This Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadilla is a fun twist on the classic dish! It’s filled with juicy chicken, creamy cheese, and tasty ham all wrapped in a crispy tortilla.
Who knew quesadillas could be so fancy, right? I love serving them with some tangy dipping sauce on the side. They’re easy to make and perfect for any meal or snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour Tortillas: I recommend using large flour tortillas for a nice wrap. If you’re looking for a healthier option, whole wheat tortillas work well too, or you could try corn tortillas if you prefer gluten-free.
Chicken: Leftover rotisserie chicken is my favorite for this dish since it’s quick and flavorful. You could also use turkey if you want a twist, or even cooked veggies for a vegetarian version!
Ham: Any type of deli ham works, but I prefer honey ham for its sweetness. If you’re avoiding pork, turkey ham is a great alternative. You can also skip it completely for a chicken-only quesadilla.
Swiss Cheese: Swiss adds a lovely creamy texture. If you can’t find it, Gruyère, mozzarella, or even cheddar can be used. Just be cautious with strong flavors so they don’t overpower the dish.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crispy Quesadilla?
A perfectly crispy quesadilla is all about heat control and timing. Here are my tips for achieving that delightful crunch:
- Start with medium heat. Too high, and the outside will burn before the inside melts.
- Use enough butter to coat the skillet but not puddle. This creates that crispy texture without overwhelming greasiness.
- Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping. This allows that golden crust to form.
- When flipping, use a wide spatula for stability to keep everything inside intact.
- Let the quesadilla cool for a minute after cooking. This keeps all that melted cheese from spilling out!
Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadilla Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, thinly sliced or shredded
- 4 slices deli ham
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded (or sliced Swiss cheese)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for spreading inside)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Honey mustard or Dijon mustard sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadilla will take about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook, giving you a total of around 20 minutes from start to delicious finish. Perfect for a quick meal or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Skillet:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure it’s nice and warm to get that perfect crispy quesadilla!
2. Assemble the Quesadilla:
Place one tortilla flat on a clean surface. If you’d like, spread Dijon mustard on one side of the tortilla for some extra flavor. Layer the cooked chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese evenly over half of the tortilla, then fold the other half over the filling.
3. Cooking the Quesadilla:
Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the hot skillet. Once the butter is melted, carefully place the quesadilla in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and crispy.
4. Flip and Finish Cooking:
Using a spatula, carefully flip the quesadilla over. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter around the edges of the quesadilla for extra crispiness. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the other side is also golden brown and the cheese is melty. Yum!
5. Serve:
Once done, remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it rest for 1-2 minutes. This helps everything settle. Cut it into wedges, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a pop of color, and serve with honey mustard or Dijon mustard sauce on the side for dipping.
Enjoy this delightful twist on a classic dish—it’s sure to become a favorite!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can swap it for mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyère for different flavors. Just keep in mind that the cheese should melt well for the best experience!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, simply place any uneaten quesadilla in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat to regain that crispiness.
Can I Use Raw Chicken?
If you’re using raw chicken, make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the quesadilla. You can sauté it in the skillet before assembling or use pre-cooked chicken like rotisserie chicken to save time!
Can I Make This Quesadilla Vegetarian?
Yes, definitely! Simply omit the chicken and ham, and consider adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach along with the cheese for a delicious vegetarian version.