This simple chicken quesadilla takes on a wonderful flavor from pineapple, and other fun additions that make this a delicious, memorable meal.
Lately life has felt like a blur. Jonathan has been working some long hours. I’ve been up to my neck in blog projects. Springtime garden projects are upon us. My birthday is around the corner with the usual festivities and of course we have family coming to stay in a few weeks.
Do you ever just feel like you landed inside a tornado and life is taking you for a ride? I try to make sure our schedule never gets like this but you know life – it happens sometimes.
When things do feel crazy my first priority is to simplify dinner as much as possible. This Chicken Quesadilla with pineapple are a wonderful option for a simple meal.
The basic recipe is perfect (in my opinion) but the options for variation mean you can switch this meal up to suit your own tastes. I think you will love the combo of fresh pineapple and cilantro with cheesy goodness.
Need an amazing guacamole recipe to serve with this? Click here for my favorite guacamole.  Â
Chicken Quesadilla with Pineapple
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup onion minced
- 1/4 cup fresh pineapple minced
- 2 Tablespoon cilantro minced
- 1/2 cup tomato diced (optional)
- jalapeno optional or use 1/2 pepper
- 1 cup cooked chicken chopped (I used store bought rotisserie chicken)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 - 1 teaspoon fresh squeezed lime juice
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 3 cups Mexican blend cheese shredded
Instructions
- Decide if you will have your tomatoes inside or outside of the quesadillas. If you mix them into the chicken mixture the quesadillas will be wetter and the tomatoes warmer. If you serve them on the side, they will be fresh, cool and not contribute as much moisture to the quesadillas. Both ways work.
- In a medium bowl, combine the onion, pineapple, cilantro, tomato (if using) and chicken. Season with the salt, pepper, and lime juice. Stir to combine and taste for salt and adjust if desired. If using jalapeno, mince some up and add it now.
- Spray some nonstick cooking spray and heat a large skillet hot enough to sizzle water. Place your first tortilla on the skillet and top with half the cheese. Turn the stove to low. Use a slotted spoon to spoon half the chicken mixture (without any juices) unto the cheese. Top with a 2nd tortilla and cover the skillet with a lid.
- As soon as the tortilla on the bottom starts to darken flip the quesadilla and cook the other side until the cheese has melted and the tortilla is the desired color of golden brown. It is best to use the lid for this phase also.
- For the 2nd quesadilla the pan will already be fairly warm and can be left on a medium-low setting to cook.
- Serve hot with guacamole, sour cream and hot sauce as desired.
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Nutrition Estimate
A Note on Nutrition
Nutritional info is an imperfect estimate. Please take it with a grain of salt.
I read each and every comment and I try to respond to questions asap, so ask away! If you’ve made a recipe, I would love to hear about it! Please come back and share your experience and give the recipe a 5-star rating so other people will know how much you loved it!
Abigail says
Adding pineapples is such a yummy idea! For sure it lends a fresh and sweet-tangy flavor to the quesadillas. Pinned, too.
Mirlandra says
That sweet-tangy flavor is one of my favorites!
Rachael {La Fuji Mama} says
I love combining sweet and savory, so the thought of pineapple in quesadillas has my mouth watering big time!
Mirlandra says
Thanks!
Kaitie says
This is such a great idea… and the flavours sound fantastic together. I will be making this one for sure 🙂
Mirlandra says
Enjoy!
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says
Great recipe, love the inclusion of pineapple. I completely understand how you feel, but does life ever really slow down? I sure hope it does for you soon, or you can at least slip away for a long bubble bath. 🙂
Mirlandra says
For moments here and there. A bubble bath sounds perfect! I should sneak one in this weekend.
Sally says
Life is nuts as you and I know all too well. The slow cooker has become my best friend as well as full meals I’ve in advance. These sound awesome, and how can I say no to something that takes less than twenty minutes and has cheese and pineapple
Mirlandra says
I would have to agree! I wish I could grow pineapples here – we sure eat enough of them!