Chicken Tikka Masala Quesadillas

These Chicken Tikka Masala Quesadillas bring together the best of Indian and Mexican cuisine with tender chicken tikka masala, gooey melted cheese, and a crispy tortilla. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal, these quesadillas are easy to prepare and packed with savory, spiced goodness. Served with extra tikka masala sauce or tangy chutney for dipping, they make a great lunch, dinner, or appetizer. Ideal for a fusion meal or a fun twist on traditional quesadillas, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups chicken tikka masala (1 cup chicken, ½ cup sauce)
• 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch or 12-inch)
• 2 tablespoons butter, ghee, or oil (divided)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend preferred)
• Additional tikka masala sauce (optional, for dipping)
• Chutney (optional, for dipping)
• Chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken
   Separate the chunks of chicken from the tikka masala sauce, roughly chop the chicken, and set it aside. Spread about ¼ cup of the tikka masala sauce on one side of a tortilla.
2. Cook the First Quesadilla
   Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt ½ tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted, place the tortilla with sauce-side up in the skillet. Spread ½ cup of chopped chicken over the tortilla and cover with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Place the second tortilla on top to cover the chicken and cheese.
3. Cook the Quesadilla
   Cook for about 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top tortilla is golden brown. Use a spatula to carefully remove the quesadilla from the skillet or slide it onto a plate.
4. Brown the Other Side
   Add another ½ tablespoon of butter to the skillet, and once melted, flip the quesadilla over. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to brown the other side. Once done, transfer the fully cooked quesadilla to a plate.
5. Repeat
   Repeat the process with the remaining two tortillas to make the second quesadilla.
6. Serve
   Cut each quesadilla into quarters and serve with extra tikka masala sauce, chutney, and chopped cilantro if desired.

---

Tips

• Avoid Soggy Tortillas: Ensure the chicken and sauce are well drained before adding to the quesadilla to avoid a soggy result.
• Cheese Variety: While a Mexican cheese blend is recommended, you can use mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Low-fat Version: For a healthier version, use a lower-fat cheese or opt for ghee in place of butter.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegan Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or a plant-based chicken substitute and use dairy-free cheese for a vegan-friendly quesadilla.
• Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños to the quesadilla for a spicy twist.
• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini in place of chicken for a vegetarian alternative.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken tikka masala?
Yes, leftover chicken tikka masala works perfectly for this recipe. Just separate the chicken from the sauce, chop it up, and you’re ready to go.

Can I make these quesadillas in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the quesadillas in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. Simply reheat them in a skillet for a few minutes on each side to warm them up.

What kind of dipping sauces can I serve with these quesadillas?
Besides tikka masala sauce and chutney, you can serve these quesadillas with yogurt or a cucumber raita for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of yogurt or raita for cooling contrast.
• Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a more filling meal.
• Perfect for a fun Mexican-Indian fusion dinner or appetizer at your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Fusion: These quesadillas combine the bold, spicy flavors of Indian chicken tikka masala with the comfort and crunch of Mexican quesadillas—a delicious fusion of two beloved cuisines.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe is quick to make, with minimal ingredients and steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the level of spice and swap out ingredients to suit your dietary preferences or available ingredients.

---