When you’re searching for a quick, satisfying, and utterly delicious weeknight meal, look no further than Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas. This recipe brings together the rich flavors of crispy bacon, creamy ranch seasoning, and gooey melted cheese wrapped in a golden, crispy tortilla. It’s the kind of meal that’s easy to prepare yet indulgent enough to satisfy everyone at the dinner table. Let’s dive into this cheesy, bacon-filled goodness that will quickly become your new family favorite!
Why You’ll Love These Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas
Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas aren’t just another quesadilla recipe. They are a delightful combination of savory, smoky, creamy, and cheesy flavors. This recipe uses simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your kitchen, making it a perfect choice for a quick dinner. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a gathering, or looking for a meal to satisfy your late-night cravings, these quesadillas hit the spot.
What makes them even better is their versatility. You can customize them to suit your tastes, whether you like extra cheese, a bit of heat from some jalapeños, or a variety of vegetables. But let’s be real—bacon and ranch dressing are a match made in heaven, and they shine in this recipe.
Ingredients for Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas
Before we jump into the cooking instructions, let’s talk about the star ingredients of this dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 6 flour tortillas
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Salsa (for serving)
These ingredients are simple, yet they come together to create a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re using leftover chicken or cooking it fresh, this recipe is forgiving and adaptable to what you have on hand.
How to Make Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
Start by making the filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and ranch seasoning mix. Mix them together thoroughly to ensure the ranch seasoning evenly coats the chicken and bacon. The ranch seasoning adds a tangy, creamy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the savory bacon and tender chicken. You can use homemade ranch seasoning if you prefer, but the packet version is quick and convenient for busy weeknights.
Step 2: Assemble the Quesadillas
Next, it’s time to build the quesadillas. Lay out three flour tortillas on a flat surface, such as a cutting board or large plate. Then, evenly distribute the chicken and bacon mixture onto each tortilla. After that, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the chicken mixture. The cheese will melt into the chicken and bacon, creating that gooey, irresistible layer we all love in a quesadilla.
Once you’ve topped the tortillas with the chicken mixture and cheese, place the remaining three tortillas on top, pressing gently to help hold everything together. Now you’ve got your quesadillas ready for cooking!
Step 3: Cook the Quesadillas
To cook the quesadillas, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, carefully place one quesadilla in the pan. Cook it for 2-3 minutes on each side, flipping carefully to ensure both sides are golden brown and crispy. The cheese inside should be fully melted by the time the tortilla turns a perfect golden color.
If you’re making multiple quesadillas, you may need to cook them in batches, but that’s okay! You want each one to be cooked to perfection, so don’t rush this step.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the quesadillas are golden brown and crispy, it’s time to serve. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice each quesadilla into wedges. Serve them hot with a side of sour cream and salsa for dipping. The tangy sour cream and zesty salsa pair beautifully with the rich, cheesy quesadillas, providing a nice contrast to the richness of the bacon and chicken.
Pro Tip for Perfect Quesadillas:
If you want to make your quesadillas even crispier, try pressing down gently on each one with a spatula while they cook. This helps the cheese melt faster and evenly and gives the tortilla a nice, even crisp.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Weeknights
The beauty of Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas lies in how quick and easy they are to make. The entire recipe takes just 20 minutes from start to finish—perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen but still want a hearty, satisfying meal. Here are a few reasons why this recipe is your new go-to weeknight dinner:
- Minimal Prep Time: With pre-cooked chicken and bacon, you only need to assemble and cook the quesadillas.
- Customizable: You can add extra ingredients like vegetables, different cheeses, or even hot sauce for a kick.
- Family-Friendly: The flavors are familiar and beloved by kids and adults alike, making it an easy meal to please everyone.
- Easy to Double or Triple: Making a bigger batch? No problem! Just increase the ingredients accordingly.
Make-Ahead Tips
This recipe is also great for meal prep. You can prepare the chicken mixture in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to make the quesadillas. You can even assemble the quesadillas ahead of time and store them in the fridge, then cook them when you’re ready to eat. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal even on the busiest days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella are the classic choices for quesadillas, you can substitute them with any cheese you like. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even gouda would work wonderfully in this recipe.
What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can make your own by combining dried herbs such as parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of salt. This homemade ranch seasoning will still give you that classic ranch flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the quesadillas?
Yes! Feel free to add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to chop the vegetables finely so they don’t overpower the chicken and bacon.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you love spice, you can add sliced jalapeños to the filling or mix some hot sauce into the chicken mixture. You could also sprinkle some chili powder or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Nutritional Information for Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas
Each serving of these Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas (one quesadilla, cut into wedges) provides:
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 950mg
- Sugar: 2g
This recipe is rich and satisfying, with a good balance of protein from the chicken and bacon, as well as plenty of cheese for that creamy texture. It’s a treat that’s definitely worth the indulgence now and then.
Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Recipe
Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas are easy, delicious, and totally customizable. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or even meal prepping. With savory chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, you’re bound to fall in love with this dish. Plus, they take only 20 minutes to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy nights when you want something quick and satisfying.
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share your creation on social media! And for more delicious ideas, check out these other recipes you’re sure to enjoy:
- Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Burger Bake Recipe
- Cheeseburger Meatball Pasta Recipe
- Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Pizza
Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas are the ultimate weeknight meal, combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and melty cheese all in one bite. With the perfect blend of ranch seasoning and savory flavors, this dish is sure to become your family’s new favorite. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, it’s a must-try!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 6 flour tortillas
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Salsa (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir until well coated. - Assemble the Quesadillas:
Lay out three tortillas on a flat surface. Evenly distribute the chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Top with cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Place the remaining three tortillas on top. - Cook the Quesadillas:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place one quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese has melted. Repeat with remaining quesadillas. - Serve:
Slice into wedges and serve with sour cream and salsa for dipping.
Notes
- Make it Spicy: Add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for an extra kick!
- Customizing Cheese: You can also use a mix of Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese for an added flavor profile.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken and bacon mixture ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Quick Meals, Kid-Friendly
- Method: Skillet, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla (1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas, Chicken Quesadilla Recipe, Bacon Quesadilla, Quick Chicken Dinner, Easy Weeknight Meals, Cheesy Quesadillas, Ranch Chicken Quesadillas