Easy Kosher Chicken Quesadillas with Dairy Free Cheese

I'll be honest, when I first started making these chicken quesadillas, I wasn't sure how they'd turn out without regular cheese. But dairy free cheese has come so far in recent years, and the combination with perfectly seasoned shredded chicken creates something really satisfying. These quesadillas prove that keeping kosher doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or comfort food favorites. The key to great quesadillas is all in the chicken preparation. I like to poach my chicken breasts in seasoned broth until they're just cooked through, then shred them while still warm. This keeps the meat tender and lets it absorb all those spices. The paprika and cumin combination gives the chicken that slightly smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the melted dairy free cheese. What makes this recipe work so well is the balance of textures. You get that crispy tortilla exterior, the creamy melted cheese, and tender seasoned chicken all in one bite. I've found that heating the skillet properly is crucial. Too hot and your tortilla burns before the cheese melts. Too cool and you end up with a soggy mess. Medium heat is your friend here. These quesadillas are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or cut into smaller triangles for appetizers. I love serving them with fresh salsa, guacamole, and maybe some pickled jalapeños on the side. They're also fantastic for using up leftover roasted chicken if you have it on hand.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Jewish, Mexican

Calories: 485

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Assembly

8 large flour tortillas 10-inch size
2 cups shredded dairy free cheese mozzarella style works best
1 medium bell pepper diced small
1/4 cup diced red onion
2 tablespoons vegetable oil for cooking

Method

Prepare the Chicken

In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 15-18 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Remove chicken from broth and let cool for 5 minutes. Shred the chicken using two forks.
In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.

Assemble and Cook

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Brush one side of each tortilla lightly with oil.
Place one tortilla oil-side down in the skillet. Layer with 1/4 of the seasoned chicken, 1/4 of the diced bell pepper and onion, and 1/2 cup dairy free cheese.
Top with another tortilla, oil-side up. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bottom is golden brown and crispy.
Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook for another 2-3 minutes until second side is golden and cheese is melted.
Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 1 minute before cutting into wedges. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make 4 quesadillas total.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of fresh lime juice to the seasoned chicken. These quesadillas are best served immediately while the cheese is still melty. Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before using. If your dairy free cheese isn't melting well, cover the skillet with a lid during the last minute of cooking to help it along.

Nutrition Facts

4 servings per recipe

Serving size 1 serving

Calories 485

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 24g 31%

Saturated Fat 8g 40%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 85mg 28%

Sodium 920mg 40%

Dietary Fiber 4g 14%

Total Sugars 2g

Protein 35g 70%