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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the warm, cheesy goodness of a quesadilla. But what if we took that classic favorite and elevated it into a cheesy, spicy casserole-style bake? Enter the Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Quesadilla Bake—a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. This dish combines the rich creaminess of cheeses, the spicy kick of jalapeños, and tender chicken, all layered between soft flour tortillas.

Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Quesadilla Bake

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Quesadilla Bake! This delicious casserole combines tender shredded chicken, a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella, zesty jalapeños, and creamy layers of cheese, all nestled between soft flour tortillas. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this easy-to-make dish promises to delight your taste buds with its cheesy richness and spicy kick. Enjoy it with fresh cilantro and sour cream for the perfect finishing touch!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated

1/4 cup cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped (adjust for spice level)

1 cup salsa (mild or spicy, based on preference)

8 small flour tortillas

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

1 cup sour cream (for serving, optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, chopped jalapeños, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy.

      Assemble the Quesadilla Bake: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Lay 4 tortillas on the bottom of the dish, overlapping if needed. Spread half of the chicken filling evenly over the tortillas.

        Add Tortillas and Filling: Layer 4 more tortillas over the chicken filling. Spread the remaining filling on top, smoothing it out to cover the tortillas completely.

          Top with Cheese: Sprinkle any remaining cheese over the top layer, generously covering it for that gooey finish.

            Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.

              Garnish and Serve: Remove the quesadilla bake from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Slice into squares and serve warm with sour cream on the side if desired.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | Serves 6-8