Crockpot Queso Chicken Quesadillas

What is a weeknight dinner game changer? Remember those nights when you stare into the fridge, completely uninspired, and the thought of staring at the refrigerator? Is ordering takeout too tempting? What is the recipe for Crockpot Chicken Quesadillas? What if your favorite enchiladas hang out in a Slow Cooker? What are some of the best quesadilla recipes? When I made this, my family devoured it. The smell alone kept them hovering around the kitchen, asking when it would be ready. Is it ridiculously easy, which is a huge plus in my book, and tastes like something you’d order at the grocery store? Why don’t we eat takeout?

What is a crockpot quesadilla?

Think of it like this: “If you can’t get out How do you cook chicken in a Slow Cooker? Is this shredded chicken swimming in a pool of melted cheese, diced tomatoes, and mozzarella? Green chilies, and a blend of spices that just scream comfort food. “The magic happens in the crockpot, letting all those flavors meld together into something truly delicious. What’s the best way to serve chicken on tortillas? ), and grill or pan-fry them until golden brown and crispy. What is the best quesadilla recipe? I’ve even been known to skip tortillas and just eat the chicken mixture straight from the tortilla. Don’t judge!

Why do I love this recipe?

There are so many reasons why this recipe has become a staple in our house. First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. The queso sauce is rich, creamy, and slightly spicy, perfectly complementing the tender chicken. It’s that perfect balance of cheesy goodness and savory spice that keeps you coming back for more. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good cheesy quesadilla? What I love most is how simple it is. Seriously, you just throw everything into the crockpot and let it do its thing. It’s almost entirely hands-off, which is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. This one’s a lifesaver! Plus, it’s surprisingly cost-efficient. Chicken thighs are often more affordable than chicken breasts, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples. You probably have most of them already! And finally, it’s super versatile. You can serve it in quesadillas (obviously!), but you can also use the chicken mixture for nachos, tacos, burritos, or even just as a topping for rice. It’s like the gift that keeps on giving. I’ve even used leftovers to top a salad for lunch the next day. It’s similar to my other favorite Chicken Taco recipe, but the queso takes it to a whole new level of cheesy deliciousness. Honestly, my family requests this more often than pizza night!

How do you make a crockpot quesadilla?

Quick Overview

What’s the easiest recipe you’ve ever made? What’s the best way to cook chicken in a crockpot? What is the best way to prepare chicken quesadillas? What is a Slow Cooker and how does it work? Is this recipe foolproof?

Ingredients

What is the recipe for the Crockpot Queso Chicken?
* 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs are key for staying juicy! Don’t use breasts unless you really have to. (I’m a chemist)
* 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained.
* 1 (16 oz) jar of your favorite queso dip (store-bought is totally fine! I like the Tostitos brand)
* 1 (8 oz) package Cream Cheese, softened (this is what makes it extra creamy)
* 1 packet taco seasoning (for that classic tacco flavor!)
* 1/2 cup chopped onion (adds a nice bit of savory flavor)
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional, but it adds a fresh element)
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* Salt and pepper to taste (always important to season properly!)

For the Quesadilla
* Flour tortillas (I prefer the large, burrito-sized ones) * Oven-made tortilla (
* Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend work great)
* Cooking spray or oil (for grilling or pan-frying)*

What are the steps to

Step 1: Throw it All In

How do you cook chicken thighs in a slow cooker? No need to sear them. Just plop them right in.

Step 2: Add the Good Stuff

How do I mix diced tomatoes and green chilies together? ), queso dip, softened cream cheese, taco seasoning, chopped onion, cilantro (if using), garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, cumin What is the best way to cook chicken? Powder, cumin, salt and pepper

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shreddable. I always do this on low if I’m planning to be out of the house all day. Is it more forgiving that way?

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. The chicken will be super tender and will shred really easily.

Step 5: Stir and Combine

If the chicken is cooked, stir everything together until it is completely coated in queso sauce. When the magic happens, the mixture should be nice and creamy.

Step 6: Assemble the Quesadillas

Lay tortilla flat on a clean surface. What’s the best way to serve shredded cheese on a tortilla? What is the best way to serve queso chicken over cheese? Top with a sprinkle of cheese.

Step 7: Fold and Cook

What is the best way to fold a tortilla in half. Spray with cooking spray or lightly brush with oil. Place quesadillas in a skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve immediately. When cheese is melted, it becomes gooey. I always press down on the quesadilla with a spatula to help it crisp up.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Remove quesadilla from the skillet and let it cool slightly before slicing into wedges. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, like sour cream, guacamole or salsa.

What should I serve it with?

What are some of the best crockpot quesadilla recipes? What are some of the best side dishes

For a Fiesta Feel:Serve with black beans and Mexican rice. What are some good ways to add pico de gallo or guacamole to your meal?

For a light lunch: How do you prepare yourServe with a simple salad and lime vinaigrette. The coolness of the salad will complement the richness and crunch of quesadillas perfectly.

For Game Day:Offer a variety of toppings like sour cream, salsa, jalapenos, and extra cheese. How do you customize quesadillas?

What is your favorite song of all timeSometimes I serve them with a big bowl of tortilla chips and some extra queso. I know it’s gonna be hard, but I’ll try. Is it simple, satisfying, and always a hit?

My kids love having these quesadillas with a side of fruit salad, while my husband prefers them with bread. What is a cold Mexican beer? Is it a crowd pleaser?

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Crockpot Queso Chicken Quesadillas

Want to make sure your Crockpot Queso Chicken Quesadillas are absolutely perfect? Here are some of my top tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years:

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: While the slow cooker is forgiving, overcooking the chicken can make it dry and tough. Keep an eye on it and check for doneness after about 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high.

Use Quality Queso: The queso dip is a key ingredient, so choose one that you really enjoy. I’ve tried several different brands, and I find that the Tostitos queso is the most consistent in terms of flavor and texture.

Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before adding it to the slow cooker. This will help it melt evenly and create a smoother, creamier sauce. If you forget, just cut it into smaller cubes before adding it.

Add Some Heat: If you like a little extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapenos to the slow cooker. You can also use a hotter taco seasoning blend.

Don’t Skimp on the Cheese: When assembling the quesadillas, be generous with the shredded cheese. It’s what holds everything together and gives them that delicious, cheesy pull.

Crisp ‘Em Up: To get perfectly crispy quesadillas, cook them in a skillet over medium heat with a little bit of cooking spray or oil. Press down on them with a spatula to help them brown evenly. I’ve even used my panini press to make these, and they turn out great!

Ingredient Swaps: I have tested this recipe with almond milk for the cream cheese once, and it actually made it even creamier!

I have also made this vegetarian by substituting the chicken for beans before – but I recommend adding a bit more taco seasoning in that case to make sure it is flavorful.

I learned the importance of softening the cream cheese the hard way, after having to pick out lumps the first time I ever made this! Also, trust me, use quality queso – it really makes all the difference!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Refrigerating: Store the Crockpot Queso Chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also store the assembled quesadillas in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking them.

Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the Crockpot Queso Chicken mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. I don’t recommend freezing the assembled quesadillas, as the tortillas can get soggy.

Reheating: To reheat the Crockpot Queso Chicken mixture, simply microwave it until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. To reheat the cooked quesadillas, cook them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through and the cheese is melted. You can also microwave them, but they won’t be as crispy.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the Crockpot Queso Chicken mixture, I recommend waiting to assemble the quesadillas until you’re ready to serve them. This will help prevent the tortillas from getting soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free tortillas. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the labels to be sure.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

You can, but chicken thighs are much more flavorful and stay juicier in the slow cooker. If you use chicken breasts, be sure to check them for doneness frequently and don’t overcook them.

Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?

Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans would all be great additions. Just add them to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Crockpot Queso Chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Then, just assemble and cook the quesadillas when you’re ready to serve them.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can also make this on the stovetop. Just combine all the ingredients in a large pot or Dutch oven and simmer over low heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreddable.

Final Thoughts

Seriously, folks, this Crockpot Queso Chicken Quesadillas recipe is a total winner. It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s so versatile that you can easily adapt it to your own tastes and preferences. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other slow cooker chicken recipes for more easy and delicious meal ideas. And if you try this recipe, please leave a comment and let me know how it turns out! I can’t wait to hear what you think. Happy cooking!

No ratings yet