Slow Cooker Chicken Quesadillas

4.86 from 7 votes

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If you’re looking for a Chicken Quesadilla recipe that’s low-effort and actually tastes like something you’d order at your favorite taco spot, this is the one. Loaded with delicious shredded chicken taco meat made in the slow cooker (hello, flavor) and a secret ingredient that will blow your mind! They are the perfect appetizer, easy lunch or even dinner!

chicken quesadilla on a plate cut into quarters


 

Ingredient Notes + Variations

This chicken quesadilla recipe is all about getting maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The ingredients are pantry staples with a few upgrades to keep things interesting.

  • Shredded cheese – I like sharp cheddar or a melty Mexican blend.
  • Taco seasoning – Store-bought or homemade taco seasoning both work. I usually go homemade, but no judgment if you’re on team packet.
  • Mayonnaise – Trust me, this is the secret to keeping the filling creamy without being gloopy.
  • Tortillas – Go for medium-sized flour tortillas. They’re the easiest to flip and hold up well to all that filling.

Optional Toppings:

  • Shredded Lettuce
  • Diced Tomatoes
  • Diced Green Onions
  • Sour Cream
  • Lime Juice
  • Taco Sauce or Hot Sauce
SLOW COOKER CHICKEN QUESADILLAS 2

How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Quesadillas

Making these slow cooker chicken quesadillas is surprisingly simple. The chicken cooks in the slow cooker, then everything comes together in a skillet in just a few minutes.

For full recipe details, including ingredients needed and measurements, see the printable recipe card down below.

Step 1: Cook the Chicken 

cooked chicken breast in crockpot

add chicken, seasoning, chiles + salsa to slow cooker

shredded chicken on a cutting board

cook on high 2-3 hours then shred chicken

shredded chicken in salsa in a crockpot

add mayo to chicken + mix

Step 2: Build the Quesadilla

tortilla with shredded cheese on skillet

add tortilla to hot skillet + add shredded cheese

tortilla with shredded cheese and chicken on a skillet

add chicken mixture + top with more shredded cheese

quesadilla on a skillet

place another tortilla on top + press down gently

Step 3: Cook + Flip

browned quesadilla on a skillet

cook 2-3 minutes on each side

quesadilla cut into quarters on a round cutting board

remove from pan + cut into 4 triangles

chicken quesadilla triangles with shredded lettuce and lime wedge

 Tips for Success

  • Make a double batch of the chicken. Leftovers are perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls.
  • Don’t skip the mayo. It keeps the filling creamy and holds everything together.
  • Use two spatulas if flipping feels risky. These quesadillas are thick.
  • Warm tortillas before assembling if they’ve been refrigerated. It helps them stay pliable.
  • Stick to medium-low heat. You want golden tortillas, not burnt outsides with cold cheese inside.

What to Serve with Chicken Quesadillas

  • Mexican Street Corn Salad – Fresh, creamy, and a little spicy… a great contrast to the cheesy quesadillas.
  • Pico de Gallo – Bright, punchy, and easy to make while the chicken cooks.
  • Cilantro Lime Rice – Adds some zing and soaks up all the extra cheesy goodness.
  • Homemade Guacamole – Because quesadillas and guac are basically best friends.
  • Black beans, refried beans, lime, shredded lettuce, sour cream, etc.
quesadilla cut into quarters on a round cutting board
styled quesadilla triangles on a plate with shredded lettuce, dollop of sour cream and lime wedge.

Slow Cooker Chicken Quesadillas

Katie Cooksey
These irresistible Chicken Quesadillas are loaded with delicious shredded chicken taco meat, loads of cheese and a secret ingredient that will blow your mind! They are the perfect appetizer, easy lunch or even dinner!
4.86 from 7 votes
Prep Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 636 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz chicken breast
  • 1 oz taco seasoning packet (or 4 tbsp of homemade taco seasoning)
  • 4.5 oz mild diced green chiles
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 8 medium flour tortillas
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese or colby jack, mexican blend, oaxaca, etc. (shredded)

optional toppings

  • lettuce shredded
  • green onion diced
  • sour cream
  • taco sauce or hot sauce

Instructions
 

  • Place chicken, taco seasoning, green chilies and salsa in slow cooker and cook on high for 2-3 hours or until cooked to 165° F. (Alternatively, you can bake or cook on stovetop.)
  • Remove from heat and shred chicken taco meat.
  • Add mayonnaise to chicken mixture and mix until well combined. Set aside.
  • Heat large skillet over medium low heat and add one flour tortilla to begin warming.
  • Spread 1/4 cup of shredded cheese over surface of tortilla.
  • Measure out 1/2 cup of the crockpot chicken taco meat and add on top of cheese.
  • Spread another 1/4 cup of shredded cheese over top of chicken.
  • Place another tortilla overtop and gently press down.
  • Cook for 2-3 minutes, peeking at the bottom tortilla for browning.
  • Once browned to your liking, give the top tortilla one more press with your hand to ensure the cheese is stuck and doesn't fall apart while flipping. Carefully flip the quesadilla with a spatula and brown on other side for 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove from pan and cut into four triangles. Serve hot with toppings of choice.

Video

Notes

Storage Directions

To Store Leftovers: Cooked quesadillas will last for up to 3 days in the fridge. Allow to cool completely before wrapping in plastic wrap or placing in an airtight container. Make sure to refrigerate them within two hours of cooking for safety and quality.

To freeze for later: Cut in half {down the center} and place on a baking sheet and into the freezer for about 30 minutes. Once frozen, place in a freezer-safe bag and store for up about a month.  

To Reheat: Microwave frozen quesadilla halves for 45 seconds to 1 1/2 minutes or reheat on medium heat skillet until warm. Add a bit of butter to skillet if needed.

 

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 636kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 37gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 117mgSodium: 1910mgPotassium: 556mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1462IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 513mgIron: 4mg
Keyword Chicken Quesadilla
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More Recipes to Try

This one’s easy to throw together, packed with flavor, and always hits the spot. Honestly, it’s hard to mess up. Have a great week, friends! 🙂

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.

4.86 from 7 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




2 Responses
  1. Jeanne Cherne

    5 stars
    I made the chicken in the crock pot on Friday for a party I was having. I served it in lettuce cups without the mayonnaise and everyone loved them. With the left overs, I added the mayonnaise last night and made the quesadillas! These are delicious! My whole family loved them and I will definitely be making them again. I made extra to take for lunch today!

Hi, I'm Katie, a professional recipe developer who spends countless hours perfecting recipes so you can know with confidence that what you see is exactly what you’ll get.

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