Delicious Chicken, Bacon and Ranch Quesadillas Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible.
• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes from prep to plate, these quesadillas are perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste, whether you want to add more veggies or switch up the cheese.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love quesadillas! This recipe is a great way to sneak in some protein while keeping mealtime fun.

Introduction

Are you ready to take your taste buds on a wild ride? Say hello to the ultimate comfort food: Chicken, Bacon and Ranch Quesadillas! Imagine biting into a crispy tortilla filled with tender chicken, crunchy bacon, and gooey melted cheese, all drizzled with zesty ranch dressing. It’s a flavor fiesta that’s not just delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re hosting a game night, looking for a quick dinner solution, or just craving something scrumptious, these quesadillas are your ticket to culinary bliss. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

• 🍗 1 heaping cup chopped, cooked chicken
• 🥓 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 🥗 2-3 tablespoons Ranch dressing
• 🌶️ 1 tablespoon canned diced green chiles or jalapenos
• 🧀 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
• 🌮 4 (8-inch) flour tortillas
• 🧈 2 tablespoons butter
• 🌿 Additional ranch, salsa, and cilantro for serving, optional

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped chicken, crumbled bacon, Ranch dressing, and diced green chiles. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
2. For each quesadilla, lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle 1/3 cup of shredded Mexican cheese evenly over the tortilla.
3. Add half of the chicken mixture on top of the cheese, then sprinkle another 1/3 cup of cheese over the chicken mixture.
4. Place a second tortilla on top, pressing down gently to secure the filling.
5. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, carefully add the quesadilla to the pan.
6. Cook the quesadilla for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Flip the quesadilla carefully and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the other side is golden brown.
7. Remove the quesadilla from the pan and let it cool for a minute before cutting it into quarters. Repeat the process with the second quesadilla.
8. Serve warm with extra ranch dressing, salsa, and fresh cilantro if desired.

Presentation and Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Chicken, Bacon and Ranch Quesadillas, presentation is key! Here are some fun ideas:

• Platter Style: Arrange the quesadilla quarters on a large platter, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a pop of color.
• Dipping Station: Create a mini dipping station with bowls of ranch dressing, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for guests to customize their bites.
• Quesadilla Stack: Stack the quesadilla quarters in a tall pile, securing them with toothpicks for a fun, party-ready presentation.
• Side Salads: Serve with a side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the quesadillas.

Storage and Shelf Life

If you have leftovers (which is rare with these delicious quesadillas!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or pop them in the microwave for a quick fix. For longer storage, you can freeze the uncooked quesadillas. Just assemble them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, cook them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

FAQs

1. Can I use raw chicken for this recipe? It’s best to use cooked chicken for this recipe. You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken for convenience.
2. What type of cheese works best? Shredded Mexican cheese blend is ideal, but you can also use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a kick.
3. Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to cook.
4. Are these quesadillas spicy? The level of spice depends on the type of green chiles or jalapenos you use. You can omit them for a milder flavor.
5. What can I serve with quesadillas? They pair well with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a fresh salad.
6. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour? Yes, corn tortillas can be used, but they may be more fragile. Handle them carefully.
7. How do I make these quesadillas healthier? You can use whole wheat tortillas, reduce the amount of cheese, or add more veggies like bell peppers or spinach.
8. Can I add other ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like bell peppers, onions, or even black beans for extra flavor and nutrition.
9. What’s the best way to reheat leftover quesadillas? Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
10. How many servings does this recipe make? This recipe makes 2 servings, but you can easily double or triple it for a crowd!