Irresistibly Spicy Black Pepper Chicken Quesadillas You’ll Crave

Spicy black pepper chicken and savory salami create a mouthwatering fusion in these delectable quesadillas.

The combination of bold flavors transforms a classic Mexican dish into a culinary adventure that tantalizes the taste buds.

Tender, seasoned chicken meets crispy salami, nestled between warm tortillas that promise a delightful crunch with every bite.

Fresh avocado and creamy basil ranch sauce add a luxurious layer of richness to the dish.

Home cooks and food enthusiasts will appreciate the simple yet sophisticated approach to this elevated quesadilla recipe.

The perfect balance of heat, protein, and creamy elements makes this dish a standout meal for any occasion.

Saving And Rewarming Black Pepper Chicken And Salami Quesadillas With Avocado Basil Ranch

• Refrigerate: Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days.
• Reheat Skillet: Warm quesadillas in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, restoring crispy texture and melty cheese.
• Oven Method: Place quesadillas on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes to prevent drying out.
• Avoid Microwave: Skip microwave reheating to maintain the crisp tortilla and prevent soggy edges.

What To Serve With Black Pepper Chicken And Salami Quesadillas With Avocado Basil Ranch

• Crisp Wine Complement: Select a zesty Pinot Grigio or light Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, savory quesadilla flavors and balance the tangy basil ranch.
• Fresh Citrus Salad: Prepare a bright, refreshing orange and fennel salad with a light vinaigrette to contrast the quesadilla's boldness and provide a clean, palate-cleansing side.
• Spicy Fruit Salsa: Whip up a quick mango-jalapeño salsa with diced red onions to add a vibrant, sweet-heat dimension that elevates the quesadilla's complex flavor profile.
• Cool Beer Pairing: Reach for a crisp Mexican lager or hoppy wheat beer that will complement the dish's rich ingredients and cut through the cheese's richness.

Fun Ways To Change Up Black Pepper Chicken And Salami Quesadillas With Avocado Basil Ranch

• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Version: Replace tortillas with large lettuce leaves for a lighter, gluten-free alternative that reduces carbohydrate intake.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken and salami with grilled portobello mushrooms or plant-based protein crumbles to create a meat-free option.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew cheese or nutritional yeast, and replace ranch with cashew-based creamy sauce for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add jalapeños, swap honey mustard for chipotle sauce, and include pepper jack cheese to create a bolder, more intense flavor profile.

Common Questions About Black Pepper Chicken And Salami Quesadillas With Avocado Basil Ranch

• What makes the black pepper chicken special in this recipe?

The black pepper chicken adds a bold, spicy flavor that complements the rich salami and creamy cheese, creating a complex and satisfying taste profile.

• Can I prepare the basil ranch dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the basil ranch dressing up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, which helps the flavors meld together even more.

• Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight meal?

Absolutely! These quesadillas come together in about 15-20 minutes, making them perfect for a fast and delicious dinner that doesn’t require extensive preparation.

• How can I make this recipe more vegetarian-friendly?

Replace the chicken and salami with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms to create a tasty vegetarian version of the quesadillas.

Why Black Pepper Chicken And Salami Quesadillas With Avocado Basil Ranch Hit The Spot

• Quick and Easy Meal Creation: Whip up this gourmet quesadilla in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous lunch cravings.
• Flavor Explosion: Combine bold black pepper chicken, savory salami, tangy pickles, and creamy avocado basil ranch for a mouthwatering taste adventure that surprises and delights.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on what's in your fridge, making this recipe super flexible for different dietary preferences and ingredient availability.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Elevate your home cooking with professional-level flavor combinations and techniques that look and taste like a chef-prepared dish.

Ingredients For Black Pepper Chicken And Salami Quesadillas With Avocado Basil Ranch

• Chicken Breast: Tender protein base for the quesadilla, best when boneless and skinless.
• Salami: Adds rich, savory flavor and meaty texture to the quesadilla.
• Tortillas: Crispy wrap for holding all ingredients, flour tortillas work best.

• Cheese, Mozzarella: Melty binding ingredient that creates golden crispy layers.
• Pickles: Tangy element that provides sharp contrast to rich meats.
• Basil Ranch Dressing: Creamy herb-infused sauce with zesty flavor profile.

• Arugula: Peppery green that adds fresh, crisp texture to quesadilla.
• Avocado: Smooth, creamy topping with healthy fats and rich flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated sweet-tangy ingredient with intense tomato essence.
• Basil: Fresh herb that brings bright, aromatic notes to ranch dressing.

• Honey Mustard: Sweet and tangy sauce that enhances overall flavor.
• Black Pepper: Spicy seasoning that adds warmth and depth to chicken.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking and creating golden, crispy quesadilla exterior.

How To Make Black Pepper Chicken And Salami Quesadillas With Avocado Basil Ranch

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Avocado Basil Ranch

• Fresh basil leaves
• Ripe avocado
• Ranch dressing
• Black pepper

Blend all ingredients in a food processor until silky smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

Step 2: Build Flavor-Packed Quesadilla

• Large flour tortillas
• Shredded cheese
• Fresh arugula
• Seasoned black pepper chicken
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Pickles
• Thinly sliced salami

Layer ingredients on one half of the tortilla:

Place cheese first, then scatter arugula, chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, pickles, and salami. Drizzle with avocado basil ranch and honey mustard. Sprinkle additional cheese on top. Fold tortilla carefully.

Step 3: Crisp and Golden Cooking

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Gently place quesadilla in the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bottom turns golden brown. Flip and repeat on opposite side until cheese melts and exterior becomes crispy.

Step 4: Plate and Garnish

Slice quesadilla into wedges. Serve immediately with extra avocado basil ranch on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Helpful Tips For Black Pepper Chicken And Salami Quesadillas With Avocado Basil Ranch

• Maximize Flavor Layering: Distribute ingredients evenly across the tortilla to ensure each bite delivers balanced taste and texture.
• Perfect Cheese Melt: Use room temperature cheese for smoother, more even melting and better quesadilla consistency.
• Control Heat Carefully: Cook quesadillas on medium heat to prevent burning while achieving a golden, crispy exterior.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken with turkey, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences or restrictions.
• Fresh Ingredient Boost: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Sizzling Black Pepper Chicken and Salami Quesadillas with Avocado Basil Ranch Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Black Pepper Chicken and Salami Quesadillas combine robust flavors with creamy avocado basil ranch for a mouthwatering fusion. Crisp tortillas packed with spicy chicken, savory salami, and zesty sauce promise an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large tortillas
• 1 ½ cups gouda cheese
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese
• 1–1 ½ cups grilled chicken, sliced
• 1 avocado, chopped

Meat and Vegetable Ingredients:

• 6 slices salami, chopped
• 1–2 cups baby arugula
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
• ¼ cup dill pickles, chopped
• ¼ cup pepperoncini, chopped

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ cup honey mustard
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1 cup fresh basil
• ½ cup fresh cilantro
• ¼ cup fresh chives, chopped
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft the zesty basil ranch by pulsing herbs, creamy elements, and seasonings in a blender until silky and well-integrated, fine-tuning flavors to taste.
2. Lay out a tortilla and strategically position shredded cheese as a foundational layer, creating a melty base for subsequent ingredients.
3. Cascade arugula across the cheese, then meticulously arrange tender chicken pieces, followed by vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and crisp pickle slices.
4. Distribute salami fragments evenly, ensuring balanced flavor distribution throughout the quesadilla’s surface.
5. Drizzle homemade basil ranch and tangy honey mustard across the assembled ingredients, allowing sauces to seep between layers.
6. Sprinkle an additional cheese layer to seal the fillings, then gently fold the tortilla into a half-moon shape.
7. Warm a skillet with a delicate olive oil sheen over medium heat, carefully transferring the quesadilla into the pan.
8. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes, monitoring closely to achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior without burning.
9. Remove from heat, slice into wedges, and plate alongside creamy avocado slices and extra basil ranch for dipping.

Notes

• Swapping salami for turkey or plant-based alternatives creates a lighter, healthier version while maintaining rich flavor profiles.
• Adjust cheese quantity based on dietary preferences, using low-fat or dairy-free options for those monitoring calorie intake.
• Toasting tortillas beforehand enhances crispiness and prevents soggy quesadillas, ensuring perfect golden-brown texture every time.
• Fresh herbs like cilantro or additional spices such as sm

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg