The Ultimate Chicken Bacon Avocado Quesadillas: Your Go-To Easy Weeknight Meal
My family’s love for Mexican food knows no bounds. Whether it’s a traditional feast like savory Flank Steak Tacos or a delightful Americanized creation, we’re always eager to savor the vibrant flavors. Among our most cherished and frequently prepared dishes are quesadillas. They are an absolute lifesaver at our house, offering an incredibly versatile and convenient way to transform any leftover meat into a fresh, exciting meal that everyone will devour.
These particular quesadillas are a symphony of flavors and textures, starring tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and a generous melty layer of cheese. With such a fantastic combination of ingredients, you can rest assured that these aren’t just good—they’re truly exceptional and destined to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Why These Chicken Bacon Avocado Quesadillas Will Become Your Favorite
There are countless reasons why these Chicken Bacon Avocado Quesadillas have earned a permanent spot in our hearts and on our dinner table. They’re not just another recipe; they’re a solution for busy evenings, a treat for your taste buds, and a fantastic way to minimize food waste. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love them:
- Unbeatable Flavor Combination: The savory chicken, smoky bacon, and rich, creamy avocado create a truly harmonious and satisfying taste experience. Each bite offers a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more.
- Quick and Easy: From prep to plate, these quesadillas can be ready in under 20 minutes, making them an ideal choice for hectic weeknights when time is of the essence.
- Incredibly Versatile: Don’t have chicken? Use leftover taco meat or shredded pork! Want more veggies? Add sautéed peppers or onions. This recipe is a canvas for whatever ingredients you have on hand, encouraging creativity and flexibility.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore quesadillas. The familiar cheesy goodness combined with exciting fillings ensures even the pickiest eaters will find something to love. Adding bacon is always a guaranteed win with the younger crowd!
- Perfect for Leftovers: A fantastic way to repurpose cooked chicken or other meats, transforming them into a fresh and exciting meal rather than a repetitive one.
Ingredients Spotlight: Crafting the Perfect Quesadilla
While the steps to making a quesadilla are simple, the quality and preparation of your ingredients can truly elevate the final dish. Let’s delve into what makes this chicken bacon avocado quesadilla so special:
- Tortillas: We recommend using small to medium-sized flour tortillas for their pliability and ability to crisp up beautifully. While corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option, flour tortillas tend to offer a softer interior and better structure for holding generous fillings.
- Cheese: The secret to a perfect quesadilla lies in the cheese! We suggest a good quality shredded Cheddar cheese, but a Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or even a Colby-Jack would work wonderfully. The key is to use cheese on both the bottom and top layers, as it acts as the “glue” that binds all your delicious fillings together, ensuring a cohesive and satisfying bite. For the best melt, consider grating your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents.
- Cooked Chicken: This recipe is a dream for using up leftover chicken. Whether it’s rotisserie chicken, baked chicken breasts, or grilled chicken thighs, simply dice or shred it. If starting from scratch, quickly cook some chicken breast or thigh seasoned with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder for an extra flavor boost.
- Crispy Bacon: Nothing quite compares to the smoky, salty crunch of bacon. Cook your bacon until it’s perfectly crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. This adds a fantastic texture and depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- Creamy Avocado: Avocado brings a luscious creaminess and healthy fats to the quesadilla. Make sure your avocado is ripe but firm enough to dice easily. Its mild, buttery flavor provides a wonderful contrast to the savory chicken and bacon. For optimal freshness, dice the avocado just before assembling.
- Optional Additions: Feel free to customize! Finely diced onions, thinly sliced jalapeños (for a bit of heat), bell peppers, corn, or black beans can all be excellent additions to enhance flavor and texture. Ensure any vegetables are finely diced and potentially sautéed beforehand to prevent them from releasing too much moisture during cooking.
How to Make Chicken Quesadillas: Step-by-Step Perfection
Achieving a perfectly crispy exterior with a gooey, cheesy interior is simpler than you think. Follow these detailed steps for quesadilla success:
- Prep Your Ingredients: Before you even touch the pan, ensure all your components are prepped and ready to go. This “mise en place” is crucial for smooth and quick assembly. Your cheese should be shredded, bacon cooked and crumbled, chicken cooked and diced, and avocado finely diced. If you’re incorporating additional ingredients like onions or jalapeños, have those chopped and ready as well. This minimizes cooking time and prevents anything from burning.
- Assemble the First Tortilla: Begin by placing one tortilla flat on your clean counter or cutting board. Spread a generous layer of shredded cheese over the entire surface, leaving a small border. Remember, this cheese layer is essential; it’s the delicious “glue” that holds all your fillings together.
- Layer Your Toppings: Evenly sprinkle your prepared chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy diced avocado over the initial cheese layer. Distribute the ingredients from edge to edge to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
- Add More Cheese and Top: Cover your fillings with another layer of shredded cheese. This second layer will melt down and bind to the top tortilla, completing your quesadilla sandwich. Gently place the second tortilla directly on top of the cheese and fillings.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil (like olive oil or vegetable oil) or a pat of butter to the pan. This not only prevents sticking but also helps the tortilla achieve that desirable golden-brown crispness. Allow the pan to heat thoroughly before adding the quesadilla.
- Cook to Golden Perfection: Carefully transfer the assembled quesadilla to the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom tortilla is lightly browned and crispy, and the cheese has begun to melt. Keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning.
- Flip and Finish: Using a wide spatula, carefully flip the quesadilla over to cook the second side. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until the second tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and all the cheese inside is completely melted and bubbly. If the cheese isn’t melting fast enough, you can cover the pan for a minute or two to trap heat, helping it along.
- Slice and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board. Cut it into wedges or triangles, just like a pizza. Serve immediately with your favorite accompaniments. This Easy Homemade Salsa is a fantastic pairing!
Tips for the Perfect Crispy & Cheesy Quesadilla
To ensure your quesadillas turn out perfectly every time, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to load up on fillings, too much can prevent the cheese from melting properly and make the quesadilla difficult to flip and cook evenly. Stick to a balanced amount.
- Medium Heat is Key: Cooking quesadillas on medium to medium-high heat allows the tortilla to crisp up and the cheese to melt slowly without burning the outside. High heat will char the tortilla before the inside is warmed through.
- Press Down Gently: While cooking, gently press down on the top tortilla with your spatula. This helps the cheese make contact with both tortillas and the fillings, ensuring everything adheres together beautifully.
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain starches to prevent clumping, which can affect their melt. Shredding your own cheese ensures a smoother, creamier melt.
- A Touch of Fat: Don’t skimp on a little oil or butter in the pan. It’s essential for achieving that desirable golden-brown, crispy tortilla.
The Endless Versatility of Quesadillas
Quesadillas are truly a blank canvas for culinary creativity, a beloved staple in our kitchen. They are incredibly adaptable, allowing you to use almost any ingredient you have tucked away in your fridge. Leftover chicken? Absolutely perfect! Ground beef seasoned for tacos? A superb choice. Even just cheese and a medley of finely diced vegetables can create a satisfying and delicious meal. The fundamental concept remains: a tortilla, cheese, and whatever other delectable ingredients you wish to include.
Their versatility extends far beyond traditional Mexican flavors. Imagine a quesadilla with breaded chicken cutlets, melted mozzarella cheese, served with a side of rich marinara sauce for an Italian-inspired twist. Or perhaps a more adventurous Asian-fusion quesadilla, filled with diced chicken, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced onions, ready to be dipped into a savory peanut satay sauce. Quesadillas take mere minutes to prepare, and their adaptable nature means you can effortlessly customize them to cater to everyone’s unique tastes and dietary preferences, making them an ideal meal solution for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings
While these Chicken Bacon Avocado Quesadillas are incredibly flavorful on their own, pairing them with the right sides can elevate the dining experience:
- Salsa: A classic choice! Our recommended Easy Homemade Salsa adds a fresh, zesty kick.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of cool sour cream or a healthier Greek yogurt provides a creamy contrast to the warm, savory fillings.
- Guacamole: Double down on the avocado goodness with a side of homemade guacamole.
- Pico de Gallo: Freshly chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños for a burst of vibrant flavor.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top brightens all the flavors.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing counterpoint.
- Black Beans or Corn Salad: For a more substantial meal, serve with seasoned black beans or a colorful corn salad.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Quesadillas are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored and reheated:
- Storage: Allow any leftover quesadillas to cool completely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: For the best results and to maintain crispiness, avoid the microwave if possible.
- Skillet: Reheat in a dry, non-stick skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side until heated through and crispy.
- Oven/Toaster Oven: Place quesadilla slices on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crisp.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway, for ultimate crispiness.
These chicken bacon avocado quesadillas are poised to become an instant family favorite in your home. Their blend of simplicity, speed, and undeniable deliciousness makes them an ideal candidate for any meal, particularly those busy weeknights. And let’s be honest, when you throw bacon into the mix, you’re pretty much guaranteed smiles all around! So, step away from the usual taco night and embrace these easy, flavorful quesadillas that promise to delight every palate.
I created a fun group on Facebook, and I would love for you to join us! It’s a place where you can share YOUR favorite recipes, ask questions, and see what’s new at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts (so that you never miss a new recipe)! If you’d like to check it out, you can request to join HERE.
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU make!
Connect with Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts!
Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
Chicken Bacon Avocado Quesadillas
Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 small tortillas
- 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 avocado, diced
- 2 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/3 cup chicken, cooked and diced
Instructions
-
Preheat a griddle or a large non-stick skillet to medium-high heat. Add a little oil or cooking spray.
-
Place one tortilla down on the heated pan. Immediately top with half of the shredded cheese (about 1/4 cup), then evenly distribute the cooked and crumbled bacon, diced avocado, and cooked diced chicken. Finish by sprinkling the remaining half of the cheese over the fillings. Cover with the second tortilla.
-
Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has begun to melt. Using a wide spatula, carefully flip the quesadilla over.
-
Continue cooking on the second side for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and gooey, and both tortillas are beautifully crisp and golden. If the cheese needs a little help melting, you can cover the pan briefly.
-
Transfer the cooked quesadilla to a cutting board, cut into triangles, and serve warm with your favorite salsa or other desired toppings.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!