Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas Recipe

Hey foodies, let me introduce you to the ultimate comfort food fusion: my cheesy ranch chicken quesadillas. These bad boys are loaded with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a dreamy duo of melty cheeses, all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla hug that tastes like pure bliss. Prepare for a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy!

I love creating recipes that bring my favorite flavors together, and these Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas do just that. Packed with protein from diced chicken and crumbled bacon, layered with a blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella, and complemented by tangy ranch dressing, they’re a satisfying meal that comes together quickly.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas Recipe Ingredients

• Cooked Chicken: High in protein, lean, and versatile for many dishes.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky flavor and crispy texture, rich in fats.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp flavor, good source of calcium and protein.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Mild and creamy, excellent calcium booster.
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy, tangy, perfect for added moisture and flavor.
• Green Onions: Fresh, crisp, and provides light onion flavor.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon butter, for cooking

How to Make this Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas Recipe

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, ranch dressing, and chopped green onions. Mix everything together until well combined.

2. Lay out the four flour tortillas on a flat surface. Evenly distribute the chicken mixture over half of each tortilla.

3. Fold the empty half of each tortilla over the filled side to create a semicircle, gently pressing down to hold the quesadilla together.

4. Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of butter.

5. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, place one or two quesadillas in the skillet (depending on your skillet size), ensuring they’re not overcrowded.

6. Cook the quesadillas for about 3-4 minutes on one side, or until golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip them over with a spatula.

7. Cook the second side for another 3-4 minutes, until the quesadillas are golden brown and the cheese is completely melted.

8. Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and place them on a cutting board. Repeat the process with any remaining quesadillas, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.

9. Allow the cooked quesadillas to cool for a minute before cutting them into wedges using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.

10. Serve the quesadilla wedges warm, garnished with extra chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy with additional ranch dressing for dipping.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Non-stick skillet or griddle
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Spatula
9. Pizza cutter (optional)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can substitute with your favorite cheese. Pepper jack or Monterey Jack can add a nice kick.
• Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe? You can replace chicken and bacon with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini for a vegetarian option.
• How can I make these quesadillas spicier? Add some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the filling for extra heat.
• What’s the best way to cook the quesadillas? Cook them in a skillet over medium heat until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
• Can I prepare the ingredients in advance? Absolutely! Cook the chicken and bacon, and chop the green onions ahead of time. Keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the quesadillas.
• What can I serve with these quesadillas? They pair well with a side of salsa, guacamole, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Chicken: Substitute with turkey for a similar texture and flavor.
• Bacon: Use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon for a healthier or meat-free option.
• Cheddar Cheese: Replace with Monterey Jack or Colby cheese for a milder taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Use provolone cheese as an alternative for a different flavor profile.
• Ranch Dressing: Swap with Caesar dressing or a homemade yogurt-based ranch dressing for a lighter choice.

Pro Tips

1. Flavor Enhancement For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture. This will give your quesadillas a slightly smoky or spicy kick.

2. Crispier Texture Before placing the tortillas on the skillet, brush them lightly with melted butter or olive oil on both sides. This will make your quesadillas extra crispy and golden brown.

3. Even Cheese Distribution To ensure the cheese melts evenly, layer some cheese directly on the tortilla before adding the chicken mixture, then sprinkle more cheese on top of the filling before folding. This creates a cheesy barrier on both sides, adhering the tortilla to the filling.

4. Prevent Overfilling Be cautious not to overfill the tortillas to prevent the filling from spilling out. Spreading the mixture evenly over one side of the tortilla while keeping the edges clear will help maintain a neat and manageable quesadilla.

5. Grill Marks and Presentation If you have a grill pan or griddle with ridges, use it to cook the quesadillas. This will give them attractive grill marks, adding to the visual appeal of your dish when served.