Chicken and Broccoli Quesadillas

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken and crisp broccoli wrapped in melted cheese between warm tortillas for a crowd-pleasing meal. This mexican-inspired kid friendly ready in about 30 minutes pairs chicken breasts, broccoli, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb chicken strips (cut into 1/2-inch pieces), 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through; remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 cups broccoli florets. Cook for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender and slightly charred.
  3. Step 3: Place 4 tortillas on a clean surface. On half of each tortilla, layer 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup cooked chicken, and 1/2 cup cooked broccoli. Top with another 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
  4. Step 4: Fold tortillas in half and cook in the skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
  5. Step 5: Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve with 1/2 cup sour cream on the side for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chicken and Broccoli Quesadillas take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Chicken and Broccoli Quesadillas?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chicken and Broccoli Quesadillas?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chicken and Broccoli Quesadillas for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Chicken and Broccoli Quesadillas?

Mexican kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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