Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas Recipe

Quick & Zesty Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas Recipe

Warm, cheesy chicken bacon ranch quesadillas promise a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Crispy bacon adds a salty crunch to tender chicken pieces.

Melted cheese creates irresistible gooey pockets of deliciousness.

Ranch dressing brings a tangy zip that connects every delectable bite.

Weeknight dinners just got way more exciting with this simple yet incredible meal.

Such a quick and satisfying combination works magic for hungry folks seeking comfort food.

FAQs

  • How do I get the chicken to be extra flavorful?

Marinate the chicken in ranch dressing for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance its taste and tenderness.

  • Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time while providing delicious flavor for the quesadillas.

  • What type of bacon works best for this recipe?

Crispy, thick-cut bacon provides the best texture and flavor for these quesadillas, but regular bacon also works well.

  • Is there a way to make these quesadillas healthier?

Use whole wheat tortillas, reduced-fat cheese, turkey bacon, and Greek yogurt ranch dressing to create a lighter version of the recipe.

Why Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas Always Hit the Mark

  • Whip Up Effortless Comfort: These quesadillas require minimal cooking skills, making them perfect for beginners or busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
  • Pack Flavor in Every Bite: The combination of ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and melted cheese creates an irresistible taste that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will be satisfied.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra toppings like diced jalapeños, sour cream, or avocado to personalize the quesadillas and match individual preferences without disrupting the core recipe.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Great for quick dinners, game day gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend lunches, these quesadillas work perfectly as a main dish or shareable appetizer for various occasions.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken: Shredded meat as the primary protein base.
  • Bacon: Crispy, crumbled meat for added flavor and texture.
  • Tortillas: Soft flour wraps to hold the quesadilla together.
  • Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses for rich, gooey filling.
Seasoning and Dressing:
  • Ranch Dressing: Creamy condiment to coat and flavor the chicken.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic spices for extra seasoning.
Cooking and Garnish:
  • Butter: Used for browning and adding crispy texture to tortillas.
  • Cilantro: Fresh herb for optional garnish.
  • Salsa: Optional side condiment for serving.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadilla Steps

Step 1: Prepare Flavor-Packed Filling

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and ranch dressing. Stir everything together until the chicken and bacon are completely coated with the creamy dressing, creating a delicious blend of flavors.

Step 2: Build Quesadilla Layers

Spread out tortillas on a clean surface

Evenly distribute the chicken and bacon mixture across each tortilla

Sprinkle a generous layer of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the mixture

Top each quesadilla with another tortilla, gently pressing down to seal

Step 3: Sizzle and Brown

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat

Brush the top of each quesadilla with melted butter

Sprinkle garlic powder and onion powder over the buttered surface

Place quesadillas buttered-side down on the hot skillet

Brush the exposed side with more melted butter

Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until tortillas turn golden brown and crispy, and cheese melts completely

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Remove quesadillas from the skillet. Let them rest for a minute to cool slightly.

Smart Help for Ranch Chicken Quesadillas

  • Boost Flavor Fusion: Add a splash of hot sauce or sriracha to the chicken mixture for an extra kick that elevates the ranch and bacon combination.
  • Cheese Melt Mastery: Ensure cheese is evenly spread and reaches room temperature before cooking to guarantee a perfect, gooey melting experience.
  • Crispy Texture Trick: Press quesadillas gently with a spatula while cooking to create a uniformly crisp, golden-brown exterior that adds delightful crunch.
  • Protein Swap Strategy: Replace chicken with pulled pork, shredded beef, or black beans for a versatile dish that accommodates different dietary preferences.
  • Storage Smart Hack: Wrap leftover quesadillas individually in foil and refrigerate; reheat in a skillet to maintain crispy texture instead of using a microwave.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas: Keep Them Crisp

  • Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual quesadillas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months to maintain best quality.
  • Preheat to 350°F, place quesadillas on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through.
  • Place quesadilla on a microwave-safe plate, heat for 30-45 seconds. Add a paper towel underneath to absorb moisture and maintain crispness.

Quesadillas Delicious Complements

  • Pair with Cool and Creamy Dips: Whip up some homemade ranch or salsa for an extra flavor punch that complements the quesadillas' rich, cheesy profile.
  • Refresh with Crisp Beverages: Choose a light Mexican beer like Corona or a zesty limeade to cut through the richness and cleanse the palate between bites.
  • Balance with Fresh Side Salad: Toss together a quick mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to add brightness and provide a cool contrast to the warm, hearty quesadillas.
  • Elevate with Chilled White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to match the dish's creamy ranch and bacon flavors while offering a refreshing counterpoint.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas: Ways to Make It Your Own

  • Vegetarian Ranch Quesadillas: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or black beans for a hearty meatless alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make the recipe celiac-friendly and gluten-sensitive.
  • Low-Carb Wrap: Swap tortillas with large lettuce leaves or use low-carb tortilla alternatives for a keto-friendly version.
  • Greek-Inspired Variation: Substitute ranch with tzatziki sauce and add feta cheese with diced cucumber for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas Recipe

Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 23 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling chicken bacon ranch quesadillas bring Mexican-inspired comfort right to your kitchen table. Crispy tortillas packed with savory chicken, smoky bacon, and creamy ranch create a perfect handheld meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
  • 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Additional Ingredients:

  • 8 large flour tortillas
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Combine shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and ranch dressing in a mixing bowl, ensuring every morsel is thoroughly coated with the creamy seasoning.
  2. Arrange tortillas on a clean workspace, carefully spreading the chicken-bacon mixture across half of each tortilla’s surface.
  3. Generously sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the chicken mixture, covering it completely.
  4. Fold the tortillas in half, creating a half-moon shape, and gently press the edges to seal the filling.
  5. Preheat a skillet or griddle to medium heat, lightly coating the surface with cooking spray or oil.
  6. Brush the exterior of each quesadilla with melted butter, then dust with garlic and onion powder for added flavor complexity.
  7. Place the quesadillas in the heated pan, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the bottom turns golden and crisp.
  8. Carefully flip the quesadillas, cooking the other side until cheese melts and tortilla reaches a perfect golden-brown color.
  9. Transfer the quesadillas to a cutting board, allowing them to rest for a minute to set the melted cheese.
  10. Slice each quesadilla into triangular wedges, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve immediately with ranch dressing or salsa for dipping.

Notes

  • Boost flavor by using rotisserie chicken for a faster, more savory preparation.
  • Crisp up bacon beforehand to ensure maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy quesadillas.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or monterey jack for added zest.
  • For gluten-free option, swap regular tortillas with corn tortillas and ensure bacon is gluten-free certified.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 680
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 1200mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star