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Ben's Galley Loaded Chicken Quesadillas: Crispy, Cheesy Crew Favorites

Updated: 2 days ago

When you need lunch that's fast, filling, and feeds a hungry crew, these loaded chicken quesadillas deliver. They're crispy on the outside, melty on the inside, and packed with flavor. Perfect for using up leftover chicken and easy to customize for different tastes.



One pan, minimal prep, maximum flavor - that's galley cooking at its best. The combination of seasoned chicken, multiple cheeses, and fresh vegetables creates a satisfying meal that's much more than just "cheese and tortillas." Plus, they're easy to scale up for larger crews.


Ingredients (Serves 8-10)

  • 8-10 large flour tortillas

  • 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

  • 1 large bell pepper, diced

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (optional)

  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

  • 2 teaspoons cumin

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil for cooking


For serving:

  • Sour cream

  • Salsa

  • Guacamole

  • Hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken: Mix cooked chicken with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

  2. Prep vegetables: Dice bell pepper, onion, and jalapeños. Chop cilantro.

  3. Assemble quesadillas: On half of each tortilla, layer cheese, seasoned chicken, vegetables, and cilantro. Fold tortilla over.

  4. Cook: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook loaded chicken quesadillas 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cheese is melted.

  5. Serve: Cut into wedges and serve hot with sour cream, salsa, and other toppings.


Chef's Tips

  • Don't overfill - they'll be hard to flip and ingredients will spill out

  • Medium heat prevents burning while ensuring cheese melts completely

  • Press gently with spatula while cooking for even browning

  • Keep warm in 200°F oven if making multiple batches

  • Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe




Ben's Gadgets: Essential Stew-Making Tools

Knife Magnetic Strip

Keep your knife safely stored and easily accessible during all that chopping. With multiple onions and prep work, you'll appreciate having your knife right at hand.


Misen 8-inch Knife

Perfect for chopping those red onions cleanly and efficiently. A sharp knife makes quick work of the prep and ensures even pieces that cook uniformly.





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