Easy Chicken Quesadillas – A Budget-Friendly Dinner in 15 Minutes

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Need a quick, budget-friendly dinner that’s packed with flavor? Easy Chicken Quesadillas are the answer. Ready in just 15 minutes, these quesadillas are crispy, cheesy, and totally customizable. Plus, they’re perfect for using up leftovers.

Why This Recipe Works for Budget Foodies

• Affordable Ingredients: Chicken, tortillas, cheese, and spices are all inexpensive staples.
• Quick & Easy: Ready to eat in just 15 minutes.
• Versatile: Customize with whatever you have on hand—peppers, onions, beans, or even leftover veggies.
• Kid-Friendly: A hit with the whole family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken: About 1 lb, cooked and shredded (leftover rotisserie chicken works great).
• Tortillas: 4 large flour tortillas (or corn tortillas if you prefer).
• Cheese: 1.5 cups, shredded (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix).
• Olive Oil or Butter: For frying.
• Onion (optional): 1 small, diced.
• Bell Pepper (optional): 1, diced.
• Salt, Pepper, Cumin: To taste.
• Sour Cream or Salsa (optional): For serving.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling:
   • Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and bell peppers (if using) and cook until softened.
   • Add shredded chicken, salt, pepper, and cumin. Stir well and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
2. Assemble the Quesadillas:
   • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease with olive oil or butter.
   • Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle half with cheese, add the chicken mixture, and top with more cheese. Fold the tortilla in half.
3. Cook the Quesadillas:
   • Cook until golden brown and crispy on one side (about 2-3 minutes), then flip and cook the other side until cheese is melted.
   • Remove from the skillet and cut into wedges.
4. Serve:
   • Serve hot with sour cream, salsa, or any dipping sauce you like.

Budget-Friendly Tips

• Use Leftovers: Leftover chicken from another meal works perfectly here.
• Buy Cheese in Bulk: Shredded cheese is cheaper when bought in bulk and can be frozen.
• Add Beans: Black beans or pinto beans make a great, cheap addition to the filling.

Internal Links to Check Out

• The $50 Grocery Challenge: Can You Eat for a Week on This Budget?
• Meal Prep 101: How to Save Time and Money on Family Dinners
• 5-Minute Budget Hacks for Busy Moms

External Links for Further Reading

• How to Make Perfect Quesadillas
• Safe Chicken Cooking Temperatures

Final Thoughts

These Easy Chicken Quesadillas are the ultimate budget-friendly dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. They’re quick, versatile, and totally satisfying.

Want more frugal recipes? Check out KateFi.com for tons of budget-friendly meal ideas!