Mexican Shredded Chicken and Black Bean Quesadillas Recipe
If you love crispy, cheesy, and flavor-packed Mexican food, these Mexican Shredded Chicken and Black Bean Quesadillas are about to become your new favorite meal! The savory, spiced chicken pairs perfectly with creamy black beans and melty cheese, all sandwiched between golden, crispy tortillas.
I first made this dish when I had leftover shredded chicken from taco night and wanted something quick but still packed with bold flavors. I threw in some black beans and cheese, folded everything into a tortilla, and pan-fried it to perfection. It was so simple yet incredibly delicious—and I’ve been making it ever since!
This recipe is great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a fun party snack. Plus, it’s super customizable, so you can add your favorite toppings or switch up the ingredients to make it your own!
⏱ Recipe Time & Servings
| Preparation Time | Total Cooking Time | Number of Servings |
|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 4 servings |
🛒 Ingredients for My Mexican Shredded Chicken and Black Bean Quesadillas
- 2 cups shredded chicken (cooked)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Salsa, for serving
⭐ Pro Tips for Success
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese melts much better!
- Don’t Overfill the Quesadilla – Adding too much filling makes it hard to flip and can cause ingredients to spill out. Keep it balanced!
- Press It Down While Cooking – Use a spatula or another pan to gently press the quesadilla while it cooks for extra crispiness.
- Swap Out the Protein – Use ground beef, shrimp, or even mushrooms for a fun variation.
- Make It Extra Crispy – For a crunchier finish, lightly brush the tortilla with butter or oil before cooking.
🍳 Tools Required
- Large skillet or griddle
- Mixing bowl (for combining ingredients)
- Spatula (for flipping quesadillas)
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter (for slicing)
🔄 Substitutions and Variations
| Substitution | Original Ingredient | New Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Pinto beans | Black beans | Milder, creamier texture |
| Pepper jack cheese | Cheddar cheese | Adds a spicy, tangy kick |
| Whole wheat tortillas | Flour tortillas | A nuttier, heartier option |
| Pulled pork | Shredded chicken | Smokier, richer flavor |
| Sautéed mushrooms | Chicken | A delicious vegetarian twist |
⏳ Make-Ahead Tips
- Shred the chicken in advance – Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Prepare the filling ahead of time – Mix the chicken, beans, cheese, and taco seasoning, then store it in the fridge for easy meal prep.
- Freeze for later – Assemble the quesadillas, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat in a skillet or oven.
🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions for a Perfect Mexican Shredded Chicken and Black Bean Quesadilla
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed), 1 cup of shredded cheese, and 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning.
Mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly combined. The cheese should help bind everything, making it easier to spread inside the tortillas.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Swirl it around so the bottom is evenly coated.
If you’re cooking multiple quesadillas, you can also use a griddle to cook more at once!
Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas
Lay one large flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread ¼ of the chicken and black bean mixture over half of the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
Fold the empty half of the tortilla over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Gently press it down so it holds together.
Step 4: Cook Until Crispy and Golden
Carefully place the folded quesadilla into the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, flipping carefully with a spatula.
The tortilla should be golden brown and crispy, and the cheese should be melted and gooey inside.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once the quesadilla is cooked, transfer it to a cutting board and let it cool for 1 minute. Then, slice it into wedges using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side.
Repeat the process for the remaining tortillas and filling.
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and delicious Mexican Shredded Chicken and Black Bean Quesadillas! 🌮🔥
🍽 Serving Suggestions for Mexican Shredded Chicken and Black Bean Quesadillas
| Pairing Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Salsa Verde | A tangy, slightly spicy green salsa that complements the flavors. |
| Mexican Rice | A perfect side to make this meal more filling. |
| Guacamole | Creamy avocado goodness balances out the spice. |
| Chipotle Sour Cream | A smoky, tangy dip to enhance the quesadillas. |
🥡 Leftovers and Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Freeze: Wrap assembled (uncooked) quesadillas in plastic wrap and store for up to 2 months. Cook straight from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.
🥦 Nutritional Information and Benefits of This Dish
- High in Protein – The shredded chicken and black beans provide a great protein boost.
- Fiber-Rich – Black beans add fiber, keeping you full longer.
- Customizable – You can make these quesadillas spicier, milder, or even vegetarian with ease.
🍷 Suggested Drink That Pairs With The Dish
Best Drink Pairing: Classic Margarita 🍹
Why? The citrusy, slightly salty flavors of a margarita complement the cheesy, smoky, and slightly spicy quesadillas perfectly. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, try a sparkling lime agua fresca for a refreshing pairing!
❤️ Enjoy!
These Mexican Shredded Chicken and Black Bean Quesadillas are an easy, delicious meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game nights, or even meal prep. With crispy tortillas, gooey cheese, and flavorful chicken, they’re sure to be a hit!
Try them out and let me know what you think! 🌮✨🔥
