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There is something truly delightful about the way crunchy, cheesy quesadilla cones hug a savory filling of tender chicken and vibrant veggies. This Quesadilla Cones with Chicken and Veggies Recipe transforms familiar flavors into a fun handheld treat that’s perfect for sharing at any occasion. The combination of seasoned chicken, sautéed peppers, and melty cheddar cheese wrapped in a crisp tortilla shell is pure magic—and I can’t wait to show you how simple it is to make!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look straightforward, but each one plays an important role in crafting the irresistible layers of flavor and texture in your quesadilla cones. From the zesty fajita seasoning to the crunchy bell peppers, everything comes together in perfect harmony.
- Olive oil: Provides a subtle fruitiness and helps soften the veggies perfectly without overpowering the dish.
- Red onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a gentle bite that wakes up the palate.
- Bell peppers (any color), diced: Bring vibrant color and a fresh crunch that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Shredded cooked chicken: The hearty protein base soaked in savory flavors for satisfying bites every time.
- Fajita seasoning: A blend of spices that infuses warmth and a touch of smoky spice into the filling.
- Salsa: Lends moisture and a tangy kick that ties everything together.
- Large flour tortilla wraps: Flexible and sturdy, perfect for shaping into cones that crisp up deliciously.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey pockets of richness and golden color inside the cones.
- Oil spray: Ensures the cones crisp up beautifully in the oven or air fryer without excess grease.
- Sour cream: A cooling, creamy accompaniment to balance the spices.
- Fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped: Adds a burst of herbal freshness that’s truly the finishing touch.
How to Make Quesadilla Cones with Chicken and Veggies Recipe
Step 1: Get your oven ready
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures that when your quesadilla cones are assembled, the heat will be just right to crisp up the tortillas and melt all the cheese into a delightful gooeyness.
Step 2: Sauté the veggies
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, then add your diced red onion and colorful bell peppers. Cook them until they soften and develop slight char marks, about 5 to 7 minutes, which brings out their natural sweetness and adds a smoky hint to the mix.
Step 3: Mix the filling
In a spacious bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, fajita seasoning, and salsa. Then fold in the sautéed onions and peppers. Stir everything thoroughly until the spices and salsa coat all the ingredients, infusing this filling with bold, vibrant flavors.
Step 4: Shape the tortillas into cones
Cut each large flour tortilla in half, then carefully form each half into a cone shape. Secure the edges with toothpicks so they hold their shape while cooking—this creates the perfect vessel for your savory filling.
Step 5: Fill and cheese the cones
Start by spooning a layer of shredded cheddar cheese into the narrow bottom of each cone; this forms a melty base. Next, pack the cones with the chicken and veggie mixture, then top generously with more shredded cheese. The cheese on top browns to a golden, irresistible crust.
Step 6: Cook to perfection
For air fryer users, line the basket with baking paper, space out the cones, and give them a light spray of oil. Cook at 180°C (350°F) for 8 minutes until crispy. If using an oven, place the cones on a baking tray lined with paper, spray lightly with oil, and bake for approximately 12 minutes. Both methods yield wonderfully crispy and cheesy quesadilla cones.
Step 7: Final touches and serving
Once cooked, carefully remove the toothpicks and get ready to serve these delicious cones immediately while the cheese is still wonderfully melty and the edges perfectly crisp.
How to Serve Quesadilla Cones with Chicken and Veggies Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your quesadilla cones with a dollop of cool sour cream and a sprinkling of fresh coriander takes the flavors to the next level. The sour cream offers creaminess that tames the spice, while the coriander bursts with herbal brightness that makes each bite feel fresh.
Side Dishes
Pair these cones with a side of seasoned black beans, a fresh corn salad, or some vibrant guacamole for a complete meal that’s both colorful and loaded with complementary textures and flavors. A crisp green salad also adds a lovely contrast to the warm, cheesy cones.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving quesadilla cones standing upright in a tall glass or a custom cone holder can elevate the experience and impress your guests. For a fun twist, offer a trio of dipping sauces like chipotle mayo, tangy salsa verde, or creamy avocado dip. These visual and flavor enhancements make your Quesadilla Cones with Chicken and Veggies Recipe party-ready and unforgettable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the quesadilla cones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re cooled completely before sealing to prevent sogginess and maintain crispness as much as possible.
Freezing
These quesadilla cones freeze surprisingly well! Wrap each cone individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, avoid the microwave if you want to preserve that crisp shell. Instead, pop them back into a preheated oven or air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for about 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. This way, the cheese remelts and the texture stays delightful, just like fresh.
FAQs
Can I use other meats in this Quesadilla Cones with Chicken and Veggies Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap chicken for ground beef, pulled pork, or even a plant-based protein. The seasonings and veggies will complement any filling you choose.
Is it necessary to use flour tortillas?
Flour tortillas are best as they are more pliable and hold the cone shape without cracking. Corn tortillas usually break when bent and are not ideal for this recipe.
Can I make these quesadilla cones gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour tortillas available in most supermarkets to accommodate gluten-free diets without sacrificing flavor or texture.
How spicy is the dish, and can I adjust it?
The fajita seasoning and salsa add a mild to medium spice level, but you can easily tailor it by choosing milder or hotter salsa and adjusting the amount of seasoning to suit your taste.
What’s the best way to keep the cones from leaking filling?
Starting with a layer of cheese at the cone’s bottom acts as a barrier, preventing the filling from leaking out during cooking. Also, don’t overfill the cones to keep everything intact.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Quesadilla Cones with Chicken and Veggies Recipe a try—it’s a delightful way to bring together familiar flavors with a fun twist. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these cones are guaranteed to bring smiles and full plates. Share the joy, savor every bite, and enjoy the ease and comfort this recipe brings to your kitchen!
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Quesadilla Cones with Chicken and Veggies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Quesadilla cones are a fun and flavorful twist on the classic quesadilla, filled with a delicious mix of seasoned chicken, sautéed bell peppers, and onions, all melted together with cheddar cheese inside crispy tortilla cones. Perfect as a snack or light meal, they can be baked or air fried for a quick and easy dish that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 tbsp fajita seasoning
- 1/2 cup salsa
Quesadilla Cones
- 4 large flour tortilla wraps
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Oil spray, for cooking
To Serve
- Sour cream
- Fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven or air fryer. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) if baking, or get your air fryer ready for cooking at 180°C (350°F).
- Sauté the vegetables. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell peppers, frying them until softened and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes.
- Prepare the filling mix. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken with fajita seasoning and salsa. Add the sautéed onions and peppers, mixing well until evenly combined.
- Form the tortilla cones. Cut each tortilla wrap in half. Fold each half into a cone shape and secure with toothpicks to hold the shape.
- Fill the cones. Place a layer of shredded cheddar cheese at the bottom of each cone to start. Spoon in the chicken and vegetable filling, then top off with more shredded cheese.
- Cook the cones in the air fryer. Line the air fryer basket with baking paper. Arrange the cones spaced apart, lightly spray with oil, and cook at 180°C (350°F) for 8 minutes.
- Alternatively, bake the cones. Line a baking tray with baking paper, space the cones out, and spray lightly with oil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes until cheese is melted and tortillas are crisp.
- Serve and garnish. Remove toothpicks carefully. Serve the quesadilla cones immediately with sour cream and chopped fresh coriander for garnish.
Notes
- To make the cones easier to handle, warm tortillas slightly before folding to prevent cracking.
- The fajita seasoning can be substituted with your favorite taco or Mexican seasoning for varied flavor.
- You can use cooked shredded beef or vegetables in place of chicken for variation.
- If air fryer size is small, cook cones in batches to ensure even cooking.
- To avoid sogginess, ensure vegetables are well cooked and excess moisture is drained before mixing.
