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Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Sizzling Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Quesadillas

Easy, Crispy, and Full of Zing – Sizzling Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Quesadillas Await!

 




Sizzling Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Quesadillas


I have a great ideas for Game Day if you're craving bold Tex-Mex flavors without the hassle of multiple pans, these Sizzling Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Quesadillas are the ultimate game-changer. Packed with tender, seasoned chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, melty Monterey Jack cheese, and black beans, every bite is a perfect balance of smoky, cheesy, and zesty goodness. The best part? They’re baked to crispy perfection on a single sheet pan—no flipping or fussing required! Whether you’re cooking for a hungry crowd or just want a quick and satisfying dinner, this easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality quesadillas with minimal effort.

These quesadillas are the perfect dish for game day, family dinners, or casual get-togethers. Serve them up with a side of guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for a DIY dipping experience that will have everyone reaching for more. They’re also a fantastic option for meal prepping—just reheat and enjoy a crispy, cheesy bite anytime. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick weeknight meal, or just need a satisfying snack, these sheet pan quesadillas are a must-try!

Enjoy!







What Ingredients do I need?

Produce:

  • red onion
  • red bell pepper
  • bunch fresh cilantro
  • limes

Protein & Dairy:

  • shredded chicken breast (or rotisserie chicken)
  • Monterey Jack cheese
  • butter

Pantry Staples:

  • 14 oz can black beans 
  • 8 soft taco-size flour tortillas
  • Olive oil

Spices & Seasonings:

  • Chili powder
  • Ground cumin
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper

Optional Toppings:

  • Sour cream
  • Salsa
  • Guacamole




Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

  • Swap chicken → Use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, or replace with cooked ground beef, steak strips, or shrimp for a different flavor.
  • Make it vegetarian → Skip the meat and add extra black beans, sautéed mushrooms, or grilled zucchini for a hearty veggie version.
  • Swap Monterey Jack → Use cheddar, pepper jack, Mexican blend, or mozzarella—any melty cheese works!
  • Extra spicy → Add cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or diced jalapeños to kick up the heat.
  • No black beans? Use pinto beans, refried beans, or skip them altogether.


Variations
  • Steak Fajita Quesadillas:  Swap the shredded chicken for thinly sliced, seasoned steak (like skirt or flank steak) for a hearty, beefy twist. Cook it quickly in a skillet before assembling your quesadillas.
  • Extra Cheesy Quesadillas:  Double the cheese and add a mix of Monterey Jack, cheddar, and mozzarella for ultra-gooey, melty goodness!
  • BBQ Chicken Quesadillas:  Mix your shredded chicken with BBQ sauce before assembling for a smoky, sweet, and tangy twist. Pair with red onions and cheddar cheese!
  • Spicy Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas:  Toss the shredded chicken in Buffalo sauce and swap the Monterey Jack for blue cheese crumbles or ranch drizzle for a game-day favorite.
  • Bacon Ranch Quesadillas:  Mix chopped crispy bacon into the filling and drizzle with ranch dressing before baking for an extra indulgent treat.




Kitchen Tips and Notes

  • No butter for brushing? Use olive oil or cooking spray for crispy tortillas.
  • Crispier Quesadillas → Brush the tortillas lightly with melted butter or olive oil before baking for that golden, crispy finish.
  • Even Cooking → Spread the filling evenly and press the top tortillas down gently before baking to help everything stick together.
  • Use Rotisserie Chicken → It’s already cooked, juicy, and shreds easily!
  • Pre-Slice Veggies → Chop the peppers and onions ahead of time for a quick assembly.
  • Shred Cheese at Home → Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent melting as smoothly—grating it fresh makes a difference!
  • Storing Leftovers → Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating for Crispy Texture → Skip the microwave! Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or pop them in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to bring back the crispiness.





     Equipment you may need     



  • Sheet Pan (Large Baking Tray) – To assemble and bake the quesadillas evenly.
  • Skillet - for cooking the onions and bell pepper.
  • Basting Brush – For brushing melted butter or oil on the tortillas for crispiness.




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Sizzling Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Quesadillas


serves 6-9


1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 large red onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
1/2 14oz can black beans, drained
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 Tbsp. lime juice
2 Tablespoons butter, melted
8 soft taco size flour tortillas
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole


Preheat oven to 425°F.  In a large skillet heat oil over medium-high. Add onions and peppers. Cook 10 minutes or until tender and browned, stirring occasionally.  Add in the shredded chicken, black beans, and spices to the skillet.  Stir to combine and allow to heat 2-3 minutes.  Turn off the heat and add in the cilantro and lime juice.  Stir to combine.

On a half sheet baking pan, lightly brush the pan with some of the melted butter.  Arrange 6 of the tortillas around the edges of the pan, placing them so that hang halfway off the edges on all sides.  Place one in the center if needed to fill any gaps.  

Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese over the tortillas.  Evenly distribute the chicken filling mixture over the cheese.  Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the chicken mixture.   Fold the parts of the tortillas that are hanging over the edge over to enclose the filling.  Place one final tortilla in the middle.  Brush the tops of the tortillas with the remaining melted butter.  Place another baking pan on top of the tortillas and press lightly to ensure contact with the top sheet pan.  

Bake 20 minutes.  Remove the top sheet pan and check for crispness.  If golden and crips remove from oven.  If you want crisper quesadillas, remove the top sheet pan and bake for another 3-4 minutes.  Allow to stand for 5 minutes.  Cut using a pizza cutter and serve with sour cream, salsa, and/or guacamole if using.  


























Sunday, February 2, 2025

Cinnamon-Spiced Banana Apple Bread: A Cozy Twist on a Classic

Warm, Wholesome, and Wonderfully Spiced: Your New Favorite Banana Bread




Cinnamon-Spiced Banana Apple Bread:  A Cozy Twist on a Classic 



There’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting aroma of Cinnamon-Spiced Banana Apple Bread filling your kitchen. This cozy twist on a classic combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with tender bites of apple and a hint of cinnamon spice, creating a loaf that’s as comforting as a hug. It’s an easy-to-make recipe, perfect for busy mornings, afternoon snacks, or a cozy treat on a chilly day. The best part? It’s kid-friendly and made with wholesome ingredients, making it a delicious way to sneak some fruit into their diet while satisfying everyone’s sweet tooth.

This versatile bread is just as delightful fresh out of the oven as it is toasted with a little butter or cream cheese. Enjoy it as a quick breakfast on the go, pair it with a cup of tea for a relaxing afternoon treat, or even serve it as a simple dessert with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Whether you’re baking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or gifting a loaf to a friend, this banana apple bread is guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to every bite.

Enjoy!






What Ingredients do I need?

Produce:

  • 2 very ripe bananas (with brown spots)
  • 1 Granny Smith apple

Baking Essentials:

  • all-purpose flour
  • baking soda
  • cinnamon
  • nutmeg

Pantry Items:

  • brown sugar
  • canola oil 
  • real vanilla extract

Dairy:

  • eggs
  • milk






Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions
  • All-Purpose Flour: Replace with whole wheat flour (1:1 ratio for a heartier loaf) or use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free option.
  • Light Brown Sugar: Use white granulated sugar or coconut sugar for a different sweetness profile.
  • Granny Smith Apple: Use any other firm apple variety, such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady.


Variations

  • Nutty Banana Apple Bread:  Add ½ to 1 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra crunch and a nutty flavor.  Sprinkle a few nuts on top before baking for a decorative and crunchy crust.

  • Cranberry Banana Apple Bread:  Fold in ½ cup of dried cranberries or raisins for a tart and chewy addition.  For a festive touch, use fresh cranberries if they’re in season.




Kitchen Tips and Notes

  • Preventing Overmixing:  When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough loaf. Stir until just combined – lumps are fine!
  • Check Doneness:  Every oven is different, so check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done. If it comes out wet, bake for another 5-10 minutes and check again.
  • Let It Cool:  Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before removing it. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice without crumbling.
  • Storage:  Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. It makes for a great make-ahead treat!


     Equipment You May Need     


Loaf Pan:  A standard 9x5-inch loaf pan is perfect for this recipe. 

Mixing Bowls:  Two medium-sized mixing bowls: one for the wet ingredients and one for the dry ingredients.

Whisk:  A whisk for combining the dry ingredients (like flour, baking powder, and spices) and for beating the eggs if needed.

Measuring Cups and Spoons:  Standard measuring cups (for dry and wet ingredients) and spoons to measure your spices and sugar.

Spatula or Wooden Spoon:  A spatula or wooden spoon for folding the wet and dry ingredients together gently.

Peeler and Knife:  A vegetable peeler for peeling the apple and a sharp knife to chop the apple and bananas.

Grater (optional):  If you're using fresh nutmeg, you’ll need a microplane or fine grater to grate it.

Cooling Rack:  Once the bread is baked, a cooling rack will allow air to circulate around the bread, helping it cool evenly and preventing a soggy bottom.



More Banana Bread Recipes


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Cinnamon-Spiced Banana Apple Bread:  A Cozy Twist on a Classic 


makes: 1 loaf


2 eggs beaten
2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup canola oil
1/3 cup milk
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup peeled and diced Granny Smith apple (small to medium diced)

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

In a large bowl add the eggs and bananas, mashing and combining together. Add in the milk and oil and stir to combine. Add in the flour, baking powder, salt, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix just until combined. (Do not overmix). Fold in the chopped apple gently.

Pour batter in the prepared pan spreading evenly. Bake 50-60 minutes , or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when tested in the center. (cover the top of the bread if it starts to become too brown toward the end of baking) Remove from the oven and cool in the pan for 15 minutes and then invert and remove from the pan. Place on a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.