table without much fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadillas recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. It’s versatile enough to serve as a comforting family meal or a fun party appetizer. The convenience of using leftover chicken makes it a time-saver, while the incredible flavor from the ham, cheese, and Dijon mustard ensures that every bite packs a punch. Not only are they delicious, but their crispy exterior and gooey filling make them a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Seasonal Ingredients Spotlight
As the seasons transition, this recipe showcases the freshness of ingredients. Using locally sourced chicken and ham adds sustainable appeal, while the creamy cheeses create a delightful richness. Imagine the vibrant colors of golden tortillas, rich Swiss cheese, and hints of green from fresh herbs. The combination of savory and slightly tangy flavors from Dijon mustard elevates the overall profile, making each quesadilla not just a meal but a celebration of seasonal culinary delights!
What You’ll Need
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For a twist, you can substitute grilled chicken or a dairy-free cheese for a variety that fits your preferences!
How to Make This Recipe
1. Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, diced ham, Swiss cheese, mozzarella cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Make sure everything is well-combined, resulting in a hearty mixture that smells amazing.
2. Spread the Mixture
Lay one tortilla flat and evenly spread the filling mixture over the top. Avoid overfilling to prevent any spillage during cooking.
3. Assemble the Quesadilla
Carefully place the second tortilla on top of the filling and press down gently. This will help hold everything together as it cooks.
4. Heat the Skillet
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. This step is crucial for achieving a golden, crispy crust on your quesadilla.
5. Cook the Quesadilla
Transfer the quesadilla to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Use a spatula to gently flip and press down, ensuring even cooking.
6. Make the Dipping Sauce
While the quesadilla is cooking, whisk together the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and grated Parmesan in a small saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
7. Slice and Serve
Once cooked, slice the quesadilla into wedges and serve with the creamy Parmesan Dijon sauce on the side—perfect for dipping!
Essential Tools
- Mixing bowls
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small saucepan for sauce preparation
These basic kitchen tools will help you create a delicious dish with ease.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
You can prep these quesadillas ahead of time by assembling them and keeping them in the fridge until ready to cook. Store leftover cooked quesadillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, or freeze them for up to 2 months. Just pop them back in the skillet to reheat until crispy.
Perfect Pairings
These Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadillas pair beautifully with a crisp side salad or some sweet potato fries for a complete meal. For drinks, consider a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp lemonade to balance the savory flavors. Serve them with colorful pomegranate seeds for a pop of freshness and visual appeal.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 14 g
Avoid These Common Pitfalls
- Quesadilla Too Greasy: Check your oil amount; a light coat is all you need for crispiness.
- Filling Spills: Avoid overfilling. Aim for a good balance for easy flipping.
- Soggy Tortillas: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the quesadilla to achieve that perfect crunch.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet: It distributes heat evenly for a perfect crisp.
- Let the Quesadilla Rest: After cooking, let it sit for a minute before slicing to allow the cheese to set.
- Feel free to experiment: Add herbs or spices to the filling for a personal touch.
Recipe Variations to Explore
For a spicy kick, add jalapeños to the filling; for a veggie twist, incorporate sautéed peppers and onions. You can also swap in different cheeses like pepper jack for a unique flavor profile.
Dietary Adaptations & Safety Info
This recipe can be adapted for various dietary needs. Use gluten-free tortillas for a gluten-free option or substitute the chicken and ham with plant-based alternatives for a meat-free meal. Always check ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar or pepper jack are great alternatives that will add unique flavors.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
3. Can I make these quesadillas vegetarian?
Yes, just replace the chicken and ham with your favorite vegetables or plant-based proteins.
4. What dipping sauce goes well with these quesadillas?
A spicy salsa or guacamole can complement the flavors beautifully.
5. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the quesadillas and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
These Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadillas are sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe repertoire. We’d love to hear how you enjoyed them! Feel free to share your thoughts or tag us on social media. For more comforting and delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection here. Enjoy cooking and sharing!
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadillas
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-free (if using gluten-free tortillas)
Description
Delightful quesadillas filled with tender chicken, smoky ham, and melty cheeses, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, diced ham, Swiss cheese, mozzarella cheese, and season with salt and pepper.
- Lay one tortilla flat and evenly spread the filling mixture over the top.
- Carefully place the second tortilla on top of the filling and press down gently.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Transfer the quesadilla to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- While the quesadilla is cooking, whisk together the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and grated Parmesan in a small saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
- Once cooked, slice the quesadilla into wedges and serve with the creamy Parmesan Dijon sauce on the side.
Notes
You can prep these quesadillas ahead of time by assembling them and keeping them in the fridge until ready to cook. For variation, substitute grilled chicken or dairy-free cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: quesadillas, chicken, easy meal, appetizer, comfort food
