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Crispy Chicken Tinga Quesadillas

Crispy Chicken Tinga Quesadillas

The ultimate comfort food that brings together tender chicken, smoky chipotle, and gooey cheese in a crispy tortilla. These Crispy Chicken Tinga Quesadillas are perfect for any occasion, offering a satisfying flavor explosion that will leave you craving more!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 medium poblano pepper, sliced
  • 3/4 cup red enchilada sauce
  • 2-3 each chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 4-6 each flour tortillas, warmed
  • 2 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 cup fresh chopped cilantro
  • 1 each mango, diced
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons mayo
  • 2 teaspoons lime zest, plus 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, grated

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Skillet
  • Grater
  • Chef's Knife
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Cutting Board
  • Baking Sheet
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. 1. Preheat your oven to 425° F.
  2. 2. In a large skillet, add some olive oil, then toss in the chicken and onion. Set the heat to medium-high and cook for about 5 to 8 minutes. You want the chicken to be nicely seared; it should have a golden-brown hue that indicates it's cooking to perfection. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
  3. 3. Add the poblano pepper, enchilada sauce, chipotle chiles, oregano, cumin, and salt to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium and let everything simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. The aroma that fills your kitchen will make your mouth water!
  4. 4. Remove the skillet from the heat once the sauce has thickened. Now it’s time to assemble your quesadillas! Take a warm tortilla and layer it with a generous portion of the chicken mixture. Sprinkle on some shredded cheese, followed by a scoop of cooked rice and a handful of cilantro.
  5. 5. Fold the tortilla over to cover the filling. This is where the magic happens; the heat of the oven will meld all the delicious flavors together. Arrange the folded quesadillas on a baking sheet and rub each one lightly with olive oil. This will help them get that golden crisp.
  6. 6. Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you’re looking for a beautiful golden color and melted cheese. The edges should be crispy and inviting!
  7. 7. While the quesadillas are baking, let's whip up the garlic lime sauce. In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, mayo, lime juice, lime zest, and grated garlic. Stir until it's well-combined and season with a pinch of salt. This sauce will add a refreshing kick to your quesadillas.
  8. 8. Once the quesadillas are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute before slicing them into wedges. They will be incredibly hot!
  9. 9. Finish off by tossing the diced mango with lime zest to brighten its flavor. Serve your warm quesadillas topped with the garlic lime sauce, fresh mango, avocado, and any extra cilantro you like.

Notes

  • Tip 1: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
  • Tip 2: You can freeze unbaked quesadillas. Just assemble them, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze. Bake when you’re ready to enjoy!
  • Tip 3: Serve these quesadillas with a side of fresh salsa or guacamole for an extra flavor boost.
  • Tip 4: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms and additional vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
  • Tip 5: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or a spicy pepper jack, for a different flavor profile.