Get ready to fall in love with this Sheet Pan Quesadillas with Chicken Recipe, the ultimate game-changer for an easy, flavorful meal that comes together in no time. Imagine perfectly crisped tortilla edges, gooey melted cheddar cheese, tender shredded chicken, and a medley of fresh, vibrant ingredients all baked on a single pan for easy cleanup. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple to make yet impressively satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or casually entertaining friends, these quesadillas deliver big on taste and convenience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Sheet Pan Quesadillas with Chicken Recipe are straightforward but bring a wonderful balance of flavors and textures to every bite. Each one plays an essential role, from the creamy cheddar cheese to the fresh pops of tomato and cilantro that brighten the dish.
- Flour tortillas (9, 8-inch): The perfect soft yet sturdy base that crisps up beautifully and holds all the delicious fillings.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (16 ounces, about 4 cups): Adds that irresistible, melty richness that makes quesadillas so comforting.
- Tomatoes (1 cup, chopped): Bring fresh juiciness and a pop of color, making the quesadillas more vibrant.
- Green onions (1/2 cup, chopped): Offer a mild, fresh bite that complements the richness of the cheese and chicken.
- Cilantro (1/2 cup, chopped, optional): Adds a burst of herbal brightness—feel free to skip if you’re not a fan.
- Shredded chicken (2 cups): Tender and flavorful, rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut packed with protein.
- Pinto beans (1 can, 15 ounces, drained): Bring hearty texture and earthy flavor while bulking up the quesadilla filling.
- Frozen corn (1 cup): Adds subtle sweetness and satisfying crunch that rounds out the filling beautifully.
How to Make Sheet Pan Quesadillas with Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Veggie Mix
Start by combining the shredded chicken, pinto beans, frozen corn, chopped tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro in a large bowl. This mix brings together all the flavors and textures that will make your quesadillas truly sing.
Step 2: Layer the Tortillas
Place half of your tortillas flat on a large sheet pan. These will be the bottoms for your quesadillas, so spread them out evenly to give yourself plenty of space to work.
Step 3: Add the Cheese and Filling
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over each tortilla, then evenly distribute the chicken and veggie mix on top. Follow with another layer of cheddar cheese—this helps everything stick together and guarantees that cheesy pull that everyone loves.
Step 4: Top with Remaining Tortillas
Carefully place the rest of the tortillas on top of each pile, pressing down lightly to seal in the goodness and prepare for baking.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfectly Crispy
Pop the sheet pan into a preheated oven set to 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 15-20 minutes until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is completely melted. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning—each oven’s a little different!
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the quesadillas to cool for a few minutes, then slice them into wedges using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. This step makes them super easy to share and serve.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Quesadillas with Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the flavors by adding dollops of sour cream or drizzle your homemade chipotle sauce right on top. A squeeze of fresh lime adds an irresistible tang that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your quesadillas with a fresh green salad or a bowl of guacamole for added creaminess. Black bean salad or Mexican rice also complement the hearty cheese and chicken perfectly for a fuller, colorful meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a casual get-together, arrange the quesadilla wedges on a large platter surrounded by small bowls of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. For a fun twist, serve alongside tortilla chips for scooping or even layer in a tortilla stack for a festive presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This preserves the crispiness while maintaining the flavorful filling.
Freezing
Sheet Pan Quesadillas with Chicken Recipe freezes wonderfully! Separate the wedges with parchment paper, place them in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. This makes for quick, last-minute meals that still taste fresh.
Reheating
Reheat quesadilla slices in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy and lose that wonderful texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar provides classic flavor and meltiness, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different twist.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and add extra beans, veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms, or even a plant-based protein to keep it hearty and delicious.
Can I prepare the quesadillas ahead of time?
You can assemble the quesadillas on the sheet pan, cover them with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps save time on busy days.
What’s the best way to shred chicken quickly?
Using two forks to pull apart rotisserie chicken is a quick and easy method, or pulse cooked chicken breast in a food processor for a finer shred.
How spicy is the homemade chipotle sauce?
It typically has a mild smoky heat, but you can adjust the level of spice to your liking by varying the amount of chipotle peppers or adding a dash of hot sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Sheet Pan Quesadillas with Chicken Recipe is truly a keeper—simple enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough to share with friends. The combination of melty cheese, tender chicken, and fresh ingredients baked all together makes meal prep a total breeze. Give it a try; I guarantee it’ll become one of your go-to comfort foods that you come back to again and again.
Print
Sheet Pan Quesadillas with Chicken Recipe
These Sheet Pan Quesadillas with Chicken are an easy, delicious meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings. Featuring a crispy flour tortilla base loaded with shredded cheddar cheese, tender shredded chicken, pinto beans, corn, fresh tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro, these quesadillas bake quickly on a sheet pan for a convenient, mess-free dinner option. Served with optional chipotle sauce, sour cream, and lime slices, they balance creamy, smoky, and fresh flavors effortlessly.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 9 quesadillas (serves 4-6)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 9 (8-inch) flour tortillas (medium or soft taco size)
- 16 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (about 4 cups), divided
- 1 cup tomatoes, chopped (about 1 large tomato or 2 small)
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained
- 1 cup frozen corn
Optional Toppings or Garnishes
- Homemade chipotle sauce
- Sour cream
- Lime slices
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the quesadillas on the sheet pan.
- Prepare the sheet pan. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
- Assemble the quesadillas. Lay out 4 tortillas on the sheet pan. Evenly distribute half of the shredded cheddar cheese onto each tortilla first to create a melty base layer that helps everything stick together.
- Add the toppings. Over the cheese on each tortilla, layer shredded chicken, drained pinto beans, frozen corn, chopped tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro (if using). You want a good mix of flavors and textures in every bite.
- Finish with cheese and tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the toppings, then top each with one of the remaining tortillas, pressing down gently to seal.
- Bake the quesadillas. Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
- Slice and serve. Remove the sheet pan from the oven and let the quesadillas cool slightly. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice each quesadilla into wedges. Serve warm with optional chipotle sauce, sour cream, and lime slices on the side.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken with cooked shredded chicken breast or thighs.
- If you want a spicier kick, add jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder to the filling.
- For a crispier bottom, use a wire rack on the sheet pan and place quesadillas on top to allow air circulation.
- Use low-fat or reduced-fat cheese to reduce calories and fat content.
- Frozen corn does not need to be thawed before using; it will cook during baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
