Griddled Quesadillas With Caramelized Onions

These griddled quesadillas are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender shredded chicken with gooey melted jack cheese and deeply flavorful caramelized red onions. The onions are slowly cooked down with a splash of beer and balsamic vinegar, creating a sweet and tangy glaze that contrasts beautifully with the savory filling. The large flour tortillas are grilled until golden brown and crisp, providing a perfect crunch in every bite. A hint of fresh oregano and jalapeño adds a fresh kick, balancing the richness of the cheese. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual party appetizer, or a satisfying lunch. It's easy to assemble and comes together quickly using pantry staples, making it a reliable favorite for busy families who crave restaurant-quality Mexican-inspired flavors at home.

Cuisine: Mexican

Courses: Appetisers

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4

Calories: 450

Description

These griddled quesadillas are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender shredded chicken with gooey melted jack cheese and deeply flavorful caramelized red onions. The onions are slowly cooked down with a splash of beer and balsamic vinegar, creating a sweet and tangy glaze that contrasts beautifully with the savory filling. The large flour tortillas are grilled until golden brown and crisp, providing a perfect crunch in every bite. A hint of fresh oregano and jalapeño adds a fresh kick, balancing the richness of the cheese. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual party appetizer, or a satisfying lunch. It's easy to assemble and comes together quickly using pantry staples, making it a reliable favorite for busy families who crave restaurant-quality Mexican-inspired flavors at home.

Ingredients

Chicken stock, and/or water
Cooked chicken breast, shredded
Vegetable oil
Red onions, thinly sliced
Beer, medium-bodied lager
Balsamic vinegar
Sugar
Jalapeno Chile Pepper, seeded and finely chopped
Finely chopped fresh oregano (or 1/2 tsp dried)
Salt
Pepper
Flour tortillas, 12-inch diameter
Jack cheese, shredded

Directions

1
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
2
Pour in the beer, balsamic vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture, stirring frequently, until the liquid has reduced and the onions are deep golden brown and caramelized, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped jalapeño and oregano.
3
Warm the chicken stock or water in a small saucepan. Add the shredded cooked chicken breast to the warm liquid to heat through and keep moist. Drain any excess liquid before filling.
4
Lay one large flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread half of the warm chicken mixture evenly over the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edge.
5
Sprinkle half of the shredded jack cheese over the chicken. Top with half of the caramelized onion mixture. Place a second tortilla on top, pressing down gently to adhere.
6
Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly spray with nonstick spray. Place the assembled quesadilla on the hot surface.
7
Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crisp and the cheese inside is fully melted. Press down gently with a spatula while cooking.
8
Remove from heat and let cool for 1 minute. Slice into wedges and serve immediately. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make a second quesadilla.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 22g34%
Saturated Fat 12g60%
Cholesterol 110mg37%
Sodium 750mg32%
Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Sugars 4g
Protein 20g40%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/griddled-quesadillas-with-caramelized-onions/