Blackstone Chicken Fajita Quesadillas are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish prepared on the Blackstone griddle. The combination of seasoned chicken, sautéed peppers, and melted cheese wrapped in a crispy tortilla creates a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With the ability to cook multiple quesadillas at once, the griddle makes this dish not only delicious but quick and convenient.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Fajitas:

  • Vegetable oil or butter

  • 1 onion, sliced

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 poblano pepper, sliced

  • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into thin strips or bite-size pieces

  • 1 Tbsp garlic paste or minced garlic

  • 1 packet taco seasoning or fajita seasoning

• For the Quesadillas:

  • 4 large burrito-size tortillas

  • 3 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend recommended)

• Optional Toppings:

  • Sour cream

  • Salsa

  • Shredded lettuce

  • Hot sauce

Directions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Preheat the Blackstone griddle to medium heat. Place all ingredients (onion, bell pepper, poblano pepper, chicken, garlic, and seasoning) on a tray for easy access while cooking.

2. Cook the Vegetables and Chicken: Add vegetable oil or butter to the griddle. Place the sliced onion, bell pepper, and poblano pepper on the griddle. Stir and flip occasionally, cooking for about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the chicken and garlic along with taco or fajita seasoning, and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Prepare Quesadillas: Move the chicken and vegetables to one side of the griddle. Add more oil or butter to the empty side of the griddle. Place the tortillas flat and sprinkle cheese on one side of each. Add some of the chicken and vegetable mixture on top of the cheese, then sprinkle more cheese over the chicken.

4. Cook and Fold Quesadillas: Use a spatula to fold the empty side of each tortilla over the filling. Flip the quesadillas carefully, and cook until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.

5. Serve: Remove the quesadillas from the griddle and serve with optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce, or hot sauce.

Nutrients

• Calories: 643 kcal (per serving)

• Fat: 34g

• Saturated Fat: 12g

• Cholesterol: 72mg

• Sodium: 1,020mg

• Potassium: 583mg

• Carbohydrates: 52g

  • Fiber: 3g

  • Sugar: 5g

• Protein: 31g

• Vitamin A: 18%

• Vitamin C: 70%

• Calcium: 28%

• Iron: 16%

Why the Blackstone Griddle is Perfect for Quesadillas

One of the standout features of using a Blackstone griddle for making quesadillas is its ability to cook multiple quesadillas at the same time. With its large cooking surface, you can prepare several quesadillas at once, making it a great option for family dinners or parties. The consistent heat of the griddle ensures that each quesadilla is evenly cooked, resulting in crispy tortillas with perfectly melted cheese and flavorful chicken and vegetable filling. Additionally, the griddle offers ample space for sautéing the chicken and vegetables before assembling the quesadillas, making the entire process seamless and efficient.

The Flavorful Chicken Fajita Filling

The chicken filling in these quesadillas is what really makes them stand out. The chicken is cut into thin strips or bite-sized pieces, making it perfect for cooking quickly on the griddle. It’s then seasoned with a combination of garlic, taco or fajita seasoning, and the sautéed vegetables of onions, red bell peppers, and poblano peppers. This blend of spices and vegetables creates a burst of flavor that’s both savory and slightly sweet, with a little kick of heat depending on your choice of seasoning. The peppers add a nice crunch and sweetness, while the garlic brings an aromatic depth to the filling. The seasoning mix (whether homemade or store-bought) adds the perfect balance of spice, ensuring that the chicken and vegetables are bursting with flavor in every bite.

The Essential Role of Cheese in Quesadillas

When it comes to quesadillas, the cheese is an essential component. It not only helps bind the filling together but also adds a creamy, melty texture that enhances the overall flavor of the dish. In this recipe, a Mexican cheese blend is recommended, as it melts beautifully and complements the seasoned chicken and peppers. As the quesadillas cook, the cheese melts, enveloping the chicken and vegetables, creating a gooey and delicious filling. The cheese also adds richness to the dish, balancing the heat from the seasoning and making each bite comforting and indulgent.

Perfecting the Tortilla Texture

The key to a great quesadilla is achieving the perfect tortilla texture. For this recipe, large burrito-sized tortillas are used to ensure there’s plenty of room for the flavorful filling. The tortillas are placed on the griddle and filled with cheese, chicken, and vegetables before being folded and cooked until golden brown. The griddle ensures that the tortillas become perfectly crispy on the outside while maintaining a soft and warm interior. It’s important to cook the quesadillas until the cheese is fully melted, and the tortillas are crispy but not burnt. The griddle allows you to keep a close eye on the quesadillas, flipping them carefully to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

The Griddle Cooking Process

Using the Blackstone griddle for these quesadillas makes the cooking process easier and more efficient. First, the vegetables are sautéed with some oil or butter on the griddle, creating a savory base for the chicken. After the vegetables are softened, the chicken and garlic are added, and the taco or fajita seasoning is sprinkled over the mixture. The griddle allows the chicken to cook quickly and evenly, absorbing the seasoning and flavors of the vegetables.

Once the chicken and vegetable mixture is ready, the quesadillas are assembled on the griddle by placing the tortillas flat and adding cheese and the cooked filling. The tortillas are then folded over and cooked until they are golden brown and crispy, with the cheese melted to perfection. The griddle’s even heat ensures that each quesadilla is crispy and delicious, making it an excellent choice for making multiple quesadillas at once.

Customization and Variations

One of the great things about Blackstone Chicken Fajita Quesadillas is how customizable they are. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, if you prefer a spicier kick, you can add extra jalapeños or a hotter seasoning blend. For a lighter version, you can substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables or even tofu for a vegetarian option. If you want to add more flavor, you can experiment with different cheese varieties, such as pepper jack or sharp cheddar, to create a more complex flavor profile.

You can also play around with the toppings to enhance the overall experience. Serve the quesadillas with sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce, or hot sauce to add even more flavor and texture. These optional toppings can make the dish more refreshing or spicy, depending on what you choose.

Serving Suggestions

Blackstone Chicken Fajita Quesadillas are perfect for a variety of occasions. They can be served as a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, a casual lunch, or even as an appetizer at a gathering. They are easy to make in large batches, making them ideal for feeding a crowd. If you’re serving them as a main dish, pair them with sides like Mexican rice, guacamole, or refried beans for a complete meal. The combination of cheesy quesadillas with fresh toppings makes for a deliciously balanced meal that will satisfy any appetite.

Health Considerations

While these quesadillas are undeniably delicious, they can be high in calories, fat, and sodium, especially when paired with sour cream and salsa. However, they do provide a good amount of protein from the chicken, and the vegetables contribute fiber and essential nutrients. If you’re looking to make the dish healthier, you can opt for whole wheat tortillas for added fiber or use less cheese to reduce the fat content. Additionally, using a leaner cut of chicken breast and using less oil or butter can help make the dish lighter without compromising flavor.

Conclusion

Blackstone Chicken Fajita Quesadillas are a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of seasoned chicken, sautéed peppers, and melted cheese wrapped in a crispy tortilla creates a satisfying and indulgent meal that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. The Blackstone griddle ensures even cooking, allowing you to prepare multiple quesadillas at once, making it a convenient option for larger gatherings or busy weeknights. With the ability to customize the filling and toppings, these quesadillas offer endless possibilities to suit your tastes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, Blackstone Chicken Fajita Quesadillas are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic Mexican-inspired dish.