Description
These Chicken Kofta Quesadillas are a delightful fusion of spiced chicken and melty cheese, creating a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and exciting. Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing friends, this dish brings bold flavors to a beloved classic.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
- 1/4 cup (60 g) finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup (30 g) breadcrumbs (optional, for binding)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese (or a cheese blend of your choice)
- 1 cup (100 g) crumbled feta cheese (optional, for added flavor)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream (for serving)
- 1/2 cup (120 g) salsa (for serving)
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground chicken, 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined, about 2-3 minutes. Avoid over-mixing to keep the texture light.
- Add 1 beaten egg to the mixture and, if desired, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs for extra binding. Mix again just until combined. The mixture should feel moist but hold together when shaped. If it feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs.
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, form the chicken mixture into small oval patties, about 2 inches long. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Ensure they are cooked evenly by flipping them gently with a spatula.
- While the kofta is cooking, heat another skillet over medium-low heat and add 1 tbsp of olive oil. Lay out 1 large flour tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over half of the tortilla, then place 3-4 cooked kofta patties on top and sprinkle with 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese if using.
- Fold the tortilla over the filling and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden and the cheese is starting to melt. Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the other side is golden and the cheese is fully melted. Keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning.
- Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it rest for a minute before slicing into wedges. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling. Serve warm with sour cream and salsa on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern/Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking the kofta to ensure even cooking. Adjust the cheese ratio to suit your taste, and let the quesadillas rest for a minute before slicing to prevent a gooey mess.