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When it comes to preparing a Cheesy Salsa Chicken Quesadilla Bake, achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures largely depends on how you layer your ingredients. Proper layering ensures that each component cooks evenly, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Here’s how to effectively layer your ingredients:

Cheesy Salsa Chicken Quesadilla Bake

Discover the delicious Cheesy Salsa Chicken Quesadilla Bake, a perfect blend of tender shredded chicken, zesty salsa, and melty cheeses layered between soft flour tortillas. This hearty and satisfying dish is simple to make and ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead. Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, it promises to be a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike. Try this recipe today for a flavorful twist on a classic!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

1 cup salsa (choose your preferred heat level: spicy or mild)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

8 flour tortillas (10-inch size)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)

1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)

Sour cream and guacamole for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Baking Dish:

    - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

      - Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with the olive oil, ensuring the bottom and sides are coated.

        Combine Chicken and Salsa:

          - In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken along with the salsa, ground cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder.

            - Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the chicken is evenly coated with salsa.

              Assemble the Quesadillas:

                - On a clean surface or cutting board, lay out four tortillas.

                  - Evenly distribute half of the chicken mixture on each tortilla, leaving a slight border around the edges.

                    - Sprinkle half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the chicken mixture.

                      - Top each with another tortilla, pressing down gently to create a quesadilla structure.

                        Layer the Quesadillas in the Baking Dish:

                          - Carefully place each assembled quesadilla into the greased baking dish, arranging them closely together.

                            - If necessary, cut some quesadillas to fit comfortably in the dish.

                              Add Final Layers:

                                - Pour the remaining salsa evenly over the top of the quesadillas, allowing it to seep between them a bit for added flavor.

                                  - Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the salsa, ensuring even coverage.

                                    Bake the Quesadilla Bake:

                                      - Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.

                                        - Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.

                                          - After this time, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

                                            Garnish and Serve:

                                              - Once baked, allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before slicing.

                                                - Optionally, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro for a touch of color and flavor.

                                                  - Cut into squares and serve warm, accompanied by sour cream and guacamole for dipping.

                                                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                                                      - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6