Chicken Quesadillas with Serrano Chiles and White Cheddar

  5.0 – 2 reviews  • Chicken Recipes
Level: Intermediate
Total: 1 hr 45 min
Prep: 20 min
Inactive: 15 min
Cook: 1 hr 10 min
Yield: 4 to 5 quesadillas

Ingredients

  1. 2 pounds chicken thighs (about 5 thighs)
  2. Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  3. 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for cast iron skillet
  4. 1 medium onion, chopped
  5. 5 or 6 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
  6. 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  7. 2 teaspoons dried cumin
  8. 1 (26-ounce) can chopped tomatoes
  9. 2 limes, juiced
  10. 1 tablespoon sugar
  11. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  12. 8 to 10 flour tortillas
  13. 1 (8-ounce) can whole serrano chiles, roughly chopped
  14. 8-ounces grated sharp white Cheddar
  15. Chopped fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over high heat. Brown the chicken well on both sides. Remove chicken and set aside. Reduce heat to medium and saute onion, garlic, oregano and cumin for a few minutes. Stir in tomatoes, lime juice, sugar and salt. Add chicken back to the sauce bring to a simmer, cover and cook for 45 minutes.
  2. Remove chicken from cooking liquid and let rest until cool enough to handle. Pull the meat from the bone and toss with the cooking liquid. Discard the bones and skin.
  3. Rub a cast iron skillet lightly with vegetable oil and heat over medium flame.
  4. Sprinkle cheese all over the tortilla. Top with pulled chicken, serranos and another tortilla. Toast on each side in the skillet until warmed through and cheese has completely melted. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 of 4.5 servings
Calories 1140
Total Fat 70 g
Saturated Fat 21 g
Carbohydrates 70 g
Dietary Fiber 10 g
Sugar 13 g
Protein 59 g
Cholesterol 262 mg
Sodium 1528 mg

Reviews

Michael Rivera
Makes flavorful tender chicken that can used for anything but do really like these quesadillas
Elizabeth Roberts
I have been making this recipe for years. One of our favorites! I use skinless boneless chicken thighs. One thigh makes a couple quesadillas and freezes great for a quick dinner. Use the Serrano’s too just a bit for nice heat. Or a lot for the hotty husband.

 

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