Easy Green Chile Turkey Quesadillas: The Ultimate Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
The aftermath of Thanksgiving dinner often leaves us with two things: a satisfied belly and a mountain of delicious turkey leftovers. While turkey sandwiches are a classic, sometimes you crave something with a little more zest and a lot less effort. Enter these incredible Green Chile Turkey Quesadillas – a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful solution to your post-holiday meal dilemma. Filled with tender shredded turkey, gooey melted cheese, and a punch of zesty green chilies, these quesadillas are toasted to crispy perfection in a warm tortilla, creating a meal that the whole family will adore.
Why These Leftover Turkey Quesadillas Will Become Your New Favorite
After days of elaborate cooking for Thanksgiving, the last thing anyone wants to do is spend hours in the kitchen again. That’s where these green chile turkey quesadillas truly shine. They are designed for speed and simplicity, making them an ideal weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch. Beyond their ease, they’re a fantastic way to transform leftover turkey into something entirely new and exciting. No more boring turkey every day! My family absolutely loves these, and I can tell you from experience that they are incredibly versatile. You can even “bury and hide” all sorts of extra ingredients within the cheesy goodness, and your pickiest eaters might never know! After all, gooey cheese has a magical way of making everything better.
The Post-Thanksgiving Survival Guide: Delicious Dinners Made Easy
Thanksgiving is a marathon, not a sprint, especially when it comes to the culinary preparations. I know the feeling of planning out the perfect menu, only to find myself scrambling with last-minute cooking and cleaning. It’s a common story: the menu is set, but the actual execution feels like a whirlwind. But once the feast is over and the dishes are put away, the real challenge begins – what to do with all that delicious leftover turkey?
For me, the best part of Thanksgiving is, without a doubt, eating all the food. I usually spend the days leading up to it preparing myself, perhaps even pre-stretching my “fat pants” to ensure maximum comfort during the meal! But after indulging in a traditional spread – complete with roasted turkey, creamy slow cooker mashed potatoes (a real space-saver!), savory homemade herb stuffing, and rich homemade gravy – the thought of cooking another complex meal can be daunting. Even with a few non-traditional favorites thrown into the mix, like a cheesy broccoli casserole or a simple green bean side, and, of course, a traditional pumpkin pie (plus something chocolate for those of us who prefer it!), the post-holiday cooking fatigue is real.
That’s where recipes like these Green Chile Turkey Quesadillas become invaluable. They offer a simple yet incredibly satisfying way to repurpose your holiday leftovers into a fresh and exciting meal, requiring minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s the perfect antidote to holiday cooking burnout!
Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Quesadilla
The beauty of these quesadillas lies in their simple yet powerful ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious and delicious bite.
- Leftover Turkey (or Chicken): This is the star! Shredded or finely chopped turkey breast or dark meat works perfectly. The key is to ensure it’s cooked and cooled. If you don’t have leftover turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken is an excellent substitute, making this a fantastic recipe year-round.
- Green Chilies: Canned chopped green chilies are your best friend here for convenience. They add a mild, earthy heat and a distinct Southwestern flavor without being overly spicy, making them appealing to a wide range of palates. If you prefer more heat, you can opt for hotter varieties or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a foundational layer of savory flavor and a subtle sweetness when cooked. You can use white or yellow onion.
- Garlic Powder: A touch of garlic powder enhances the overall savory profile, complementing the turkey and chilies beautifully.
- Shredded Cheese: This is where the magic happens! Co-jack cheese (a blend of Colby and Monterey Jack) melts wonderfully and has a mild, creamy flavor. However, feel free to use your favorite melting cheese. Monterey Jack, cheddar, a Mexican blend, or even a pepper jack for an extra kick would be delicious. The more cheese, the gooier and more satisfying the quesadilla will be!
- Flour Tortillas: Burrito-sized flour tortillas are ideal as they provide a generous canvas for your filling and fold easily. Ensure they are fresh to prevent cracking.
Tips for the Best Quesadillas
Achieving that perfect balance of crispy tortilla and melted, flavorful filling is easier than you think. Here are a few tips:
- Don’t Overfill: While tempting, overfilling can make it hard to fold and toast your quesadilla evenly. A heaping cup of filling per large tortilla is usually just right.
- Medium-Low Heat is Key: Patience is a virtue when toasting quesadillas. Using medium-low heat allows the tortilla to crisp up and become golden brown without burning, while also giving the cheese ample time to melt thoroughly.
- Press Gently: After folding, gently press down on the quesadilla with a spatula. This helps the cheese stick to both sides of the tortilla and compacts the filling.
- Butter or Oil? A little butter or a thin coating of oil in the skillet can help achieve an even crispier, golden-brown exterior and adds flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Quesadillas are best enjoyed fresh off the skillet when the cheese is at its gooest and the tortilla is perfectly crisp.
The Recipe: Green Chile Turkey Quesadillas
Green Chile Turkey Quesadillas
Ingredients
- 4 burrito sized flour tortillas
- 2 cups chopped cooked turkey or use rotisserie chicken
- 1 4 oz can chopped green chilies
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 cups shredded co-jack cheese or whatever blend of cheese you prefer
- Toppings of choice- avocado tomatoes, chopped cilantro, salsa, sour cream
Instructions
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In a large bowl, gently combine the chopped cooked turkey, drained green chilies, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, and shredded cheese. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Lay a tortilla flat. Spread a generous, heaping cup of the turkey and cheese mixture evenly over one half of the tortilla. Then, carefully fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling, creating a crescent shape. Gently press down to flatten slightly and seal the edges. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
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Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. You can add a very thin layer of butter or oil for extra crispiness, if desired. Place a filled quesadilla into the heated skillet. Toast each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is completely melted and gooey. You may need to adjust the heat to prevent burning while ensuring the cheese melts.
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Remove from skillet, slice into wedges, and serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Serving Suggestions & Customization
These Green Chile Turkey Quesadillas are delicious on their own, but they truly shine when paired with your favorite Tex-Mex toppings and sides. Consider these options to elevate your meal:
- Classic Toppings: Freshly sliced avocado or creamy guacamole, vibrant pico de gallo, a dollop of sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative), and a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro are must-haves. Don’t forget your favorite salsa!
- For a Full Meal: Serve your quesadillas alongside a simple green salad with a lime vinaigrette, a side of fluffy Mexican rice, or warm refried beans.
- Spice it Up: If you like more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the turkey mixture, use spicy green chilies, or serve with a spicier hot sauce.
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and flavor by incorporating finely diced bell peppers, corn kernels (frozen or canned), or black beans into the turkey mixture. Just make sure any additions are well-drained to prevent soggy quesadillas.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheese blends like Pepper Jack for extra zing, or a sharp cheddar for a more robust flavor.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Quesadillas
While best served fresh, you can definitely save any leftover quesadillas. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, I recommend using a dry skillet over medium-low heat to crisp up the tortilla again, or a toaster oven for similar results. Microwaving is an option, but it will make the tortillas soft rather than crispy.
These Green Chile Turkey Quesadillas are more than just a way to use up holiday leftovers; they’re a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal. Whether you’re recovering from Thanksgiving cooking or just looking for a quick and easy dinner any time of year (using rotisserie chicken!), this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your household. So, grab that leftover turkey, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious taste of Southwest comfort!
