These Chicken Tinga Quesadillas are the ultimate comfort food with a kick. The smoky, spicy chicken tinga paired with melty cheese creates a mouthwatering combination that’s irresistible. Each bite is perfectly balanced with the softness of the chicken and the crunchiness of the tortilla, making it a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile! You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less chipotle pepper, and feel free to switch up the cheeses to your liking. Whether you’re serving these quesadillas for a casual meal or a special gathering, they are guaranteed to impress. You can even top them with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for an extra creamy bite.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 medium onion, thinly sliced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tomatoes, diced
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1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
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1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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4 large flour tortillas
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Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
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Stir in the diced tomatoes, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Let cook for 5-7 minutes, until the tomatoes are softened and the mixture thickens.
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Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
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In a separate skillet, heat the flour tortillas one at a time, warming them on both sides for about 1-2 minutes.
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Once warm, remove the tortilla and spoon some of the chicken tinga mixture onto the center. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
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Fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape, pressing down slightly to help the cheese melt.
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Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden and crispy.
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Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
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Slice the quesadillas into wedges, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 375 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
What is Chicken Tinga?
Chicken tinga is a traditional Mexican dish that is often made with shredded chicken simmered in a smoky, slightly spicy tomato-based sauce. The sauce typically includes chipotle peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and various spices such as cumin and chili powder. The result is a flavorful and tender chicken that’s perfect for adding to tacos, tostadas, or in this case, quesadillas. The smokiness of the chipotle pepper, combined with the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and the savory chicken, gives the dish its signature flavor.
Why Choose Cheesy Chicken Tinga Quesadillas?
What sets these cheesy Chicken Tinga quesadillas apart from others is the perfect marriage of two favorite foods: quesadillas and chicken tinga. Adding cheese to the equation enhances the overall flavor, turning the classic quesadilla into a rich, creamy delight. Mozzarella and cheddar cheeses provide that melt-in-your-mouth experience, creating a gooey filling that complements the smoky chicken tinga perfectly.
The crispy exterior of the quesadilla contrasts wonderfully with the soft, cheesy filling. This contrast in texture makes every bite satisfying, and the warm, crispy tortilla acts as a perfect vessel for holding the flavorful chicken and cheese combination. Whether you’re preparing a meal for the family or impressing guests, these quesadillas are both visually appealing and delicious.
How to Customize Your Tingadillas
While the basic Chicken Tinga quesadilla is delicious on its own, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Here are a few ways you can add variety to the dish:
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Add More Veggies: While chicken tinga is usually served with onions and tomatoes, you can enhance the flavor profile by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or even corn. These vegetables can provide a bit more texture and flavor complexity.
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Spice Level: If you prefer your quesadillas spicier, feel free to add more chipotle peppers or jalapeños. You can also add a splash of hot sauce or chili flakes for that extra kick.
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Different Cheeses: Swap out the mozzarella and cheddar for your favorite cheeses. Queso blanco, Oaxaca cheese, or a sharp cheddar can make for a fun and unique flavor combination. You can even experiment with a mix of cheeses for a more complex and rich filling.
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Vegan or Vegetarian Options: For a vegetarian or vegan version, replace the chicken with a plant-based protein such as jackfruit or tofu. You can also substitute the cheese with vegan cheese to accommodate dietary restrictions. Adding beans or roasted vegetables as a filling will keep the dish hearty and flavorful.
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Toppings and Sides: These quesadillas are great on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Try serving them with a side of guacamole, sour cream, or a fresh salsa verde. You could also add a crisp, tangy salad to balance out the richness of the quesadillas.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Tinga quesadillas are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They’re perfect for any meal, whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a quick dinner, or a fun appetizer. Here are some ideas for serving your tingadillas:
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Serve with a side of Mexican rice: A fluffy side of Mexican rice adds substance to the meal, and the flavors complement the chicken tinga beautifully.
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Pair with a refreshing drink: Pair your cheesy Chicken Tinga quesadillas with a cold drink like a margarita, horchata, or a cold cerveza for a full Mexican-inspired meal experience.
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As a snack or appetizer: If you’re serving these quesadillas as an appetizer, cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces and serve with a dipping sauce. Salsa, guacamole, or even a creamy chipotle ranch sauce would be perfect for dipping.
Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the best things about these cheesy Chicken Tinga quesadillas is that they’re easy to prepare in advance. You can make the chicken tinga mixture ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and simply assemble the quesadillas when you’re ready to eat. If you’re preparing a large batch, these quesadillas can be frozen as well. Once assembled, freeze the quesadillas on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, simply heat them in a skillet or the oven for a quick meal.
This makes them an excellent option for busy weeknights, parties, or meal prepping for the week. You can have a flavorful, satisfying meal ready to go in no time.
The Versatility of Quesadillas
Quesadillas are one of those dishes that can easily be customized to fit various flavor profiles. Whether you prefer the classic combination of cheese and chicken, or you’re in the mood for something with more heat, the possibilities are endless. The crispy tortilla serves as a blank canvas, ready to be filled with whatever ingredients you enjoy.
In the case of Chicken Tinga quesadillas, the balance of flavors—smoky, spicy, cheesy, and savory—creates a dish that feels both familiar and new. It brings the comfort of a quesadilla with the boldness of Mexican cuisine, making it the perfect dish for anyone who enjoys flavorful, hearty meals.
Conclusion
Cheesy Chicken Tinga Quesadillas are a fun and flavorful dish that brings together some of the best elements of Mexican cuisine. From the smoky chicken tinga to the melty cheese and crispy tortilla, every bite is a delicious combination of textures and flavors. Not only are these quesadillas easy to make, but they are also highly customizable to suit your personal taste. Whether you enjoy them with extra spice, more veggies, or as part of a complete meal, these quesadillas are sure to impress.
Perfect for dinner, lunch, or as an appetizer, cheesy Chicken Tinga quesadillas are a versatile and crowd-pleasing option that can be enjoyed by all. And with the option for meal prepping and freezing, they’re a convenient dish that can be enjoyed on even the busiest days. So next time you’re craving something cheesy and flavorful, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!