chicken quesadilla slow cooker recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
chicken quesadilla slow cooker recipe
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The Best chicken quesadilla slow cooker recipe

I am so excited to share with you my favorite chicken quesadilla slow cooker recipe. I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The combination of tender chicken, gooey cheese, and crispy tortillas is a match made in heaven. Plus, the slow cooker makes it so easy to prepare – just throw all the ingredients in and let the magic happen. As a busy mom, I love that this recipe can be made ahead of time and reheated when we’re ready to eat. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering with friends and family.

But what really sets this recipe apart is the way it tastes – it’s like a fiesta in your mouth! The chicken is cooked to perfection, the cheese is melted to a golden brown, and the tortillas are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. And the best part? It’s relatively healthy too – you can use lean chicken breast and plenty of veggies to make it a nutritious meal option. So go ahead, give this recipe a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed! And if you’re looking for more slow cooker recipes like this one, be sure to check out my other posts for some delicious ideas.

I’ve been making this recipe for so long now that I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve made it. But every time I take that first bite, I’m reminded of why I love this dish so much. The flavors are rich and bold, but not overpowering – it’s just the right amount of spice and seasoning to make your taste buds dance. And let’s not forget about the texture – the chicken is tender and falls apart easily, while the cheese is melted to perfection and the tortillas are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s truly a match made in heaven. As I mentioned earlier, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering with friends and family.

But what really sets it apart is how easy it is to make ahead of time. Simply throw all the ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner time you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go. And if you’re short on time, you can even reheat it later in the day or freeze it for later use. One thing that really sets this recipe apart from other slow cooker recipes is how customizable it is. You can add or subtract ingredients to suit your taste preferences – want more cheese? Add some extra shredded cheddar or mozzarella!

Want less spice? Use only half of the packet of taco seasoning! The possibilities are endless. But what really gets me excited about this recipe is how healthy it is too. By using lean chicken breast and plenty of veggies, you can make this dish a nutritious meal option for your family. And don’t even get me started on how great it is for meal prep – simply cook up a big batch on Sunday afternoon, portion out individual servings in containers, and refrigerate or freeze for later use.

If you’re looking for more slow cooker recipes like this one, be sure to check out my other posts for some delicious ideas.

Slow Cooker Chicken Quesadilla

Slow Cooker Chicken Quesadilla

4.6 from 1726 votes

This slow cooker chicken quesadilla recipe yields tender, flavorful shredded chicken perfect for filling crispy tortillas. The chicken simmers in a blend of spices and salsa, creating a versatile filling that can be used for quick weeknight dinners.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time4 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours 10 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup salsa (mild or medium)
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Quesadillas

8 large flour tortillas
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the salsa over them.
2Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper evenly on top.
3Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 hours or on high heat for 2 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
4The chicken should shred easily with a fork.
5Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
6Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the juices.
7Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a thin layer of vegetable oil.
8Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle about 1/4 cup of cheese evenly over half of the tortilla.
9Spoon about 1/3 cup of the shredded chicken mixture over the cheese, then fold the other half of the tortilla over to form a half-moon shape.
10Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is fully melted.
11Repeat with the remaining tortillas, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
12Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve immediately with sour cream, guacamole, or additional salsa.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker (4-6 quart)
Two forks for shredding chicken
Large non-stick skillet or griddle
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 16g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 820mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a spicier filling, use hot salsa or add a minced jalapeño. Leftover chicken filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Chicken Quesadilla Works

Storing leftover chicken filling is easy. Just put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to four days.

To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until hot. You can also freeze the filling in freezer bags for up to three months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

For serving, I like to set up a quesadilla bar with different toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, cilantro, and hot sauce. This recipe works well for family dinners, casual get togethers, or even a quick lunch.

The slow cooker makes it simple, and everyone can customize their own quesadilla. It is a reliable dish that always gets eaten up fast.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken Quesadilla

Q1: What type of cheese should I use?

You can use any type of cheese you like best – shredded cheddar or mozzarella work great in place of traditional American cheese.

Q2: Can I add any extra ingredients?

Yes! Feel free to add any extra ingredients you like best – diced onions or bell peppers work great in place of traditional lettuce.

Q3: How long does it take to cook?

This recipe cooks slowly over several hours – typically around 6-8 hours on low.

Q4: Can I reheat leftovers?

Absolutely! Reheat leftover quesadillas in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Q5: What if I don’t have taco seasoning?

Simply omit it from the recipe or substitute with another spice blend you like best.

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