Cajun Chicken Quesadillas Recipe – Easy Mozzarella & Corn Tortilla Grill

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Cajun Chicken Quesadillas Recipe – Easy Mozzarella & Corn Tortilla Grill

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for quick, easy, and seriously delicious meals. And let me tell you, these Cajun Chicken Quesadillas are it. I first whipped these up on a busy weeknight when I was craving something a little spicy and cheesy, and they’ve been a family favourite ever since. They’re perfect for a quick dinner, a fun lunch, or even a game-day snack!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These quesadillas are a total winner because they’re:

• Fast: Ready in under 30 minutes!
• Easy: Seriously, minimal cooking skills required.
• Flavourful: That Cajun seasoning gives it a lovely kick.
• Customizable: Easily adapted to your tastes and dietary needs.
• Kid-Friendly: My little ones absolutely adore them!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing Cajun Chicken Quesadillas:

• 6 x 6 inch tortillas
• 1 chicken breast (about 200g)
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 heaped tbsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ cup sweet corn kernels (about 80g)
• 3 tbsp barbeque sauce
• Mozzarella cheese, as required (about 150-200g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips to make sure everything comes together perfectly:

• Cajun Seasoning: This is where the magic happens! You can find pre-made blends, but feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking. Some blends are hotter than others, and regional variations exist – Louisiana Cajun is often milder than Tex-Cajun.
• Tortillas: I prefer 6-inch flour tortillas for these, as they’re nice and pliable. But you can definitely use corn tortillas if you prefer (they’ll be a little more prone to cracking, though!). You can also find larger tortillas if you want to make bigger quesadillas.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Full-fat mozzarella melts beautifully and gives the best gooey texture. Part-skim works too, if you’re watching your fat intake, but it won’t be quite as melty. Fresh mozzarella is also fantastic, but make sure to pat it dry before using.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, chop your chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces. Then, in a bowl, give it a generous coating of that delicious Cajun seasoning.
2. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until it’s fully cooked through – about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, set it aside.
3. Now, place your tortillas on a grill pan (or a regular frying pan will do!). Spread a tablespoon of barbeque sauce evenly over each tortilla base.
4. Sprinkle the cooked chicken, sweet corn kernels, and a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over half of each tortilla. Don’t be shy with the cheese!
5. Carefully fold the tortillas over the filling, pressing down gently.
6. Grill both sides of the quesadillas until they’re golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey – about 3-4 minutes per side.
7. Finally, slice into wedges and serve immediately with your favourite toppings!

Expert Tips

Want to take your quesadillas to the next level? Here are a few of my go-to tips:

• Preventing Soggy Quesadillas: Don’t overload the filling! Too much moisture will make the tortillas soggy.
• Perfect Cheese Melt: Lower the heat slightly and cover the pan for the last minute of grilling. This helps the cheese melt evenly without burning the tortilla.
• Grilling Evenly: Use a grill pan or a heavy-bottomed frying pan to ensure even heat distribution.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ways to switch things up:

• Vegan Quesadilla Adaptation: Swap the chicken for plant-based chicken pieces and use a vegan mozzarella alternative.
• Gluten-Free Quesadilla Adaptation: Simply use gluten-free tortillas! There are some great options available these days.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Control the heat by using more or less Cajun seasoning. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Festival/Game Day Adaptation: Cut the quesadillas into smaller triangles for easy dipping and serving at parties.

Serving Suggestions

These quesadillas are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with some tasty toppings!

• Salsa: Mild, medium, or hot – choose your favourite! A fresh tomato salsa is always a winner.
• Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a lovely coolness and tang.
• Guacamole: Because, honestly, everything is better with guacamole!

Storage Instructions

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• Can I make these ahead of time? You can assemble the quesadillas ahead of time, but I recommend grilling them just before serving for the best texture.
• What’s the best way to reheat quesadillas? The best way is in a dry frying pan over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until heated through and crispy.
• Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own? Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver.
• What other cheeses work well in quesadillas? Cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, and even a little bit of crumbled feta are all delicious options.
• How can I adjust the Cajun seasoning to my preference? Start with a smaller amount and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!