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Quesadillas have long been a beloved staple in various cuisines, especially within Mexican and Tex-Mex traditions. Their versatility allows for a multitude of fillings, making them a favorite for meals, snacks, and even party appetizers. The traditional quesadilla, with its warm, folded tortillas encasing gooey cheese and savory ingredients, has captured the hearts of many and is often a go-to option for quick, satisfying meals.

Cheesy Salsa Chicken Quesadilla Bake

Discover a delightful new twist on a classic favorite with this Cheesy Salsa Chicken Quesadilla Bake. Combining layers of soft tortillas, tender shredded chicken, zesty salsa, and gooey cheese, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. It's easy to make and sure to impress! This recipe highlights the versatility of quesadillas while providing a hearty meal that's simple to prepare and serve. Bring joy to your table with this scrumptious dish that everyone will love.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

1 cup salsa (choose your preferred spice level: spicy or mild)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

8 flour tortillas (10-inch size)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)

1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the dish)

Sour cream and guacamole for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat & Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.

    Mix Chicken & Salsa: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded chicken, salsa, ground cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and the chicken is well coated with the salsa mixture.

      Assemble the Quesadillas: On a clean work surface, lay out four flour tortillas. Distribute half of the chicken mixture evenly on each tortilla. Sprinkle half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the chicken. Top each with another tortilla to form quesadillas.

        Layer in Baking Dish: Carefully transfer the assembled quesadillas into the greased baking dish, placing them closely together. You may need to cut some quesadillas into sections to make them fit nicely.

          Add Remaining Toppings: Pour the remaining salsa evenly over the top of the stacked quesadillas. Next, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheeses over the salsa layer to create a cheesy topping.

            Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After this, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

              Garnish & Serve: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. For an added layer of flavor, optionally sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top. Slice the quesadilla bake into squares and serve alongside sour cream and guacamole for dipping.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | 6 servings