Chicken tinga quesadillas recipe

Updated on October 4th, 2025

There’s something about the mix of melted cheese and flavorful chicken that makes quesadillas a favorite, and this chicken tinga quesadillas recipe take it to the next level. The shredded chicken is simmered in a smoky, spicy tomato-chipotle sauce, so it soaks up every bit of flavor. The cheese melts into the chicken filling and creates that gooey bite everyone loves, while the crisp tortilla holds it all together. It is simple to make, full of flavor, and flexible enough to serve as dinner, a party snack, or even game day food.

Why this recipe works

• Smoky flavor: The chipotle peppers in adobo sauce give the chicken a smoky spice that pairs perfectly with the richness of melted cheese.
• Cheesy goodness: Using a Mexican cheese blend makes every bite gooey and flavorful, while also helping hold the filling inside the quesadilla.
• Simple ingredients: With only a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe is straightforward but still creates a dish that feels exciting and special.
• Multi-use: The chicken tinga filling is not limited to quesadillas, since you can also use it for tacos, burritos, or tostadas.
• Crowd appeal: Quesadillas are always popular at the table, and this chicken tinga version gives everyone a dish they’ll enjoy eating together.

Serving suggestions

• Dinner idea: Pair these chicken tinga quesadillas with a side of Mexican rice and beans to make a filling weeknight dinner.
• Party platter: Cut the quesadillas into small wedges and arrange them with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for easy sharing at parties.
• Casual lunch: Serve them with a simple green salad or corn on the cob for a quick lunch that still feels hearty.
• Family meal: Let everyone customize their quesadilla with toppings like jalapeños, extra cheese, or fresh cilantro at the dinner table.
• Game day snack: Offer quesadillas as finger food alongside nachos, chips, and dips, making them a perfect choice for watching sports with friends.

Chicken tinga quesadillas recipe

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These chicken tinga quesadillas with chipotle tomato sauce and melted Mexican cheese are perfect for quick, delicious weeknight meals.

• Author: Bobby
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 Servings 1x

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion (cut into rings)
• 1 (15 ounces) can stewed tomatoes
• 1 (7 ounces) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (or to taste)
• 2lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 8 (10 inches) flour tortillas
• 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• butter (for spreading)

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Instructions

1. Cook the chicken according to the method of your choice (boiled, pan-fried, baked, etc.) until fully cooked (the internal temperature has reached 165 Degrees F.).
2. When the chicken has cooled shred it using two forks.
3. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook and stir until softened (about 5 minutes). Meanwhile, add stewed tomatoes and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to a blender and puree until smooth.
4. Pour the sauce into the pan with the onions and add the cooked shredded chicken. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Heat another large skillet to medium heat. Butter one side of a tortilla. Lay the tortilla into the skillet butter-side down and sprinkle some of the cheese over the top of the entire tortilla. Add a layer of the chicken tinga onto one side of the tortilla.
6. Once the cheese has melted and the tortilla has browned on the bottom, fold the half with just the cheese over the half of the tortilla with the chicken and press gently with a spatula.
7. Cut into 3 slices and serve. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

Nutrition

• Serving Size:
• Calories: 462
• Sugar: 2.2 g
• Sodium: 906.3 mg
• Fat: 19.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 30.5 g
• Protein: 40.8 g
• Cholesterol: 112.6 mg