CHICKEN QUESADILLAS WITH AVOCADO-CUCUMBER SALSA

Chicken Quesadillas With Avocado-Cucumber Salsa image

There is one caveat when using leftover grilled meat. As the meat chills, the flavors recede, becoming quieter and mellower. For these quesadillas that I made out of Sunday's grilled chicken thighs, shredded and stuffed into a corn tortilla with a little cheese and quickly toasted, I stirred together a lime-zest-imbued cucumber and avocado salsa that added a welcome citrus edge.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories dinner, easy, quick, weekday, weeknight, appetizer, main course

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

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Ingredients

1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced small
2 Kirby cucumbers, peeled and diced small
2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 jalapeño, seeded, if desired, and finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 pound cooked chicken, shredded (about 1 1/3 cups)
1/4 pound Monterey Jack cheese, grated (about a cup)
8 6-inch corn tortillas
Olive oil, for brushing

Steps:

In a bowl, mix together the avocado, cucumbers, red onion, cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, jalapeño, salt and pepper.
Sandwich some of the chicken and cheese between two tortillas; repeat with the remaining chicken, cheese and tortillas. Brush the top and bottom of each quesadilla lightly with oil.
Heat a large, nonstick skillet over high heat until very hot. Cook the quesadillas, in batches, if necessary, until the cheese melts and the tortillas are crisp and golden, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side.
Cut into wedges and top with some of the salsa.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 422, UnsaturatedFat 14 grams, Carbohydrate 30 grams, Fat 24 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 24 grams, SaturatedFat 9 grams, Sodium 378 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams