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Quesadilla with grilled chicken, tomato and guacamole

⏱ 20 min🍳 5 min👤 2 pp★★☆☆☆

Today we are making a short culinary journey to Mexico to discover a ‘quesadilla’ filled with cheese, chicken, tomatoes and, of course, guacamole. It’s easy to prepare but particularly impressive for a slightly out of the ordinary dinner party with friends. Quesadilla is simply a wheat or corn tortilla that, in Mexico, is heated, filled with cheese, vegetables and other ingredients, and then folded over in the shape of a crescent and eaten with one’s hands. The name ‘quesadilla’ comes from the Spanish ‘queso’, which means cheese. Among the ingredients used for the filling, therefore, cheese is obligatory: a top quality cheese blends with the warmth of the tortilla and gives character to the dish. With the cheese is usually added various ingredients such as onions, jalapeños chilli, meat - such as chicken, beef or pork - beans and the ubiquitous guacamole!

Ingredients

Nutritional values 620 kcal / serving
Protein
48g
Carbohydrates
28g
Fat
38g
Fiber
6g

* approximate values per serving

Information
20 minutes Preparation time
5 minutes Cooking time
Serves 2 persons
★★☆☆☆ Medium difficulty

Preparation

Grill the chicken and cut into slices. Prepare the guacamole following our basic recipe. Cut the tomatoes into slices. Grate the pecorino cheese onto the tortilla. Distribute the cut tomato slices over the tortilla. Spread with plenty of guacamole, made from avocado, lime, pepper, tabasco, salt and cumin. Slice the grilled chicken and arrange on the tortilla. Cover with a second tortilla and cook on both sides in a pan with plenty of oil until the cheese is melted. Serve the quesadilla in sections with guacamole sauce on the side.

Tips
The choice of the cheese is essential for a proper quesadilla. Choose a soft cheese that you can nonetheless grate, and that melts perfectly once heated. Fontal, fontina or edam, to name a few familiar in Italy, are ideal.
Trivia
The quesadilla comes from Mexico in the colonial era and was inspired by its Spanish cousin the tortilla. Other cousins of quesadilla are the burrito, fajitas, enchiladas and tacos, but also ‘wraps’ in general and, perhaps, the Italian ‘piadina’.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Quesadillas with Grilled Chicken and Guacamole

A delicious variation of quesadillas is the one with grilled chicken, tomato, and guacamole. In this preparation, the chicken is grilled to achieve a juicy texture and a smoky flavor. The guacamole, made with ripe avocado, lime, and spices, adds freshness and creaminess to the dish. Sliced tomatoes add a touch of sweetness and acidity, making every bite a delight. This variation is perfect for a quick lunch or an informal dinner. Try it served with a spicy sauce to further enhance the flavors. Quesadillas are easy to customize, so feel free to add other ingredients like peppers or onions for an extra touch.

Quesadillas with Mexican Grilled Chicken

Quesadillas with Mexican grilled chicken are a traditional dish that perfectly represents the cuisine of this country. The preparation involves the use of corn tortillas, which are a staple of Mexican gastronomy. In this variation, the chicken is marinated with typical spices like cumin and paprika before being grilled, giving it an authentic and aromatic flavor. Once assembled, the quesadillas are cooked in a skillet until golden and crispy. This cooking method enhances the fragrance of the tortillas and the melted cheese inside, creating a perfect balance of textures. Served with tomato sauce or pico de gallo, these quesadillas are a true journey through the flavors of Mexico.

Light Quesadillas with Grilled Chicken

For those looking for a lighter version of quesadillas with grilled chicken, one can opt for whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas, thus reducing calories and increasing fiber content. Additionally, one can use steamed or grilled chicken without added oils or fats, keeping the dish tasty and healthy. The guacamole can be prepared with less avocado, substituting part of the creaminess with Greek yogurt, for a lighter recipe rich in protein. This light variation retains all the flavors of the original dish, but with a careful eye on calories, making it ideal for those following a balanced diet or for anyone who simply wants to eat healthier without sacrificing taste.

Nutritional Benefits of Quesadillas with Grilled Chicken

Quesadillas with grilled chicken offer numerous nutritional benefits. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for building and maintaining muscle mass. Tomatoes, rich in lycopene, a natural antioxidant, contribute to heart health and cell protection. Guacamole, made with avocado, provides healthy fats and vitamin E, important for skin health. On average, a serving of quesadillas with grilled chicken contains about 400-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used and portion sizes. It is important to consider that, although it is a tasty dish, it is advisable to accompany it with fresh vegetables or a salad to balance the meal and increase its nutritional value.

Can Quesadillas with Grilled Chicken be Frozen?

Yes, quesadillas with grilled chicken can be frozen. To do this, it is advisable to assemble the quesadillas and cook them partially, leaving them slightly golden. Once cooled, they can be individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. This way, they stay fresh and ready to be fully cooked at a later time. When you want to consume them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours and then cook them in a skillet until they become crispy and hot. This method allows for a quick and tasty meal always on hand, perfect for evenings when there is little time to dedicate to cooking.