Chicken and Cheese Quesadilla Pie

Chicken and Cheese Quesadilla Pie is a delightful twist on the classic quesadilla, transforming it into a savory pie that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun dish to share with friends. This dish features a crispy tortilla crust filled with tender rotisserie chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, and optional pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick. Topped with a light egg custard and baked to golden perfection, this pie is a crowd-pleaser that combines the flavors of a quesadilla with the ease of a casserole.

Ingredients:

• 1 large (10-inch) flour tortilla, burrito size
• 1 rotisserie chicken, skin discarded, meat shredded into bite-sized pieces (about 3 cups)
• ½ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• Optional: ⅓ cup drained jarred pickled jalapeños, chopped
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tortilla Crust:

• Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and adjust the oven rack to the middle position.
• Grease a 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray or a little oil.
• Press the flour tortilla into the prepared pie plate, ensuring it lines the bottom and sides evenly. Lightly spray the tortilla with cooking spray to help it crisp up in the oven.

1. Make the Filling:

• In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped cilantro, optional jalapeños, 1 cup of the shredded cheese, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Toss the ingredients together until well mixed.
• Evenly spread the chicken mixture over the tortilla in the pie plate, pressing it down gently to ensure it’s evenly distributed.

1. Prepare the Egg Mixture:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
• Slowly pour the egg mixture over the chicken filling, making sure it spreads evenly across the pie.

1. Bake the Pie:

• Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Once the pie is cooked through, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top.
• Return the pie to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

1. Serve:

• Allow the pie to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing it into wedges.
• Serve with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, and guacamole, for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips:

• Tortilla Crust: Make sure to use a burrito-sized tortilla to properly line the pie plate. This will ensure that the edges of the tortilla crisp up nicely, giving you that delicious, crunchy crust.
• Customizations: Feel free to customize the filling by adding other ingredients like black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers to suit your taste.
• Serving Suggestion: This dish pairs well with a side salad or some Mexican rice to make a complete meal. The leftovers are just as delicious and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

This Chicken and Cheese Quesadilla Pie is an easy-to-make, versatile dish that combines the comfort of a pie with the vibrant flavors of a quesadilla. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to become a family favorite!