Chicken and Grilled Carnitas Quesadillas

Chicken and Grilled Carnitas Quesadillas with Monterey Jack cheese, served with sour cream and guacamole on the side. This recipe serves two people and features a delicious combination of tender grilled carnitas, seasoned chicken, and melted cheese, all wrapped in crispy tortillas. Perfect for a cozy meal!

Chicken and Grilled Carnitas Quesadilla Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 1/2 lb)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Carnitas:

• 1/2 lb cooked carnitas (you can use leftover carnitas or pre-cooked carnitas from a store or restaurant)

For the Quesadillas:

• 4 small corn tortillas (or flour tortillas if you prefer)

• 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

• 1 tablespoon butter or oil (for cooking)

• Sour cream (for serving)

• Guacamole (for serving)

For the Guacamole:

• 2 ripe avocados

• 1 small tomato, diced

• 1/4 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• Salt and pepper to taste

• A few sprigs of cilantro, chopped (optional)

Equipment:

• Grill pan or skillet (for cooking the chicken)

• Large skillet or griddle (for cooking the quesadillas)

• Spatula

• Knife and cutting board

• Small bowl (for mixing guacamole)

• Cheese grater (if shredding cheese yourself)

• Serving plates

Preparation:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Season the chicken: Season the chicken breast with olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken breast.

2. Grill or pan-cook the chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breast and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Step 2: Prepare the Guacamole

1. Mash the avocado: Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a small bowl. Mash the avocado with a fork to your desired consistency.

2. Add the mix-ins: Add the diced tomato, chopped onion, lime juice, and cilantro (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Quesadillas

1. Warm the tortillas: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Briefly warm the tortillas one by one for 15-30 seconds per side, just to make them soft and pliable. Remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Assemble the quesadillas: Take one tortilla and place it in the skillet. Layer it with a portion of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, grilled chicken strips, and carnitas. Add a little more cheese on top to help bind everything together. Place the second tortilla on top, pressing it gently to secure.

3. Cook the quesadilla: Add 1 tablespoon of butter or oil to the skillet. Let the quesadilla cook for about 2-3 minutes on the first side, until the bottom is golden and crispy. Flip the quesadilla carefully with a spatula and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the tortilla is crispy.

4. Repeat: Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Slice it into wedges. Repeat the process for the second quesadilla.

Step 4: Serve

1. Serve the quesadillas: Place the sliced quesadillas on plates.

2. Serve with sides: Serve with a side of sour cream and a generous portion of guacamole.

Tips:

• Carnitas: If you don’t have pre-cooked carnitas, you can make a quick version by using pulled pork or even store-bought carnitas that only need reheating. For a flavorful homemade version, you can slow-cook pork with seasonings and shred it.

• Adding heat: If you like spice, you can add a few slices of jalapeño or drizzle some hot sauce inside the quesadilla before cooking.

• Extra flavor: Feel free to add some sautéed onions or bell peppers to the quesadilla for extra flavor and texture.

• Cheese alternatives: If Monterey Jack isn’t available, you can use cheddar, mozzarella, or queso Oaxaca for a similarly melty texture.

Enjoy your chicken and grilled carnitas quesadillas with sour cream and guacamole!

This combination of juicy chicken, tender carnitas, and gooey Monterey Jack cheese will make for a satisfying, delicious meal. The sour cream and guacamole on the side bring extra creaminess and freshness to balance the rich quesadilla flavors!