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Slow Cooker Chicken Quesadillas

Slow Cooker Chicken Quesadillas

Slow Cooker Chicken Quesadillas are a game-changer for busy weeknights, offering a wonderfully tender, shredded chicken filling that’s incredibly easy to prepare. This recipe revolutionizes the traditional quesadilla by utilizing the slow cooker, ensuring maximum flavor with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Shredding and Soaking Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (1 ounce)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 can mild green chilies undrained (4 ounce)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 12-16 large flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a Mexican blend)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter or cooking spray for cooking quesadillas
Optional toppings
  • sour cream
  • salsa
  • guacamole
  • chopped cilantro
  • sliced jalapeños
  • chopped red onion

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Cutting Board
  • Forks
  • Skillet or griddle
  • Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter

Method
 

  1. Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker.
    2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  2. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth. Add the undrained can of green chilies, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder to the slow cooker.
    1 packet taco seasoning, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 can mild green chilies, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
  4. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or in a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
    2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  5. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken into the remaining liquid and seasonings. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb more of the flavorful sauce.
    2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 can mild green chilies, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  6. Lay out a tortilla. Sprinkle one half of the tortilla with a generous amount of Monterey Jack cheese (about 1/4 cup). Spoon a hearty portion of the shredded chicken mixture (about 1/3 to 1/2 cup) over the cheese. Top the chicken with another 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
    12-16 large flour tortillas, 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  7. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling to create a semicircle.
    12-16 large flour tortillas
  8. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter or a light coating of cooking spray. Carefully place one or two folded quesadillas onto the hot skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and gooey.
    2 tablespoons butter or cooking spray, 12-16 large flour tortillas
  9. Remove the cooked quesadillas from the skillet. Let them cool slightly for a minute before slicing them into wedges with a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings. Repeat steps 6-9 until all tortillas and filling are used.
    12-16 large flour tortillas, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, chopped red onion

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet, oven, or microwave.