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
Marinate the chicken in ranch dressing for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance its taste and tenderness.
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time while providing delicious flavor for the quesadillas.
Crispy, thick-cut bacon provides the best texture and flavor for these quesadillas, but regular bacon also works well.
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
Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas Ingredient List
Main Ingredients:Seasoning and Dressing:Cooking and Garnish: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.
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas Recipe
- 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
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
- Combine shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and ranch dressing in a mixing bowl, ensuring every morsel is thoroughly coated with the creamy seasoning.
- Arrange tortillas on a clean workspace, carefully spreading the chicken-bacon mixture across half of each tortilla’s surface.
- Generously sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the chicken mixture, covering it completely.
- Fold the tortillas in half, creating a half-moon shape, and gently press the edges to seal the filling.
- Preheat a skillet or griddle to medium heat, lightly coating the surface with cooking spray or oil.
- Brush the exterior of each quesadilla with melted butter, then dust with garlic and onion powder for added flavor complexity.
- Place the quesadillas in the heated pan, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the bottom turns golden and crisp.
- Carefully flip the quesadillas, cooking the other side until cheese melts and tortilla reaches a perfect golden-brown color.
- Transfer the quesadillas to a cutting board, allowing them to rest for a minute to set the melted cheese.
- 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
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.