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Pickle-Brined Chicken Quesadillas


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  • Author: Clara Hastings
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Delicious quesadillas made with pickle-brined chicken, combined with melty cheese and a tangy dill sauce.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup dill pickle juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 8 medium flour tortillas
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1/2 cup sliced pickles
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped pickles
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine chicken breasts with pickle juice, garlic powder, and black pepper in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for increased flavor infusion.
  2. Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Grill or cook in a skillet over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
  3. In a small bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped dill, finely chopped pickles, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and black pepper. Refrigerate until serving.
  4. Arrange 4 tortillas on a work surface. Distribute sliced chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, red onion, chopped dill, and optional sliced pickles evenly. Cover each with a second tortilla.
  5. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook each quesadilla for 2 to 3 minutes per side, pressing gently, until tortillas are golden and cheese is fully melted. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into wedges.
  6. Serve quesadilla wedges hot with chilled tangy dill sauce on the side.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
  • Make sure to let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy.
  • You can substitute other cheeses if desired.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling/Skillet
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg