Spice up your weeknight dinner routine with these irresistible Blackened Chicken Quesadillas paired with a zesty Cranberry Mango Salsa. This recipe delivers bold, smoky flavors from perfectly seasoned, pan-seared chicken, layered with melty Mexican blend cheese inside golden, crispy flour tortillas. The star of the show, however, is the vibrant salsaβa sweet and tangy blend of fresh cranberries, juicy mango, red onion, and a splash of lime juice that adds a refreshing contrast to the savory spice. Ready in just 40 minutes, these quesadillas are perfect for a quick, flavorful meal or an impressive appetizer. Whether served hot off the skillet or alongside a bowl of the fruity salsa, this dish is bound to become a family favorite!
In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to make the blackening spice rub.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and coat both sides evenly with the spice rub.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165Β°F (75Β°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then slice thinly.
In another small bowl, combine cranberry, mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and honey. Mix well to create the cranberry mango salsa. Set aside.
Wipe the skillet clean or use a new nonstick skillet. Heat the skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with a small amount of olive oil.
Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded cheese evenly over one half of the tortilla. Layer with sliced blackened chicken, followed by another 1/4 cup of shredded cheese. Fold the other half of the tortilla over to cover the chicken and cheese.
Place the folded tortilla in the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve hot with cranberry mango salsa on the side or spooned over the top.
Calories |
2456 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 122.2 g | 157% | |
| Saturated Fat | 52.1 g | 260% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 486 mg | 162% | |
| Sodium | 5270 mg | 229% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 167.4 g | 61% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.6 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.1 g | ||
| Protein | 175.1 g | 350% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1924 mg | 148% | |
| Iron | 13.1 mg | 73% | |
| Potassium | 1040 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.