Crispy Chicken Cheesy Gringa recipe is like a quesadilla but better (2024)

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By Tara Noland on | Updated | 7 Comments

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I love trying new dishes and when we were in Tofino, BC, we tried a gringa from the Tacofino truck, something that I have never ate before. So when I received this gorgeous panini maker from Hamilton Beach I knew I wanted to make a Crispy Chicken Cheesy Gringa.

To make the gringa recipe is easy, you just have to have to crisp up an already roasted chicken. A gringas recipe is like a quesadilla but even better!

Crispy Chicken Cheesy Gringa recipe is like a quesadilla but better (1)

This is the most delicious of sandwiches and not hard to create with a pre-cooked chicken from the grocery store. Have you ever had a gringa before? In their original form they are with marinated pork and pineapple slices along with cheese but this is how we had them in Tofino with crispy chicken and cheese.

Crispy Chicken Cheesy Gringa recipe is like a quesadilla but better (2)

I adore a great panini maker as it makes the most wonderful of sandwiches and more!! Dinner or lunch is not only easy but scrumptious with a panini maker. Since the lid is floating you can have thin quesadillas or mile high sandwiches!! The Panini Press Gourmet Sandwich Maker has a large 12×8.5″ cooking area with nonstick grids. The lid locks in an open position for open faced sandwiches, bruschetta and pizza. Why warm the oven for those dishes in the hot summer months when this panini makes is so easy and convenient!! Then the lid locks for easy storage too!

Crispy Chicken Cheesy Gringa recipe is like a quesadilla but better (3)

We amped up an already gorgeous roasted chicken with more spices like, ancho chili pepper, chili powder and cumin. The cheese is not ordinary at all either as we used, sliced jalapeno Monterey Jack and a shredded Mexican blend of cheddar, queso quesadilla and more Monterey Jack. Pile on the cheese, it oozes out and gets all crispy and wonderful and lifts off the panini maker like a breeze. Oh how I love cheese like that. Enjoy these sandwiches on your new Hamilton Beach Panini Press Gourmet Sandwich Maker!!

The Recipe

Crispy Chicken Cheesy Gringa recipe is like a quesadilla but better (4)

Crispy Chicken Cheesy Gringa

A gringa filled with crispy chicken and cheese will excite the whole family for dinner!!

Ingredients

Crispy Chicken

  • 1 whole roasted chicken, shredded
  • 4 Tbsp. canola oil
  • 1 tsp. ancho chili powder
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. cumin
  • 1 tsp. salt

Gringas

  • 6" buttered tortillas
  • Crispy chicken
  • Sliced Jalapeno Monterey Jack cheese
  • Shredded Mexican cheese blend (cheddar, queso quesadilla, Monterey Jack)
  • Cilantro, optional garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450F. Mix the oil with the spices and on a rimmed baking sheet toss with the chicken. Roast for 20 min. or until starting to get crisp. Toss and cook for another 10 min. or until crispy.
  2. To make the gringas, place a tortilla butter side down on a cutting board or plate. Fill half of the tortilla with the sliced Monterey Jack, then chicken and top with a good amount of shredded cheese. Fold over the tortilla and gently place on the Hamilton Beach Panini Press Gourmet Sandwich Maker. Close the lid and heat until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crisped. Slice into half or thirds and serve. Top with cilantro if using!

Crispy Chicken Cheesy Gringa recipe is like a quesadilla but better (5)

Crispy Chicken Cheesy Gringa recipe is like a quesadilla but better (6)

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    Comments & Reviews

  1. Sarah says

    This looks amazing! I think my kids would go crazy for this dish. I could see it being the perfect quick and easy lunch dish.

    Reply

  2. Brandy says

    These look so good! I love how you can make so many different things with a panini maker.

    Reply

  3. Donna says

    I love my panini maker! And I can’t wait to try these. I know my husband would LOVE the pork and pineapple. Btw, I’d never heard of a “gringa” before. 🙂

    Reply

    • Tara Noland says

      Thanks Donna, the gringas are sooooo good!!

      Reply

  4. Jeanette says

    This looks delicious! Both your recipe and the ones made of pork and pineapple sound great. Adding “panini maker” to my list of “wants.” 🙂

    Reply

    • Tara Noland says

      Thank you so much!!

      Reply

Crispy Chicken Cheesy Gringa recipe is like a quesadilla but better (2024)

FAQs

What are gringas in Mexican food? ›

Gringas (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈɡɾiŋɡas], plural and feminine form of gringo) are a variety of quesadillas which consist of flour tortillas filled with cheese, al pastor meat, and pineapple. They are then grilled in the same manner as a quesadilla. Some attribute the name to the use of white flour tortillas.

How to spice up a cheese quesadilla? ›

Beans or corn add a different texture and an extra layer of flavor. Sour Cream, Guacamole, Salsa, or Pico de Gallo: optional, for serving. They complement the cheesy quesadilla, adding a refreshing tanginess, creaminess, or a hint of heat.

What is the difference between a mulita and a Gringas? ›

Mulita is used to describe these types of sandwiched tacos in the Northern States of Mexico while they are known as gringas in the Mexican south and are prepared using wheat flour tortillas.

Why are my quesadillas not crispy? ›

Ironically, the key to a crispy quesadilla is less fat in the pan, not more. Too much fat will make your quesadilla soggy instead of crispy.

What cheese do Mexican restaurants use for quesadillas? ›

Traditional Mexican cheeses like Oaxaca cheese or Chihuahua cheese are commonly used in quesadillas because they melt easily and have a mild, slightly salty flavor. Other cheese options include Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, and mozzarella.

What cheese is used in Mexican quesadillas? ›

Seek out a Mexican cheese, such as Oaxaca or chihuahua. Oaxaca is a stringy, semi-firm, cow's milk cheese with a mellow, buttery flavor that often comes in a rope or knotted shape. Chihuahua cheese is closer to cheddar with a mild, salty, slightly sour flavor.

What's the difference between a taco and a Gringas? ›

You're right that Gringas are not really tacos, but are really a type of quesadilla (what's called a sincronizada)—2 flour tortillas sandwiched with melted cheese. But they're so common and so good, I feel they have a place in this Taco Manual.

What is Gringas meat? ›

"Gringas are a variety of taco with a quesadilla base. It consist of a flour tortilla filled with cheese, "al pastor" meat (marinated pork), and pineapple slices. It is then grilled in the same manner as a quesadilla."

Where do Gringas come from? ›

These are Mexican gringas, and they are gorgeous. Gringas (as a dish) consist of carne al pastor, pineapple chunks and cheese all grilled together in a beautiful, cheesy mass, and sandwiched in-between two toasted flour tortillas.

What is a Gringas taco? ›

Gringas Tacos are Mexican street vendor tacos with a complex palette of flavor. This culinary delight is made with flour tortillas filled with marinated pork, cheese, pineapple slices, onions, Chamoy Sauce, with a Guacamole Topping.

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