Ingredients:
Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1/2 cup Italian salad dressing
Quesadilla Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon diced jalapeno pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
For the tortillas:
- 4-6 large (12-inch) flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Toppings (optional):
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Additional diced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
Instructions:
Marinate the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken breast into thin strips or cubes.
- In a bowl, combine the chicken with Italian dressing. Mix well to coat.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for the best flavor.
Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Lightly grease the pan with cooking spray if needed.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into smaller pieces.
Assemble the Quesadillas:
- Melt some butter in a separate skillet over medium heat.
- Brush one side of a tortilla with melted butter. Place the tortilla, buttered-side down, in the skillet.
- Sprinkle half the tortilla with a generous layer of both cheeses.
- Add diced tomatoes, jalapenos (if using), chicken, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning.
- Fold the empty half of the tortilla over the filling.
Cook the Quesadillas:
- Gently press down on the quesadilla with a spatula.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and fillings.
Slice and Serve:
- Cut each quesadilla into wedges.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, extra tomatoes, and lettuce.
Tips:
- Grilling Option: You can grill the quesadillas for a delicious smoky flavor. Follow the same instructions but grill over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Get creative: Add other fillings like grilled onions and bell peppers.
- Spice it up: Increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Enjoy your hot and cheesy Ruby Tuesday-inspired quesadillas!
