### How to Make Delicious Cherry Wood Smoked Chicken Breast Quesadillas with Pico de Gallo
#### Introduction
Create a mouthwatering dish that combines the rich flavor of cherry wood smoked chicken breast with the refreshing zesty taste of pico de gallo in these delightful quesadillas. This recipe is perfect for a casual weekend lunch or a special dinner party.
#### Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup cherry wood chips (or any preferred wood chip)
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- For the pico de gallo:
- 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional for less heat)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
#### Equipment
- Charcoal or gas grill
- Smoker box or disposable aluminum foil packet
- Grill tongs
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
#### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Prepare the Chicken:**
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and place the chicken breasts in the pan. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
2. **Smoking the Chicken:**
- Preheat your grill to approximately 300°F (150°C).
- Place cherry wood chips into a smoker box or wrap them in aluminum foil with some holes poked through for smoke circulation.
- Put the chicken breasts on the grill grate, cover, and add the smoking chips. Smoke the chicken for about 2 hours until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
3. **Prep the Quesadillas:**
- Once the chicken is fully cooked and has cooled enough to handle, shred or slice into thin strips.
- Warm your tortillas in a skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side.
4. **Assemble the Quesadillas:**
- Place a tortilla onto a flat surface, then add shredded chicken breast, and sprinkle with cheese. Fold the tortilla in half or roll it up to form a quesadilla.
- Cook in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes on each side until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are slightly golden.
5. **Make Pico de Gallo:**
- In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, chopped onions, minced jalapeño (if using), fresh cilantro, and lime juice.
- Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. **Serve:**
- Slice the quesadillas into wedges and serve with a generous dollop of pico de gallo on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious cherry wood smoked chicken breast quesadillas!
#### Tips
- Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature before cooking to maintain even heat distribution.
- Use high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor.
- For an extra smoky taste, soak the wooden skewers in water before using them to secure the fillings inside the tortilla.
By following these steps and tips, you'll be able to create a memorable meal that is both delicious and visually appealing. Perfect your smoking technique with cherry wood chips for a unique flavor profile that will impress all your guests!