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Fire up your taste buds with these irresistible chicken quesadillas. The magic starts with a tangy, slightly spicy marinade that infuses every bite with bright citrus flavor and just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun meal to share with friends, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or your favorite blend)
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, guacamole, salsa
Instructions
Begin by creating the marinade. In a shallow dish, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cumin until well combined. Add the chicken slices, tossing until they’re fully coated. Cover the dish and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to two hours for deeper flavor.
Once marinated, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Spoon the chicken into the pan, discarding any excess marinade, and cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and thoroughly cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate while you prep the tortillas.
Reduce the heat to medium. Working with one tortilla at a time, place it in the skillet. Sprinkle a small handful of cheese on half of the tortilla, followed by a layer of cooked chicken. Add another sprinkle of cheese on top of the chicken, fold the tortilla over, and let it crisp up for about 2 minutes per side, or until the cheese melts and the tortilla is golden. Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve with your favorite toppings.
These Spicy Lime Chicken Quesadillas are a burst of flavor for anyone who loves a little zest in their meal. They’re also easy to adapt by swapping out the chicken for shrimp or even roasted veggies if you prefer a meatless option. The balance of tangy citrus, warm spices, and melted cheese makes this dish both comforting and beautifully bright. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, and you can tweak the marinade for more or less heat as you like. Enjoy!
