Chicken Tinga Quesadillas

Ingredients

1 pound boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 poblano pepper, sliced

3/4 cup red enchilada sauce

2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon kosher salt

4-6 flour tortillas, warmed

2 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese

1 cup cooked rice

1 cup fresh chopped cilantro

1 mango, diced

GARLIC LIME SAUCE

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

3 tablespoons mayo

2 teaspoons lime zest, plus 2 tablespoons lime juice

1 clove garlic, grated

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425° F.

In a large skillet, add the olive oil, chicken, and onion. Set over medium-high heat.

Cook 5-8 minutes, until the chicken is seared.

Add the poblano pepper, enchilada sauce, chipotle chiles, oregano, cumin, and salt.

Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.

To assemble, layer the cheese, chicken, and rice on one half of a tortilla.

Then sprinkle over more cheese and cilantro.

Fold the tortilla over to cover everything.

Arrange on a baking sheet.

Rub each quesadilla with olive oil.

Bake for 10 minutes, until crispy and the cheese is melted.

Meanwhile, make the garlic lime sauce.

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Season with salt.

Toss the mango with lime zest.

Serve the quesadillas topped with garlic sauce, mango, avocado, and cilantro.

Notes:

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Chicken Choices: Both chicken breasts and thighs work well, but thighs are slightly more flavorful and juicy. If using thighs, trim any excess fat before cubing.

Pepper Varieties: If you prefer a milder heat, you can replace the poblano pepper with a green bell pepper. For extra heat, add more chipotle peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Rice Tip: For added flavor, use seasoned rice or even a flavored rice pilaf. Leftover rice works great here and adds convenience.

Cheese Variations: The shredded Mexican cheese blend melts beautifully, but you can mix in Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese for additional flavor.

Tortilla Choices: Flour tortillas are ideal for a soft, pliable quesadilla. If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can use corn tortillas, but they may be less flexible.

Baking vs. Frying: Baking the quesadillas is a great hands-off method for a crispy result. If you prefer, you can also cook them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Garlic Lime Sauce: This sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Adjust the amount of lime juice and garlic to your taste preference.

Mango Prep: For a more balanced flavor, ensure the mango is ripe but firm. If you prefer, you can also add a touch of honey to the mango for extra sweetness.

Serving Suggestions: Besides the mango and cilantro, consider adding a side of salsa or guacamole for additional flavor and texture.

Leftovers: Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 quesadilla

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Thighs will provide a juicier and more flavorful result. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Can I make the quesadillas ahead of time and reheat them later?

Yes, you can assemble the quesadillas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat them in the oven until crispy and the cheese is melted. However, keep in mind that the texture may not be as crisp as when freshly baked.

Can I substitute the red enchilada sauce with another type of sauce?

While the red enchilada sauce adds a distinct flavor to the dish, you can experiment with other sauces if desired.

Salsa verde or a homemade tomato-based sauce can be used as alternatives, but it will result in a slightly different taste profile.

Can I omit or reduce the spiciness of the dish?

If you prefer milder flavors, you can adjust the amount of chipotle peppers in adobo or omit them altogether. This will reduce the level of spiciness in the dish while still maintaining the other flavors.

What are some optional toppings or accompaniments for these quesadillas?

In addition to the garlic lime sauce, mango, avocado, and cilantro, you can customize your quesadillas with various toppings.

Sliced jalapenos, diced tomatoes, chopped scallions, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice can be added for extra flavor.

You can also serve the quesadillas with sour cream or guacamole on the side for dipping.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken for Chicken Tinga Quesadillas. Simply shred or chop the pre-cooked chicken and add it to the skillet when you add the poblano pepper and other ingredients. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the flavors meld together.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas can be used instead of flour tortillas for a more authentic Mexican flavor. Keep in mind that corn tortillas may have a different texture and may require a shorter baking time in the oven.

Can I make these quesadillas vegetarian?

Yes, you can make vegetarian versions of Chicken Tinga Quesadillas by substituting the chicken with plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh. You can also use vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers as the main filling.

Can I make the garlic lime sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the garlic lime sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. The flavors will meld together, and you can simply give it a stir before serving.

Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the recipe?

Certainly! The spiciness of the dish can be adjusted according to your preference. If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of chipotle peppers in adobo or omit them altogether.

On the other hand, if you enjoy a spicier kick, you can add more chipotle peppers or even some red pepper flakes.