Black Bean and Corn Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
If you’re in need of a flavorful, protein-packed meal that’s ready in no time, look no further than this irresistible Black Bean and Corn Chicken Quesadilla Recipe.
Chicken Recipes are super versatile and pretty much loved by everyone. Think about it – there’s nothing like the cozy feel of chicken soup to warm you up on a cold day, or the fun vibes of a chicken stir-fry loaded with colorful veggies.
Not only is it the perfect way to use up any leftover chicken in your fridge, but it’s also a tasty and healthy option for any busy weeknight or lunchtime craving. With a mouthwatering combination of tender chicken, sweet corn, and hearty black beans, all wrapped up in a crispy, cheesy tortilla, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Chicken dishes can fit any taste. The cool thing about chicken is how you can mix it up with simple ingredients and end up with something that feels like home, full of memories and traditions. Chicken is not just food; it’s a way to get creative, explore different cultures, and make mealtime a treat for the senses.
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Delicious Chicken Recipes
Our chicken recipes are a real adventure for your taste buds, with everything from the cozy classic chicken pot pie to the exciting tastes of chicken curry. Discover new ways to treat your palate and add some warmth to your kitchen with these beloved and versatile recipes.
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Ingredients Needed to Make this Quesadilla Recipe
Here’s what you need to make this amazing bean and chicken dish!
- Cooked Leftover Chicken – Using leftover chicken for your quesadilla is super adaptable and just sucks up all those yummy flavors. Since it’s already cooked, you’re slashing prep time big time. This means you can get this delish dish on the table super quick. And let’s talk about the flavor boost from that chicken’s first cook – it’s going to make your quesadilla sing. It’s such a smart move to give leftovers new life and cut down on waste, all while whipping up something scrumptious.
- Black Beans – Black Beans really bring the magic to the quesadilla recipe. They’re not just good for you, packed with fiber and protein, but they also add a delicious depth of flavor and texture that makes every bite so much better. They fill you up in the best way, making sure your quesadilla is not just tasty but also wholesome.
- Corn – Corn really steps up the game here and adds that sweet crunch which goes so well with the creamy black beans and tender chicken. When you cook it, the natural sugars caramelize, giving it a slightly smoky flavor that just makes the quesadilla taste even better. Plus, the bright color of corn makes the dish pop and look super inviting.
- Rotel – Rotel, that awesome can of diced tomatoes and green chilies, really kicks up the quesadillas. Its zesty flavor adds just the right amount of heat, mixing perfectly with the sweet corn and earthy black beans without drowning out the chicken’s taste.
- Sliced Black Olives – Sliced black olives add just the right touch of richness and a slight bitterness that makes everything else taste even better. Plus, their meaty texture? It’s the perfect contrast to creamy black beans, tender chicken, and sweet corn, giving you that awesome mix of flavors in every bite.
- Flour Tortillas – Flour Tortillas are just the right pick for whipping up the quesadillas. They’re soft but hold everything together perfectly, blending in with the yummy mix of chicken, black beans, corn, and Rotel without stealing the show. Plus, they get this amazing crispy edge while staying soft inside when you cook them, making every bite just irresistible.
- Cheese – Cheese is the star of the show in the Black Bean and Corn Chicken Quesadilla Recipe, tying everything together into a super tasty package. It gets all melty and gooey, which is just perfect against the crispy flour tortillas.
- Salsa – Salsa is a game-changer for the Black Bean and Corn Chicken Quesadilla Recipe, bringing a fresh pop that really lifts up the rich flavors of everything else. It’s got this awesome mix of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice that adds a nice tangy punch, cutting through the creamy cheese and the savory chicken and black beans perfectly.
- Sour Cream – Sour Cream really brings something special to the quesadilla recipe. It adds this creamy, slightly tart vibe that goes so well with the rich, spicy flavors in there. Plus, its cool and smooth feel is a nice break from the warm, filling stuff inside, making each bite even better.
- Guacamole – Guacamole brings a rich, creamy touch to the quesadillas, mixing just right with all the different flavors and textures. The smooth, buttery avocados mixed with a zing of lime juice, fresh cilantro, and a bit of onion give a cool, refreshing twist against the hearty and spicy bits of the quesadillas.
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Can I Make these Quesadillas in Advance?
Absolutely, preparing these quesadillas in advance is super easy for busy days or when you need to feed a crowd without spending all your time in the kitchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and ease of preparation.
You can assemble the quesadillas ahead of time, storing them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. Just ensure you cover them well to prevent the tortillas from drying out.
Also, you can cook the quesadillas and then reheat them in the oven or on a skillet to bring back that crispy exterior. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious, hassle-free meal that feels freshly made, even on your busiest days.
How Can I Make My Quesadillas Crispy?
To achieve that irresistible crispy texture in your quesadillas, a few key steps can make all the difference. First, be generous with the use of a well-heated skillet or griddle; a non-stick surface is particularly beneficial for preventing sticking while allowing for a good, even brown without extra oil.
A light brushing of olive or vegetable oil on the outer sides of your flour tortillas before cooking will help to crisp them up perfectly.
Placing them in the skillet when it’s just the right temperature ensures they get that golden, crispy exterior without burning. Also, avoid overstuffing your quesadillas; a thinner, well-balanced filling cooks more evenly and ensures that every part of the quesadilla makes contact with the heat.
Patience is key — allow your quesadillas to cook undisturbed on each side for a few minutes until they’ve reached your desired level of crunchiness. These simple adjustments will turn your quesadillas into a crispy, golden delight every time.
Can These Quesadillas Be Made Vegetarian?
Absolutely, transforming these quesadillas into a vegetarian delight is simple and tasty. To make these quesadillas vegetarian, you can just use the black beans by themselves as they are an excellent source of protein. Grilled or sautéed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach make excellent fillings that not only add flavor but also texture and nutritional value.
Don’t forget to pile on the cheese for that melty, gooey goodness that makes quesadillas irresistible. By experimenting with different vegetables and vegetarian proteins, you can create a versatile meal that will satisfy both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
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Delicious Quesadilla Recipes
Diving into quesadilla recipes is like opening a treasure chest of flavors. You’ve got your classic cheese and chicken, sure, but then there’s the wild stuff like pulled pork, mushrooms, or even sweet, dessert-style quesadillas with fruit inside. Playing around with different ingredients and spices turns making each quesadilla into a fun culinary adventure.
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Black Bean and Corn Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
Whip up this easy and mouthwatering Black Bean and Corn Chicken Quesadilla Recipe today for a quick and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Cooked Leftover Chicken
- 1 Can Black Beans, drained
- 1 Can Corn, drained (or equivalent amount of frozen corn, which is what I prefer)
- 1 Can Rotel, drained
- 1 Small Can Sliced Black Olives
- 8-10 Flour Tortillas
- 2 Cups Cheese
- Salsa, Sour Cream or Guacamole, optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl add your shredded or diced cooked meat.
- Toss in the black beans, corn, Rotel and sliced olives. Stir until combined.
- Place one flour tortilla on a griddle over medium heat.
- On half of the tortilla add a bit of shredded cheese. When the cheese melts, this is what helps the tortilla stay sealed.
- Add a couple of spoonfuls of the meat and bean mixture on top of the cheese.
- Add a bit more shredded cheese on top of the meat mixture. (Notice, you are only using one half of the tortilla for your cheese and meat mixture.)
- Fold the top of the tortilla over and press down with a spatula. As the cheese melts it will secure the tortilla closed.
- Cook on each side for about 3-5 minutes until the tortilla is lightly brown.(During the cooking process you are heating up the filling.)
- Once both sides are brown remove the quesadilla from the griddle and cut it in half.
- Serve with rice and garnish with salsa, sour cream and guacamole.
Notes
Most of the time when I make these quesadillas I am using leftover chicken from a previous dinner. These quesadillas come together very quickly and this is another awesome 30 minute meal that is perfect for a busy school night. You can also go vegetarian and opt out of the meat. The black beans are full of protein.
Thanks for this great recipe. I’ll be trying it soon!
If you promisse it’s easy, I’ll give it a try this weekend. It really looks supremely delicious, yummmy!
It really is so easy, Victoria. You’re just mixing everything up and throwing it on a griddle. Medium heat (or lower to play it safe) is important to prevent burning.
OH my word, these are right up my alley, they look scrumptious!
those look absolutely amazing!!! My boys wouldn’t like the beans, but I would eat them all up! Came over from Shine your light! Would love for you to link up at my food party: Tasty Tuesdays! http://nap-timecreations.blogspot.com/2012/05/orange-bread-and-tasty-tuesday-party.html
Quesadillas are our standard Sunday afternoon meal-although yours looks a lot tastier.
Tara- these are really easy and a great way to use up leftover meat! Give them a try. Yum!
Such a quick easy nutritious meal that I never thought of making. Please share this on my foodie friday party and I will pin it too.
Hey Crystal! I’m right there with you in the mexican flavor department. My family loves my tacos and quesadillas, but I had forgotten corn! Awesome addition!
These look so yummy! and a perfect way to get rid of some leftovers! love it! Thanks for sharing your ideas on “Strut Your Stuff” Saturday! We hope to see you again! -The Sisters
Sisters- these are totally perfect for leftovers. 🙂
Enjoy and thanks for reading!
“Or a pie slicer.. .just go with it”
OMG. You’re hilarious – and things like that happen in my kitchen all the time too!
Thanks for the recipe, and all the pictures! We LOVE quesadillas, but I’ve always been too intimidated to try them at home. You’ve given me the guts to try it, and they’re on the menu tonight!
Ali- hope your family enjoys them!
And it is survival at my house. Pie slicer, spatula, they both get the job done. 🙂
Great idea for a quick meal, without being too plain. And I usually have black beans and corn on hand in the pantry / freezer.