Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
If you’re craving bold flavors and melty, gooey cheese all wrapped up in a crispy golden tortilla, Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Quesadillas are about to become your new obsession. This irresistible dish combines everything we love about spicy buffalo chicken, creamy ranch, and heaps of cheese into one easy, satisfying meal. Perfect for game day, a laid-back family dinner, or anytime you need comfort food with a kick, these quesadillas bring a crowd-pleasing flair to your table. Every bite is an explosion of savory, spicy, cheesy goodness — and they come together in under half an hour!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This lineup of ingredients is short and blissfully simple, but each one brings something magical. From the punchy buffalo sauce right down to the cool ranch drizzle, you’re building layers of flavor, texture, and color that absolutely pop.
- Cooked Chicken (2 cups, shredded): Use leftover rotisserie or any simple cooked chicken for easy prep and juicy morsels.
- Buffalo Sauce (1/3 cup): Brings the signature spicy, tangy heat — adjust more or less to your spice preference.
- Ranch Dressing (2 tablespoons): Adds cool, creamy contrast that tames the heat and ties it all together.
- Flour Tortillas (4 large): The canvas for your quesadillas, crisping up beautifully when cooked in the skillet.
- Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded): Sharp, gooey, and full of flavor — essential for the ultimate cheese pull.
- Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Provides that melt-in-your-mouth stretch and mellow creaminess.
- Green Onions (2, sliced): Bright freshness and a mild onion snap that keeps things exciting.
- Butter or Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): For toasting the tortillas and guaranteeing golden, crunchy perfection.
- Extra Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing (for dipping): No quesadilla is complete without a luscious dunk — pick your favorite!
How to Make Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Quesadillas
Step 1: Mix the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Filling
Start by tossing your shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing in a bowl. You want every little piece coated — think juicy, spicy, and creamy all at once. This easy combo is the flavor bomb at the heart of your Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Quesadillas.
Step 2: Prep Your Tortillas
Lightly butter one side of each flour tortilla. The buttered sides are what deliver that beautiful, golden crunch when the quesadillas hit the skillet. Don’t skip this step — it makes all the difference for bite-through crispiness and flavor.
Step 3: Layer Up the Cheeses and Filling
Place a tortilla, buttered side down, into your preheated skillet. Pile on a layer of cheddar and mozzarella, followed by the buffalo ranch chicken filling. Scatter in some green onions for freshness, then add another layer of cheese before topping with the second tortilla, buttered side up. More cheese means more gooey pull!
Step 4: Cook the Quesadillas
Cook each quesadilla over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Press gently with a spatula for that irresistible crispy crust, and check for melty cheese and golden edges. Repeat for the remaining tortillas and filling — your kitchen will smell like game-day heaven.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Let the hot quesadillas rest for a minute, then use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice into wedges. Serve them up while the cheese is gloriously gooey and melty. Don’t forget a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping!
How to Serve Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Quesadillas
Garnishes
Dress up your Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Quesadillas with a sprinkle of extra sliced green onions, a handful of chopped fresh cilantro, or a drizzle of additional buffalo sauce. A scattering of crumbled blue cheese takes them totally over the top.
Side Dishes
These quesadillas pair perfectly with crisp celery and carrot sticks for a classic Buffalo experience, or serve alongside a crunchy slaw or simple green salad to balance all that cheesy richness. Seasoned fries or sweet potato wedges also make a winning combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut each quesadilla into party-sized triangles for a playful appetizer platter, or stack and skewer for a crowd-pleasing finger food. Arrange them on a board with an array of dips for a build-your-own quesadilla night!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Quesadillas, let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for the best flavor and freshness.
Freezing
To freeze, individually wrap cooled quesadilla wedges in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to a month — perfect for spontaneous cravings! Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat quesadillas in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through and crunchy again. The oven works too: bake at 350°F until hot. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works, but the tortilla may lose a little of its crispness.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for these quesadillas?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is not only convenient but also adds great flavor and tenderness to Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Quesadillas. Just shred it up and you’re halfway there.
How can I make these quesadillas gluten-free?
Swap in your favorite large gluten-free tortillas and double-check that your buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and shredded cheeses are gluten-free. The cheesy, spicy magic stays just as tasty.
What’s the best cheese for these quesadillas?
This recipe uses a combo of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for flavor and stretch, but you can get creative with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra zing in your Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Quesadillas.
How do I make these extra spicy?
If you love heat, simply add extra buffalo sauce to the filling, sprinkle in some diced jalapeños, or serve with spicy salsa on the side for your Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Quesadillas.
Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?
Yes! Arrange assembled quesadillas on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping once, until golden and melty — a great option if you’re making a big batch.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re feeding a crew or just treating yourself, Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Quesadillas are guaranteed to be a hit. The combination of spicy chicken, lush ranch, and rivers of melted cheese wrapped in a crispy tortilla will keep you coming back for more. So go ahead — gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready for a flavor-packed bite you’ll crave again and again!
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Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 quesadillas 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Quesadillas are a perfect blend of spicy, cheesy, and creamy flavors. Packed with tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, cool ranch dressing, and gooey melted cheeses, they are a crowd-pleasing option for a quick and satisfying meal or game day snack.
Ingredients
For the Buffalo Ranch Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
- 1/3 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
For the Quesadillas:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- Extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the Buffalo Ranch Chicken: In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch dressing until well coated.
- Cook the Quesadillas: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly butter one side of each tortilla. Place one tortilla, buttered side down, in the skillet. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup mozzarella, then spread a layer of buffalo ranch chicken on top. Add a few green onions, then sprinkle with more cheese before topping with another tortilla, buttered side up. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Serve: Slice into wedges and serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
- For extra spice, drizzle with additional buffalo sauce before serving.
- You can also bake the quesadillas in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes if cooking in batches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop, Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 960 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
