Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to load up your quesadillas with lots of chicken and cheese, adding too much can make the quesadilla difficult to flip, lead to uneven heating, and a messy eating experience. Moderation is key for a perfectly balanced quesadilla.
Cook Slowly over Medium Heat: High heat will burn the tortilla before the cheese has a chance to fully melt and the filling warms through. Cooking over medium heat allows the tortilla to slowly toast to a beautiful golden brown and become crispy, while the cheese melts into a gooey perfection.
Utilize the Double Cheese Layer: Placing cheese on both sides of the filling serves two important functions: it ensures an even distribution of cheesy flavor throughout the quesadilla, and crucially, it acts as a binder. As the cheese melts, it creates a delicious “glue” that holds all the fillings securely within the tortillas, preventing any tasty ingredients from escaping.
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about making Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas:
Can I use raw chicken?
Yes, you can. If starting with raw chicken, marinate it in Al Pastor seasoning (you can find recipes for homemade marinade or use a good quality store-bought one) and cook it thoroughly before adding to the quesadilla. Cut it into small pieces for quicker cooking. This will, however, significantly increase the prep and cook time beyond the 7 minutes listed in this recipe which assumes pre-cooked chicken.
What kind of tortillas are best?
Large flour tortillas (8-10 inches) are generally recommended for their pliability and ability to crisp up nicely. They are also less prone to tearing when filled.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the Al Pastor chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. However, for the best taste and texture, assemble and cook the quesadillas fresh just before serving. Cooked quesadillas can be stored and reheated, but they won’t be as crispy as fresh ones.
What other fillings can I add?
Feel free to customize! Diced bell peppers, corn kernels, black beans, sautéed onions, or even a sprinkle of grilled pineapple chunks would be delicious additions to the chicken and cheese.
How do I make the tortillas extra crispy?
Ensure your skillet is hot and use a dry pan (no oil for the tortilla itself, unless you want a slightly softer finish). Cook over medium heat, and press down lightly with a spatula while cooking to ensure maximum contact with the hot surface.
Want More Delicious and Easy Recipes?
If you loved these Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas, explore more of our fantastic and simple recipes designed to bring flavor and joy to your kitchen:
Perfectly Cooked Steaks on a Blackstone Griddle
Homemade Peameal Bacon: A Step-by-Step Guide
Flavorful Smoked Lamb Chops Recipe
Mouthwatering Smoked Eye of Round Beef
Irresistible Smoked Shotgun Shells Appetizer
We hope you enjoy this delightful recipe for Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the bold, complex flavors of Al Pastor in a convenient, cheesy format. Happy cooking!
Delight your taste buds with our sensational Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas – a vibrant fusion of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors, enveloped in gooey, melted cheese and crispy tortillas. This easy-to-make dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience, bringing the exciting tastes of Mexican street food right to your kitchen. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering, these cheesy quesadillas are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone! Discover how to transform simple ingredients into an unforgettable culinary masterpiece.
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The history of Al Pastor is as rich and flavorful as the dish itself, a beautiful testament to cultural fusion. Originating from Lebanese immigrants who settled in Mexico in the early 20th century, Al Pastor is a Mexican adaptation of the Middle Eastern shawarma. These immigrants brought with them the tradition of spit-grilling thinly sliced meat, typically lamb, on a vertical rotisserie (known as a “trompo” in Mexico). Over time, Mexican cooks ingeniously infused this technique with local flavors, substituting lamb with pork and marinating it in a vibrant blend of dried chilies, spices, and the iconic touch of pineapple. The result was a dish bursting with a unique sweet, savory, and tangy profile that quickly became a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine.
While traditional Al Pastor predominantly features pork, our recipe today introduces a delightful twist: Chicken Al Pastor. This ingenious substitution not only makes the dish accessible to those who prefer not to consume pork but also offers a lighter, yet equally flavorful, alternative. Chicken readily absorbs the complex marinade, resulting in tender, juicy pieces that still capture the essence of classic Al Pastor. This adaptation retains the authentic flavor profile while providing a versatile protein option perfect for our cheesy quesadillas.
WHAT YOU’LL LOVE ABOUT Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas
**Explosion of Flavors:** These quesadillas offer an unparalleled blend of sweet, smoky, and spicy notes, characteristic of the Al Pastor marinade, perfectly balanced with the richness of melted cheese.
**Dynamic Textures:** Every bite is a delightful contrast, from the crispy, golden-brown tortilla to the tender, juicy Al Pastor chicken and the irresistibly gooey, melted cheese.
**Effortlessly Customizable:** Whether you prefer more spice, different cheeses, or added vegetables, this recipe is incredibly versatile. We’ll share plenty of suggestions to tailor it to your taste.
**Smart Use of Leftovers:** An excellent solution for repurposing leftover chicken al pastor, transforming it into an exciting new meal in minutes.
**Quick and Easy Preparation:** Ideal for busy weeknights, these quesadillas come together rapidly, minimizing cooking time without sacrificing flavor.
**Family-Friendly Favorite:** The universally loved combination of chicken, cheese, and tortillas makes this a dish that pleases palates of all ages.
What Exactly are Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas?
Imagine your favorite Mexican flavors encapsulated within a warm, crispy tortilla – that’s the essence of a Chicken Al Pastor Quesadilla. More than just a simple sandwich, it’s a symphony of textures and tastes where the tortilla acts as a golden-brown embrace for a rich and savory filling. At its heart lies the star ingredient: succulent chicken marinated in the distinctive Al Pastor blend, featuring a savory depth from chilies, a hint of smokiness, and a bright, zesty sweetness from pineapple. This flavorful chicken is generously layered with a medley of perfectly melted cheeses, creating an irresistible gooey interior that complements the crispy exterior of the tortilla.
The magic happens as the quesadilla cooks on a hot skillet. The tortilla transforms into a lightly charred, golden vessel, providing a satisfying crunch that beautifully contrasts with the soft, juicy chicken and the creamy, molten cheese. The Al Pastor marinade infuses the chicken with layers of flavor – often featuring notes of achiote for earthy color and taste, garlic, onion, and a blend of spices like cumin and oregano, all brightened by the tangy sweetness of pineapple. When combined in a quesadilla, these elements create a harmonious and deeply satisfying dish that is both comforting and exciting. It’s a quick, flavorful meal that brings the vibrant spirit of Mexican street food directly to your table.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Quesadillas
Crafting the perfect Chicken Al Pastor Quesadilla begins with a few key ingredients. While the core components are simple, selecting quality items will elevate your quesadilla from good to absolutely outstanding. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
Leftover Chicken Al Pastor: This is the hero of our dish! For the ultimate flavor, we highly recommend using our famous recipe for smoked chicken al pastor. Having pre-cooked Al Pastor chicken makes this recipe incredibly quick and convenient, allowing you to whip up these delicious quesadillas in minutes. If you don’t have leftovers, you can quickly cook some chicken thighs or breast marinated in Al Pastor seasoning.
Cheese: The soul of any quesadilla is its molten, stretchy cheese. We recommend a blend of cheeses for optimal flavor and melt. Sharp cheddar brings a robust, savory note, while Monterey Jack offers incredible creaminess and superior meltability. A Mexican blend is also an excellent choice, often containing Oaxaca, Asadero, or Chihuahua cheeses that are specifically designed for melting beautifully. Feel free to use your favorite cheese or a combination that melts well.
Tortillas: Large flour tortillas (8-10 inches in diameter) are typically preferred for quesadillas as they are soft, pliable, and hold the filling well. They also crisp up wonderfully in a hot skillet. While corn tortillas can be used for a more authentic Mexican flavor, they tend to be smaller and can be more prone to breaking if overstuffed.
Green Onions: A sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions (both white and green parts) adds a fresh, subtle oniony bite and a beautiful pop of color, cutting through the richness of the cheese and chicken.
Cilantro: (Optional, but highly recommended) Freshly chopped cilantro offers a bright, herbaceous note that complements the Mexican flavors perfectly. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can easily omit it or substitute with a tiny sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas
Making these delicious quesadillas is surprisingly simple and quick, especially when you have your Al Pastor chicken prepped. Follow these easy steps for a perfect, cheesy meal:
Prepare Your Chicken: Begin by heating your leftover Al Pastor Chicken. Place it in a skillet over medium heat and stir occasionally until it’s thoroughly warmed through. This ensures the chicken is hot and ready to meld with the cheese. Once heated, set the chicken aside in a bowl.
Warm the Tortilla: Heat a dry, non-stick skillet or a cast-iron pan over medium heat. A non-stick pan works best for even browning and easy flipping. Once the skillet is hot (you can test by flicking a few drops of water – if it sizzles, it’s ready), place one large tortilla in the pan. Let it warm for about 30 seconds on each side until it becomes soft and pliable.
Layer the First Half: Spread half of the shredded cheese evenly over one half of the warmed tortilla. This initial layer of cheese acts as a delicious foundation and helps to ‘glue’ the chicken to the tortilla.
Add the Filling: Spoon your warm Al Pastor Chicken over the cheese on one half of the tortilla. Ensure the chicken is distributed evenly to get a great bite every time. Sprinkle a generous amount of sliced green onions and a pinch of fresh cilantro (if using) over the chicken.
The Second Cheese Layer: Top the chicken and other fillings with the remaining half of the shredded cheese. This second layer is crucial; it not only adds more cheesy goodness but also helps to bind all the ingredients together, making the quesadilla easier to flip and less prone to losing its filling.
Close and Cook: Fold the empty half of the tortilla over the filling, creating a crescent shape. Alternatively, if you prefer a fully enclosed quesadilla, place a second tortilla directly on top of the filling. Cook the quesadilla in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Watch for the tortilla to turn golden brown and crispy, and for the cheese to be completely melted and bubbly.
The Flip: For a crescent-shaped quesadilla, simply flip it over with a large spatula. If you’re using two tortillas, carefully slide the quesadilla onto a large plate, then invert the pan over the plate and slide the uncooked side back into the skillet. This technique ensures a smooth flip without losing any filling.
Rest Before Cutting: Once cooked to perfection, transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board. Allow it to cool for just one minute before cutting into wedges (usually 2 or 3 per quesadilla). This brief resting period gives the melted cheese a chance to slightly set, preventing it from oozing out excessively and making for cleaner, less messy eating.
Serve Immediately: Serve your hot, crispy, and cheesy Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas with your favorite accompaniments, such as a vibrant salsa, creamy guacamole, or cool sour cream. Enjoy!
Expert Tips for Crafting the Best Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas
Achieving quesadilla perfection is easy with a few insider tips. Follow these recommendations to ensure your Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas are crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor every time:
**Avoid Overstuffing:** While it’s tempting to pile on the delicious chicken and cheese, resist the urge to overstuff your quesadillas. Too much filling can make the quesadilla difficult to fold or flip without spilling. More importantly, an overloaded quesadilla won’t heat evenly, leading to cold spots in the middle or soggy tortillas. A balanced amount ensures every component cooks perfectly and the flavors are harmonized.
**Master the Medium Heat:** Patience is a virtue when cooking quesadillas. Cook them slowly over medium heat to achieve that desirable golden-brown, crispy tortilla exterior and perfectly melted, gooey cheese within. If the heat is too high, the tortillas will brown and potentially burn before the cheese has a chance to fully melt and the filling warms through. Low heat, on the other hand, might result in a soft, rather than crispy, tortilla. Strive for that sweet spot of medium heat.
**The Double Cheese Layer Strategy:** This is a crucial technique for structural integrity and flavor. By placing cheese directly on the tortilla, then adding the Al Pastor chicken and other toppings, and finally topping with another layer of cheese, you create a culinary “glue.” As the cheese melts, it acts as a binder, securing all the delicious fillings firmly inside the quesadilla. This prevents leakage and ensures that every bite is filled with tender chicken and luscious cheese.
**Don’t Forget the Rest:** Just like with steaks, allowing your quesadilla to rest for a minute after cooking is vital. This brief pause gives the cheese a chance to slightly set and firm up, making it less messy to cut and eat. It also prevents the molten cheese from burning your mouth upon the first bite.
**Freshness Matters:** While using leftover chicken Al Pastor is ideal for speed, ensure all your fresh ingredients like green onions and cilantro are vibrant and recently chopped. Freshness significantly impacts the overall taste and aroma of your quesadillas.
**Consider Your Tortilla Choice:** For the classic, easy-to-handle quesadilla, large flour tortillas are best. They become wonderfully crispy and hold up well to the filling. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could try larger corn tortillas, but handle them gently.
Recommended Pairings: More Culinary Adventures
Smoked Turkey Quesadillas
Smoked Chicken Enchiladas
Tacos Dorados
Elevate Your Quesadillas with These Toppings
While Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas are incredibly flavorful on their own, a selection of fresh and vibrant toppings can take them to the next level, adding contrasting textures, cooling elements, or an extra punch of flavor. Here are some of our favorite garnishes to complete your meal:
Guacamole: The rich, creamy texture and fresh, zesty flavor of homemade guacamole are an absolute dream with the smoky, spicy notes of Al Pastor chicken. It adds a luxurious mouthfeel and a beautiful green hue to your plate.
Salsa: A quintessential Mexican accompaniment, salsa offers a burst of freshness and acidity that perfectly cuts through the richness of the cheese and chicken.
Salsa Roja: A classic cooked red salsa provides a deep, savory tomato base.
Salsa Verde: Made with tomatillos, this offers a tangy, bright, and slightly spicy alternative.
Mango Salsa: For a delightful sweet and spicy contrast, a fruity mango habanero salsa introduces tropical notes that beautifully echo the pineapple in the Al Pastor.
Food Processor Salsa: Our quick and easy food processor salsa recipe is perfect when you need a fresh salsa fast.
Sour Cream or Mexican Crema: A dollop of cool, tangy sour cream or a lighter Mexican crema provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy quesadilla. It’s particularly good for mellowing out any heat.
Pico de Gallo: This fresh, uncooked salad of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños or serranos, and lime juice offers a crisp texture and bright, zesty flavors that are incredibly refreshing.
Pickled Red Onions: For a tangy, slightly sweet, and vibrant crunch, pickled red onions are a fantastic choice. Their acidity helps to balance the richness of the quesadilla.
Cotija Cheese: A sprinkle of crumbled Cotija cheese, a salty and firm Mexican cheese, adds an extra layer of savory depth and a beautiful visual appeal.
Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before eating brightens all the flavors and adds a zingy finish.
Make It A Complete Meal: What to Serve Alongside
Transform your Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas from a snack into a hearty and satisfying meal with these complementary side dishes. Keeping with the Tex-Mex theme, these options enhance the flavors and create a well-rounded dining experience:
Soups: A warm, comforting bowl of soup is always a welcome addition. Consider a flavorful Chicken Tortilla Soup, with its smoky broth, shredded chicken, and crispy tortilla strips, to complement the quesadillas perfectly.
Salads: For a lighter, refreshing contrast, a crisp salad is an excellent choice. Our Tex-Mex Caesar Salad with its smoky chipotle croutons offers a familiar yet exciting twist. A simple green salad with a cilantro-lime vinaigrette would also be a great option.
Rice & Beans: You can never go wrong with classic Mexican rice and refried or black beans. They provide a comforting and substantial base, making the meal truly fulfilling. Consider cilantro-lime rice for an extra pop of flavor.
Grilled Corn: Fresh grilled corn on the cob, or Mexican street corn (Elote) with its creamy, cheesy, and spicy toppings, would be an irresistible side, adding sweetness and a satisfying chew.
Dessert: If you’ve saved room, finish your meal on a sweet note. A slice of light and fruity Strawberry Upside Down Cake provides a lovely balance to the savory main course.
Storage and Reheating Recommendations
While quesadillas are undeniably at their absolute best when enjoyed fresh, straight from the skillet, you can certainly store leftovers for another delicious meal. Proper storage and reheating techniques will help maintain their quality and flavor.
Storage: Allow any leftover quesadillas to cool completely to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming and making them soggy. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly, and they will keep well for 2-3 days.
Reheating: For the best results, avoid the microwave if you want to retain any crispiness, as it tends to make tortillas soft and chewy.
Skillet (Recommended): Place the quesadilla back into a dry skillet over low to medium-low heat. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until warmed through and the tortilla regains its crispness. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the quesadilla on a baking sheet and heat for 8-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. This method is great for reheating multiple quesadillas at once.
Air Fryer: For ultimate crispiness, an air fryer works wonders! Place the quesadilla in the air fryer basket (you might need to cut it into smaller pieces to fit) and air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway, until hot and crispy.
Visual Guide: Step-By-Step Process
Gather all your fresh ingredients.Place a tortilla in a warm skillet, then add the first layer of cheese.Layer with warmed Al Pastor chicken, green onion, and cilantro.Add the final layer of cheese and top with another tortilla.Carefully place a plate on top, then flip the pan to slide the quesadilla back in, uncooked side down.Cook until golden brown and crispy on both sides, then it’s ready to enjoy.
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5 from 49 votes
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadilla
With lots of ooey gooey cheese and flavor-packed chicken al pastor meat, this jazzed-up quesadilla is brimming with flavor! Ready in minutes and the perfect size for 1, you can double or triple the recipe to make as many as you need.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican, Tex-Mex
Keyword al pastor, chicken al pastor, chicken al pastor quesadilla, quesadilla
1/2cupshredded cheddar cheeseor Monterey Jack, or a blend
1/2cupchicken al pastor meatdiced, pre-cooked and warmed
1green onionsliced white and green parts
1tablespooncilantrofinely chopped, optional
Instructions
Heat your leftover al pastor chicken in a skillet over medium heat until it’s warmed through. Set it aside.
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add a tortilla and let it warm for about 30 seconds.
Place half the shredded cheese on the warmed tortilla. Add your warm al pastor chicken on top of the cheese, a sprinkle of green onions, and a pinch of cilantro. Top with another layer of cheese. This double layer of cheese helps hold the quesadilla together during cooking.
Add another tortilla over the filling. Cook the quesadilla in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.
Flip the quesadilla with a large flipper or place a plate over the top of the quesadilla, and invert the pan, then slide the quesadilla back into the pan, uncooked side down.
Cool the quesadilla for one minute before cutting into it. This will give the cheese a chance to set a bit and makes them less messy to eat.
Serve with your choice of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Notes
Chef Jenn’s Tips for Success
Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to load up your quesadillas with lots of chicken and cheese, adding too much can make the quesadilla difficult to flip, lead to uneven heating, and a messy eating experience. Moderation is key for a perfectly balanced quesadilla.
Cook Slowly over Medium Heat: High heat will burn the tortilla before the cheese has a chance to fully melt and the filling warms through. Cooking over medium heat allows the tortilla to slowly toast to a beautiful golden brown and become crispy, while the cheese melts into a gooey perfection.
Utilize the Double Cheese Layer: Placing cheese on both sides of the filling serves two important functions: it ensures an even distribution of cheesy flavor throughout the quesadilla, and crucially, it acts as a binder. As the cheese melts, it creates a delicious “glue” that holds all the fillings securely within the tortillas, preventing any tasty ingredients from escaping.
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about making Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas:
Can I use raw chicken?
Yes, you can. If starting with raw chicken, marinate it in Al Pastor seasoning (you can find recipes for homemade marinade or use a good quality store-bought one) and cook it thoroughly before adding to the quesadilla. Cut it into small pieces for quicker cooking. This will, however, significantly increase the prep and cook time beyond the 7 minutes listed in this recipe which assumes pre-cooked chicken.
What kind of tortillas are best?
Large flour tortillas (8-10 inches) are generally recommended for their pliability and ability to crisp up nicely. They are also less prone to tearing when filled.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the Al Pastor chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. However, for the best taste and texture, assemble and cook the quesadillas fresh just before serving. Cooked quesadillas can be stored and reheated, but they won’t be as crispy as fresh ones.
What other fillings can I add?
Feel free to customize! Diced bell peppers, corn kernels, black beans, sautéed onions, or even a sprinkle of grilled pineapple chunks would be delicious additions to the chicken and cheese.
How do I make the tortillas extra crispy?
Ensure your skillet is hot and use a dry pan (no oil for the tortilla itself, unless you want a slightly softer finish). Cook over medium heat, and press down lightly with a spatula while cooking to ensure maximum contact with the hot surface.
Want More Delicious and Easy Recipes?
If you loved these Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas, explore more of our fantastic and simple recipes designed to bring flavor and joy to your kitchen:
Perfectly Cooked Steaks on a Blackstone Griddle
Homemade Peameal Bacon: A Step-by-Step Guide
Flavorful Smoked Lamb Chops Recipe
Mouthwatering Smoked Eye of Round Beef
Irresistible Smoked Shotgun Shells Appetizer
We hope you enjoy this delightful recipe for Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the bold, complex flavors of Al Pastor in a convenient, cheesy format. Happy cooking!
