A chicken quesadilla is a Mexican food served as an appetizer or main course. Modern chicken quesadillas feature a mixture of chicken and cheese sandwiched between two flour tortillas and cooked. Traditional Mexican quesadillas use masa dough in place of the tortillas, with either version often served with sour cream, salsa and guacamole.http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/easy-chicken-mushroom-quesadillas-recipe/index.html

Readily available at many restaurants and fast-food chains, chicken quesadilla recipes explain the process by which the dish is created at home. Recipes typically ask for the chicken to be cooked first, then placed with cheese on a tortilla. A second tortilla is added and the sandwich is grilled, baked or cooked in a skillet.http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/chicken-quesadillas/Detail.aspx Easy chicken quesadilla recipes also are popular, with leftover chicken and cheese melted between two tortillas in a microwave for a quick treat.

While the exact origins of the chicken quesadilla are unclear, the combination is believed to have evolved from the combining easily found ingredients. Tortillas date back to ancient Mesoamerica, created by grinding maize to create a flat corn bread. Cheese was added to create a turnover, better known as a quesadilla, as a simpler alternative to standard tacos and enchiladas.http://www.foodtimeline.org/foodmexican.html#quesadillas

In the time since, quesadilla recipes have evolved, with many restaurants and chefs creating signature versions. Due to the easy preparation method, the dish has become a staple in restaurants, from those serving traditional Mexican food to American chains like Applebees and Hooters.http://www.applebees.com/Menu_Starters.aspx http://www.hooters.com/menu.aspx

Standard chicken quesadillas will always feature chicken, cheese and tortillas, however the recipe can be varied in numerous ways by adding secondary ingredients within the tortillas or on the side. Chicken can be flavored, including by adding BBQ sauce or marinades to provide additional taste. Secondary ingredients can also be included in the filling, with spinach and mushrooms popular choices.http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/easy-chicken-mushroom-quesadillas-recipe/index.html http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/wolfgang-puck/bbq-chicken-quesadilla-recipe/index.html

How a chicken quesadilla is served can also vary, with each recipe calling for optional toppings or accompaniments. Salsa, sour cream and guacamole are the standard toppings, however lettuce, tomato, black olives and pico de gallo are also commonly used.http://www.hooters.com/menu.aspx