Chicken Pineapple Quesadillas offer a delightful fusion of savory and sweet flavors. This dish combines the traditional Mexican quesadilla with a tropical twist, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a little adventure in their meals. The combination of juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and melted cheese wrapped in a crispy tortilla is both satisfying and refreshing. It’s a popular choice for casual dining and gatherings due to its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing taste.
Servings: Serves 4 people
Appliances/Utensils:
- Sharp knives
- Cutting Board
- Large frying pan
- Wooden Spoon and spatula
- Cheese Grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
2. Add diced red bell pepper to the pan and sauté until softened.
3. Stir in the shredded chicken, pineapple chunks, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
4. Lay out the flour tortillas on a cutting board. Evenly distribute the chicken and pineapple mixture on one half of each tortilla.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the mixture.
6. Fold the tortillas in half to enclose the filling.
7. Wipe the large frying pan clean and return it to the stove over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil if needed.
8. Cook each quesadilla for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese has melted.
9. Use a wooden spatula to remove the quesadillas from the pan and transfer them to a serving plate.
10. Cut each quesadilla into wedges and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Tips and Suggestions:
- For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños to the filling.
- Substitute cheddar cheese with pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the quesadillas with a side of salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.
Estimated Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes