Spiced Mango & Black Bean Chicken Quesadilla – A Sweet & Savory Twist on a Classic
This Spiced Mango & Black Bean Chicken Quesadilla combines sweet mangoes, spiced chicken, and black beans with melted cheese in a crispy tortilla, offering a bold, irresistible twist on the classic quesadilla. Perfect for quick meals or gatherings.
Spiced Mango & Black Bean Chicken Quesadilla | Sweet & Savory Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
DifficultyEasy
Servings4
Prep time10 minutes
Cook time10 minutes
Total time20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded or cubed chicken
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup diced mango (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 2 tbsps chopped cilantro (optional)
For the Quesadillas:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp butter or oil (for cooking)
Optional Toppings:
- Guacamole or avocado slices
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Sour cream
- Lime wedges
Let's Get Cooking!
Instructions:
- 1
Prepare the Chicken & Filling
- Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add shredded chicken and season with cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir in black beans, mango, and cilantro, mixing well for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- 2
Assemble the Quesadillas
- Place a tortilla on a flat surface.
- Sprinkle ¼ cup cheese over half of the tortilla.
- Spread a layer of the chicken-mango-black bean filling on top of the cheese.
- Add another ¼ cup cheese, then fold the tortilla in half.
- 3
Cook the Quesadillas
- Heat ½ tablespoon butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Place the assembled quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula.
- Once the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted, remove from the pan.
- 4
Slice & Serve
- Let the quesadilla cool for 1 minute, then cut into triangles.
- Serve with guacamole, salsa, or sour cream.
Recipe Notes and Variations
Recipe Notes for the Best Quesadilla
✔ How to Get a Perfectly Crispy Tortilla
- Use medium heat to ensure the quesadilla gets golden brown without burning.
- Butter gives a richer, crispy texture, while oil creates a lighter crisp.
- Press the quesadilla gently with a spatula while cooking to encourage even browning.
✔ How to Prevent Quesadillas from Getting Soggy
- If using frozen mango, thaw and drain excess liquid before adding it to the filling.
- Avoid overloading the quesadilla—too much filling can lead to moisture buildup.
- Cook with a light touch of butter or oil—too much grease can make the tortilla heavy.
✔ Choosing the Right Cheese for Maximum Melt
- Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend melt beautifully while adding a creamy texture.
- If you prefer a sharper flavor, mix in some smoked gouda or aged cheddar.
✔ Make It in Advance for Meal Prep
- The chicken-mango-black bean filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Assemble the quesadillas fresh to keep them from getting soggy.
Variations of Spiced Mango & Black Bean Chicken Quesadilla
1. Different Protein Options
✔ Grilled Chicken Quesadilla
- Instead of shredded chicken, grill a chicken breast seasoned with cumin and chili powder, then slice it into strips before adding it to the quesadilla.
✔ Pulled Pork Quesadilla
- Swap out chicken for slow-cooked, pulled pork for a richer, smokier taste.
✔ Shrimp & Mango Quesadilla
- Sauté shrimp with chili powder, cumin, and lime juice and substitute it for the chicken.
✔ Vegetarian Black Bean Quesadilla
- Omit the chicken and add extra black beans, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted sweet potatoes for a plant-based alternative.
2. Different Flavor Twists
✔ Chipotle Mango Chicken Quesadilla
- Add ½ teaspoon chipotle powder or a spoonful of chipotle in adobo sauce for a smoky-spicy kick.
✔ BBQ Mango Chicken Quesadilla
- Drizzle BBQ sauce over the filling before folding the tortilla for a sweet and smoky fusion.
✔ Tropical Pineapple Chicken Quesadilla
- Swap mango for pineapple chunks for an island-inspired flavor.
✔ Sweet & Spicy Honey-Lime Quesadilla
- Mix 1 teaspoon honey with ½ teaspoon lime juice and drizzle over the chicken before assembling the quesadilla for a sweet and tangy twist.
3. Cheese Variations
✔ Mexican Cheese Blend Quesadilla
- Use a combination of Monterey Jack, cheddar, and Oaxaca cheese for an ultra-melty, cheesy bite.
✔ Smoked Cheese Quesadilla
- Try smoked gouda or smoked cheddar to add a depth of smoky richness.
✔ Goat Cheese & Mango Quesadilla
- Replace regular cheese with crumbled goat cheese for a tangy contrast to the sweet mango.
4. Gluten-Free & Low-Carb Options
✔ Gluten-Free Quesadilla
- Use gluten-free tortillas or corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
✔ Low-Carb Quesadilla Wraps
- Swap out traditional tortillas for low-carb wraps or use cheese wraps instead.
✔ Lettuce Wrap Quesadilla
- Skip the tortilla entirely and serve the filling inside butter lettuce cups for a fresh, low-carb alternative.
5. Best Side Dishes & Dips for Quesadillas
✔ Classic Mexican Side Dishes
- Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice – A simple, flavorful side that complements the quesadilla.
- Street-Style Corn Salad (Esquites) – The creamy, tangy corn pairs well with the bold flavors of the quesadilla.
✔ Dipping Sauces & Toppings
- Avocado Crema: Blend avocado, sour cream, lime juice, and cilantro for a creamy dip.
- Chipotle Sour Cream: Mix sour cream with a little chipotle sauce for a smoky contrast.
- Pico de Gallo or Mango Salsa: A fresh, citrusy salsa enhances the flavors in the quesadilla.
- Spicy Salsa Verde: A zesty green salsa with tomatillos adds a vibrant punch.
6. Storing & Reheating Quesadillas
✔ How to Store Leftovers
- Store cooked quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Keep the filling separate from tortillas if making ahead for meal prep.
✔ How to Reheat Without Losing Crispiness
- Stovetop: Reheat on a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Oven: Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes on a baking sheet.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes for a crispier texture.
- Microwave: Not recommended, as it makes the quesadilla soft rather than crispy.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
✔ Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of sweet mango, spiced chicken, and melted cheese is unbeatable.
✔ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it a great weeknight meal.
✔ Versatile: Works with different proteins, cheeses, and tortillas for variety.
✔ Meal-Prep Friendly: The filling can be made ahead of time and used for multiple meals.
✔ Great for Entertaining: Cut into triangles and serve as party appetizers.
This easy chicken quesadilla recipe is a fun twist on a Tex-Mex favorite, and once you try it, it’s bound to become a regular in your meal rotation!
Nutrition
| Calories | 380 |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Cholesterol | 65mg |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Sodium | 540mg |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 5g |
History, Evolution, and Inspiration Behind This Quesadilla Recipe
Where Did Quesadillas Come From?
The quesadilla originates from Mexico, dating back to the 16th century, when Spanish settlers introduced cheese to the indigenous corn tortillas. Over time, it evolved into a versatile dish, with variations popping up all over the world.
The modern-day chicken quesadilla has become a favorite in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, typically made with flour tortillas, shredded cheese, and seasoned chicken.
This recipe builds on the traditional chicken quesadilla recipe but adds a tropical twist—spiced mangoes bring natural sweetness, while black beans add heartiness, making this a well-balanced, high-protein meal.
The Art of Cooking the Perfect Chicken Quesadilla
How to Get the Perfect Crispy Quesadilla
✔ Use Medium Heat for Even Browning
- Cooking quesadillas on medium heat allows the tortillas to crisp up without burning.
✔ Don’t Overstuff the Tortilla
- Adding too much filling makes flipping tricky and prevents the cheese from sealing the edges properly.
✔ Use the Right Cheese
- A good chicken quesadilla cheese should melt well—cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend work best.
✔ Toast Both Sides Evenly
- Press the tortilla gently with a spatula while cooking to get a golden, crispy finish.
Interesting Things About This Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
- A Balance of Sweet, Savory, and Spicy – The spiced mangoes bring a tropical twist, making this more than your average chicken quesadilla recipe.
- A High-Protein, Fiber-Rich Meal – The black beans add protein and fiber, making this a nutrient-packed meal.
- One-Pan Recipe with Minimal Cleanup – Everything cooks in one pan, making this quick, easy, and perfect for busy nights.
- A Fun Fusion of Flavors – This recipe takes Mexican quesadilla tradition and gives it a fresh, tropical upgrade.
An Overview of the Key Ingredients
- Chicken – Lean, tender shredded chicken seasoned with cumin, chili, and garlic.
- Mango – A ripe mango adds a natural sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
- Black Beans – A hearty, protein-packed ingredient that complements the chicken.
- Cheese – Melted cheddar and Monterey Jack create the ultimate gooey texture.
- Tortillas – Large flour tortillas get golden brown and crisp when cooked.
What Occasions Is This Quesadilla Recipe Perfect For?
✔ Weeknight Dinners – A quick chicken quesadilla recipe that’s done in under 30 minutes.
✔ Lunch Meal Prep – Easy to make ahead and reheat for a satisfying lunch.
✔ Game Day or Party Snack – Serve as an appetizer with guacamole and salsa.
✔ A Fun Twist for Taco Tuesdays – A unique alternative to tacos or burritos.
✔ Family-Friendly – Kids and adults love the mix of sweet and savory flavors.
