Crockpot Queso Chicken Quesadillas – Easy Cheesy Delight

Why Make This Recipe

Crockpot Queso Chicken Quesadillas are an excellent choice for busy people who want a simple yet delicious meal. With minimal prep work and the magic of a slow cooker, this recipe allows you to enjoy a hearty, cheesy delight that the whole family will love. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful queso, and gooey cheese creates a comforting dish perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. Plus, this recipe is highly customizable, letting you choose your spice level and toppings to suit your family’s taste.

The great thing about using a slow cooker is that you can set it and forget it, making it ideal for those hectic days. Whether you’re coming home from work, running errands, or busy with family activities, this dish will be waiting for you when you’re ready to eat. It’s not just convenient—it’s also bursting with flavor. You can easily whip it up for parties, game nights, or casual get-togethers, ensuring that everyone leaves satisfied.

Let’s dive into how to make this cheesy goodness!

How to Make Crockpot Queso Chicken Quesadillas

Preparing the Chicken Mixture

The first step in making Crockpot Queso Chicken Quesadillas is preparing the chicken mixture. Begin by placing the 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs in your slow cooker. These thighs are perfect because they remain moist during cooking and shred beautifully.

Next, sprinkle an 1 oz packet of taco seasoning over the chicken. If you want a homemade approach, feel free to mix your own blend using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. This homemade seasoning can add a personal touch to your quesadillas.

Pour in ½ cup of salsa. Choose a salsa that matches your spice preference—mild, medium, or hot—because this will help enhance the flavor of the chicken. Finally, cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. The low-and-slow cooking method will infuse flavors into the chicken, making it juicy and tender.

Shred Chicken and Add Queso

Once the chicken is fully cooked and easy to shred, take two forks and gently shred the chicken in the slow cooker. The chicken should pull apart easily, soaking up the flavors of the spices and salsa.

Now it’s time to incorporate the cheese! Add 1 cup of queso to the shredded chicken. For an extra creamy texture, you can choose your favorite brand of store-bought queso, or you can opt for homemade queso if you want a more personalized flavor. Mix everything together until well combined. The result is a creamy chicken filling that is absolutely irresistible.

Assemble Quesadillas

To create the quesadillas, take 6 large flour tortillas and spread the chicken mixture onto half of each tortilla. Be generous, ensuring each quesadilla is filled with that savory chicken and queso mix.

Next, sprinkle some 12 oz of Mexican shredded cheese blend over the chicken mixture. A combination of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Colby works perfectly here. Fold each tortilla in half to create a quesadilla.

Cook Quesadillas

Now it’s time for the fun part! Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, place a quesadilla in the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese has melted. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your skillet.

Serve

After cooking, remove the quesadillas from the skillet and let them cool for a minute. Cut each quesadilla into triangles to make them easy to handle. Serve them warm with sour cream, guacamole, or any of your favorite toppings. Each bite will be filled with cheesy, creamy goodness, making it a delightful meal.

How to Serve Crockpot Queso Chicken Quesadillas

Serving Crockpot Queso Chicken Quesadillas is simple and fun. You can lay them out on a large platter or individual plates for your family or guests. Serve with an array of toppings for customization. Sour cream adds a cooling effect, while guacamole provides a rich, creamy flavor. You can also add fresh items like diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, jalapeños, or extra salsa for an interactive dining experience.

They’re perfect as a main dish, but they can also work great as appetizers during parties or game nights. Just serve them with toothpicks for easy snacking!

How to Store Crockpot Queso Chicken Quesadillas

If you happen to have leftover quesadillas, storing them is hassle-free. Let the quesadillas cool completely, then wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place them in an airtight container, and refrigerate. They can last for up to 3 to 4 days in the fridge.

If you want to store them for a longer period, consider freezing them. Wrap each quesadilla tightly and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in a hot skillet or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Tips to Make Crockpot Queso Chicken Quesadillas

1. Add Vegetables: For a healthier twist, consider adding some vegetables to the filling. Bell peppers, onions, or spinach can add both nutritional value and flavor.

2. Use Different Proteins: If you prefer, you can substitute chicken with other proteins like shredded beef or pork. Adjust cooking times based on the meat you choose.

3. Experiment with Cheese: Don’t be afraid to mix and match different cheeses. Adding pepper jack cheese can give you an extra kick of spice, while mozzarella can create an extra gooey texture.

4. Customize the Spice Level: If you love heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or use spicy salsa to kick up the flavor.

5. Fresh Herbs: Garnish the quesadillas with fresh herbs like cilantro or chives for a pop of freshness and color.

Variations

While the basic recipe for Crockpot Queso Chicken Quesadillas is delicious, you can easily create variations to switch things up:

• Buffalo Quesadillas: Grill or bake chicken that has been tossed in buffalo sauce instead of taco seasoning for a spicy take.

• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with black beans, corn, and bell peppers. Spice with taco seasoning for great flavor.

• BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: Swap the taco seasoning and salsa for barbecue sauce and shredded chicken for a sweet and smoky option.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken thighs in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs directly in the slow cooker. Just add an extra hour of cooking time to ensure they are thoroughly cooked and tender.

What can I serve with quesadillas?

Quesadillas pair well with a variety of sides. You can serve them with a simple salad, tortilla chips, or Mexican rice for a more filling meal.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. You can also assemble the quesadillas in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook.

How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?

To prevent soggy tortillas, ensure that the chicken mixture isn’t overly wet. If using homemade salsa, consider thickening it or reducing the liquid a bit to keep the filling from becoming too soggy.

What cheese is best for quesadillas?

A blend of Mexican cheeses works best, but feel free to experiment with what you enjoy! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack are all great options. Just ensure it is a cheese that melts well.

With these easy steps and guidelines, you can whip up delicious Crockpot Queso Chicken Quesadillas that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the cooking and the delightful results!

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