Name: Cilantro-Lime Chicken Quesadillas
Ingredients: 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast: This will be the star of your quesadillas, providing protein and substance.; 1 tsp ground cumin: A warm spice that adds depth and an earthy flavor to the chicken.; 1/4 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing the flavors of the dish.; 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a mild heat that balances the flavors.; 2 tbsp olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken, giving it moisture and a crispy exterior.; 1 medium white onion, sliced: Contributes sweetness and texture to the quesadilla filling.; 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Offers a fresh, herbal flavor that is quintessential to this dish.; 2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime): Provides acidity and brightness that elevate the overall taste.; 8 large flour tortillas (8-inch): They serve as the wrap, holding everything together for easy eating.; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and ties all flavors together with its creamy texture.; Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures the quesadillas don’t stick to the skillet during cooking.; 1 tsp seasoned salt: Enhances the flavor profile, giving it an extra kick.

Description

Savor the zesty flavors of cilantro-lime chicken quesadillas—easy to prepare and perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 large boneless skinless chicken breast: This will be the star of your quesadillas, providing protein and substance.
1 tsp ground cumin: A warm spice that adds depth and an earthy flavor to the chicken.
1/4 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing the flavors of the dish.
1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a mild heat that balances the flavors.
2 tbsp olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken, giving it moisture and a crispy exterior.
1 medium white onion, sliced: Contributes sweetness and texture to the quesadilla filling.
1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Offers a fresh, herbal flavor that is quintessential to this dish.
2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime): Provides acidity and brightness that elevate the overall taste.
8 large flour tortillas (8-inch): They serve as the wrap, holding everything together for easy eating.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and ties all flavors together with its creamy texture.
Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures the quesadillas don’t stick to the skillet during cooking.
1 tsp seasoned salt: Enhances the flavor profile, giving it an extra kick.

Instructions

Pound the Chicken: Begin by placing the 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast between plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound it flat until even in thickness. This helps the chicken cook uniformly.
Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Rub this seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken breast.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken in the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.
Sauté the Onions: In the same skillet, add the sliced 1 medium white onion and sauté for approximately 7-8 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, and 2 tbsp lime juice until combined, then remove from heat.
Assemble the Quesadillas: Preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. On one side of a 8-inch flour tortilla, sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by some of the chicken (sliced), and then a generous portion of the onion-cilantro-lime mixture. Top with another 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and fold the tortilla in half.
Cook the Quesadillas: Place the prepared quesadilla in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the cheese has melted. Repeat for the remaining tortillas and fillings.
Serve: Slice each quesadilla into quarters and serve hot. These quesadillas pair wonderfully with sour cream, guacamole, or a dash of hot sauce!