Speedy Chicken Quesadillas

I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR MORE BUDGET FRIENDLY MEAL OPTIONS, AND RECENTLY CAME ACROSS THESE.  I'M A SUCKER FOR MEXICAN (AUTHENTIC OR NOT) FOOD, AND AM EAGER AND WILLING TO TRY NEW RECIPES IN THIS CATEGORY.  I'M NOT GOING TO LIE, THE ADJECTIVE "SPEEDY" ALSO CAUGHT MY ATTENTION.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup Thick n' Chunky Salsa

2 Tablespoon Miracle Whip Dressing

4-6 (6 inch) Flour Tortillas (amount will vary depending on how much you fill the quesadilla)

3/4 lb cooked boneless chicken breasts or tenders, chopped, shredded or sliced

1 cup Mexican style shredded cheese

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1/2 tsp chili powder

salt and pepper to taste

*add or subtract fillings for personal taste

1. Mix the salsa, dressing, and chili powder and set aside.

2. Saute chicken in pan with olive oil or butter.  (I also threw in a quartered onion and 2 garlic cloves into the pan for flavor and seasoned the chicken with salt and pepper.)

3. Remove chicken and allow it to cool slightly before cutting. Add one Tablespoon olive oil to pan and saute red pepper until soft. 

4. Spread dressing mixture evenly onto half of tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, add chicken and red pepper slices.  Fold over to create quesadilla.

At this point you have two options; follow the original recipe's instructions for heating or use my heating tip.

(Original recipe) 5. Heat a large skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium heat.  Add quesadillas, two at a time; cook 4-5 minutes on each side or until lightly browned on both sides.  Repeat with remaining quesadillas. 

(My heating technique) 5. On a parchment lined baking sheet place quesadillas and spray heavily with cooking spray.  Bake at 375 for 15 minutes.  They will come out golden, crisp and bubbly without the extra effort of standing over the stove.  Also, you reap the benefits of serving all of the warm, delicious quesadillas at once.

Suggestions for serving:

Serve over a bed of chopped lettuce and sprinkle with green onions, with a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. 

Chips, salsa, jalapenos and queso dip were an added touch.

These came out tastier than I expected, and I will definitely make them again!