Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadilla Bake 6 Ingredients Easy Delicious

Dive into the irresistible flavors of a Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadilla Bake! This decadent dish combines shredded chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and a creamy ranch seasoning – all baked to perfection between layers of soft flour tortillas. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a comforting family dinner, this Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadilla Bake is sure to satisfy your taste buds and become a new household favorite.

Ingredients Overview

To make this delectable Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadilla Bake, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

• Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced cooked chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken work great. This is the protein that forms the base of the dish.
• Ranch Seasoning: A packet of dry ranch seasoning mix adds the signature ranch flavor throughout the dish.
• Shredded Cheese: A blend of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses melts into gooey perfection.
• Flour Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas create the layers and base of the quesadilla bake.
• Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon adds a delightful crunch and savory bacon flavor.
• Sour Cream: Serve with a dollop of cool, creamy sour cream on top.
• Nonstick Spray: A light coating of nonstick cooking spray helps prevent sticking.

For variations, you can experiment with different cheese blends, add diced jalapeños or bell peppers for extra flavor, or use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier twist. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing this crowd-pleasing recipe!

Preparation Steps

Ready to bake up this cheesy, bacon-y goodness? Here’s how to make the Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadilla Bake:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken with the ranch seasoning mix until the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Layer half of the flour tortillas in the prepared baking dish.
4. Top the tortillas with half of the seasoned chicken, followed by half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and half of the crumbled bacon.
5. Repeat the layers of tortillas, chicken, cheese, and bacon.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let the Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadilla Bake cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve with a dollop of sour cream on top.

Tips for the Perfect Quesadilla Bake

To ensure your Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadilla Bake turns out delicious every time, here are a few expert tips:

• Use cooked, shredded chicken for the best texture. Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled or baked chicken work wonderfully.
• Blend the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses for a gooey, melty result. You can also try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for additional flavor.
• Arrange the tortillas in an even layer to prevent any dry spots or soggy areas in the final dish.
• Bake with the foil cover for the first 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to get that irresistible golden-brown cheese topping.
• Let the Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadilla Bake rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving to allow the layers to set.

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadilla Bake can be enjoyed as a main dish, a party appetizer, or a hearty side. Some tasty serving ideas include:

• Serve slices with extra sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, or chopped cilantro for fresh, flavorful toppings.
• Pair it with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
• Cut the baked quesadilla into bite-sized squares or triangles to serve as a crowd-pleasing party appetizer.
• Top the quesadilla bake with a drizzle of barbecue sauce or hot sauce for added flavor.
• Enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day – the flavors only get better!

Nutritional Information

One serving of this Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadilla Bake (1/8 of the recipe) contains approximately:

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 31g

To make the dish a bit healthier, you can use low-fat or reduced-fat cheese, opt for whole wheat tortillas, and serve with a side of fresh veggies. The great thing about this recipe is that it’s easily customizable to suit your dietary needs and preferences.

FAQs

What ingredients do I need to make Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadilla Bake?

To make Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadilla Bake, you’ll need the following ingredients: cooked and shredded chicken, bacon (cooked and crumbled), ranch dressing, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, flour tortillas, and optional toppings like sour cream, green onions, or diced tomatoes.

How long does it take to prepare and bake the Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadilla Bake?

Preparation time typically takes about 15-20 minutes, while baking takes around 20-25 minutes. Overall, you can expect the entire process to take approximately 40-45 minutes from start to finish.

Can I make the Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadilla Bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the quesadilla bake ahead of time. Assemble it in a baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook it, simply remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

What are some variations I can try with this recipe?

There are many ways to customize your Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadilla Bake! You can add ingredients like sautéed bell peppers, onions, or jalapeños for extra flavor. For a healthier option, consider using whole wheat tortillas or adding more vegetables. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or ranch seasoning to suit your taste preferences.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bacon Pinwheels
• Bacon Ranch Chicken Mac & Cheese Bombs
• BBQ Bacon Mac & Cheese Nachos
• Loaded Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas

Conclusion

The Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadilla Bake is a truly indulgent and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With its irresistible layers of chicken, bacon, gooey cheese, and creamy ranch seasoning, this baked quesadilla is a comforting and craveable meal or appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a cozy, cheesy dinner, give this Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadilla Bake a try – your taste buds will thank you!

Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.

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