Italian Quesadillas

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The combination of juicy rotisserie chicken, melted mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil in these quesadillas gives you all the comforting flavors of a pizza, but in the form of a crispy, golden quesadilla. The pizza sauce adds a tangy, rich base, while the mozzarella gets perfectly melted inside the tortillas. Plus, they’re super quick and easy to make, and you can customize them to your taste!

Ingredients

• 4 tortillas
• 16 oz rotisserie chicken, chopped or shredded
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped or chiffonade
• 1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese
• ½ jar pizza sauce (about 135 grams)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

Shred or chop the rotisserie chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. Chop the fresh basil into thin strips (chiffonade) or roughly chop, depending on your preference.

2. Assemble the Quesadillas:

Place a tortilla on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on one side of the tortilla. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Add a portion of the shredded rotisserie chicken and some fresh basil on top.

3. Cook the Quesadillas:

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the assembled quesadilla in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted. You can cook one quesadilla at a time or cook multiple if your skillet is large enough.

4. Serve:

Once the quesadillas are crispy and golden, remove them from the skillet. Slice them into wedges and serve immediately with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping.

Servings and Timing

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cooking time: 5-6 minutes per quesadilla
• Total time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (1 quesadilla per person)

Notes

• Customizing the Filling: You can add other ingredients to the quesadillas, like sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms, for extra flavor and texture.
• Cheese Options: If you prefer, you can mix in some Parmesan cheese along with the mozzarella for a richer flavor.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the pizza sauce if you like a little heat in your quesadillas.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the rotisserie chicken and add some roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Buffalo Chicken: Swap out the pizza sauce for buffalo sauce and add some blue cheese for a tangy, spicy twist on these quesadillas.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat, or microwave them until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use flour tortillas instead of whole wheat?

Yes, you can use any type of tortilla you prefer, such as whole wheat, flour, or gluten-free tortillas.

Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling and assemble the quesadillas ahead of time, then cook them right before serving. Alternatively, you can store leftover cooked quesadillas in the fridge and reheat them when ready to eat.

Can I freeze the quesadillas?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled but uncooked quesadillas. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, just heat them directly from the freezer in a skillet, cooking for a bit longer than usual.

Conclusion

These Italian Quesadillas are a fun and flavorful fusion of two classic dishes—quesadillas and pizza. They are quick, easy to make, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. Whether you’re serving them as a main course, snack, or appetizer, these quesadillas will be a delicious addition to your recipe rotation!

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