Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadilla
If you’re craving something crispy, cheesy, and packed with irresistible flavor, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadilla is your new go-to meal. Combining the classic charm of chicken cordon bleu with the fun, handheld flair of a quesadilla, this recipe delivers juicy chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese all wrapped up in a golden, crunchy tortilla. Perfect for busy nights or whenever you want a quick, satisfying bite, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadilla will soon become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Deliciously Crispy: The tortilla crisps up beautifully for a satisfying crunch in every bite.
- Flavor-Packed: Combines chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese for a classic combo that never disappoints.
- Kid-Friendly: A meal the whole family can enjoy without any fuss.
- Flexible Ingredients: Easy to substitute or add ingredients based on what you have at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together to create wonderful layers of flavor in your Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadilla, offering the perfect balance of texture, color, and taste.
- Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded or thinly sliced, it’s the protein star of the dish.
- Sliced Ham: Adds a savory, slightly salty layer that pairs perfectly with chicken.
- Swiss Cheese: Melts smoothly for that classic cordon bleu taste and creamy texture.
- Flour Tortillas: Use large and flexible ones to hold all the delicious fillings comfortably.
- Butter or Oil: For achieving that perfect golden, crispy quesadilla exterior.
- Dijon Mustard (optional): Adds a tangy kick, enhancing the traditional cordon bleu flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken and keep flavors balanced.
Variations for Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadilla
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Whether you want to eat healthier, spice things up, or customize based on what’s available, these variations can help you make this dish your own.
- Veggie Boost: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
- Spicy Twist: Incorporate jalapeños or chipotle sauce for a smoky, spicy flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Swap flour tortillas with corn or gluten-free wraps to suit dietary needs.
- Cheese Variations: Try Gruyère or mozzarella for a different but equally melty cheese experience.
- Turkey Substitute: Use turkey breast instead of chicken for a lighter, lean alternative.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadilla
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by slicing or shredding your cooked chicken breast. Lay out your ham slices and grate or thinly slice the Swiss cheese. If using Dijon mustard, have it ready to spread on the tortilla.
Step 2: Assemble the Quesadilla
Place one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard if using. Add an even layer of chicken, followed by ham slices, and then top generously with Swiss cheese. Cover with a second tortilla to enclose the filling.
Step 3: Cook Until Crispy and Melty
Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a little butter or add a splash of oil. Carefully transfer the assembled quesadilla to the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing gently, until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted through.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
Remove from the skillet and let it rest for a minute or two. Cut into wedges using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, and get ready to enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness of your Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadilla.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadilla
- Use Medium Heat: Cooking on medium prevents burning while ensuring cheese melts properly.
- Press Gently: Lightly pressing the quesadilla while cooking helps the layers stick together nicely.
- Pre-Cook Chicken Well: Use cooked chicken for convenience and best texture.
- Butter vs Oil: Butter adds rich flavor and better browning, while oil prevents sticking without added taste.
- Don’t Overfill: Too many fillings can make flipping difficult and the quesadilla soggy.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadilla
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped parsley, green onions, or a drizzle of Dijon mustard can brighten the dish and enhance its classic flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair your quesadilla with a crisp mixed greens salad, tangy coleslaw, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your quesadilla wedges stacked on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of sour cream, honey mustard, or a light vinaigrette for dipping options.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadilla wedges tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing
To freeze, individually wrap the quesadilla slices in foil or freezer-safe bags to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispiness, or use an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the tortilla crisp.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is perfect for saving time and works wonderfully in this quesadilla.
What cheese works best besides Swiss?
Gruyère and mozzarella are great alternatives that melt well and complement the ham and chicken nicely.
Is it possible to bake this quesadilla instead of pan-frying?
Yes! Bake at 375°F on a parchment-lined tray for about 10-15 minutes until golden and cheese is melted.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use a dairy-free cheese alternative and skip the butter, using oil instead for cooking.
How do I prevent the quesadilla from getting soggy?
Be careful not to overfill and make sure to cook it on medium heat to crisp up the tortilla properly.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadilla is such a fun, delicious twist on two classic favorite dishes. It’s quick to make, comforting, and perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Give it a try and enjoy the fantastic combination of crispy edges and melty, savory filling that will leave you coming back for more!
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadilla
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadilla combines crispy, golden tortillas with juicy cooked chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese for a quick, flavorful handheld meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe offers a delicious twist on classic chicken cordon bleu with a crispy, cheesy quesadilla finish that’s kid-friendly and easy to customize.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 quesadillas (4 servings)
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying (with option to bake)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be gluten-free if using gluten-free tortillas
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Cooked Chicken Breast (shredded or thinly sliced) – 1 to 1 ½ cups
- Sliced Ham – 4 to 6 slices
- Swiss Cheese (grated or thinly sliced) – 1 to 1 ½ cups
- Large Flour Tortillas – 2
- Butter or Oil (for cooking) – 1 to 2 tablespoons
- Dijon Mustard (optional) – 1 to 2 teaspoons
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice or shred the cooked chicken breast. Lay out the ham slices and grate or thinly slice the Swiss cheese. If using, have Dijon mustard ready to spread on the tortilla.
- Assemble the Quesadilla: Place one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard if desired. Add an even layer of chicken, followed by ham slices, and then cover generously with Swiss cheese. Top with the second tortilla to enclose the filling.
- Cook Until Crispy and Melty: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter or add oil. Carefully transfer the quesadilla to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese has melted completely.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it rest for 1-2 minutes. Cut into wedges with a sharp knife or pizza cutter and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use medium heat to avoid burning and ensure cheese melts well.
- Press gently while cooking to help layers stick together.
- Use fully cooked chicken for best texture and convenience.
- Butter adds richer flavor and browning; oil prevents sticking without added taste.
- Avoid overfilling to make flipping easier and prevent sogginess.
- To reheat, warm in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla (2 wedges)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadilla, cheesy quesadilla, quick dinner, chicken recipe, ham and cheese, easy weeknight meal, handheld meal, kid-friendly recipe
