If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances smoky, cheesy, and tangy flavors all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla, then look no further than this Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas Recipe. It’s one of those comforting meals that comes together quickly yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The combination of juicy ground chicken seasoned with zesty ranch, crispy bacon strips, and melty cheddar cheese makes every bite irresistible. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a game day snack, these quesadillas offer a crowd-pleasing option everyone will ask you to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients is key to crafting this flavorful Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas Recipe. Each component adds a distinct element in taste, texture, or color, coming together in perfect harmony.
- 1 lb Ground Chicken (97/3 lean to fat ratio): Provides a tender, juicy base that soaks up ranch seasoning beautifully.
- 6 slices Bacon, cut into strips: Adds smoky crispiness for contrast and incredible savoriness.
- 8 oz Cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts flawlessly inside the tortillas, giving gooey richness.
- 2 Tbsp Ranch Seasoning: Brings that signature tangy and herb-infused punch.
- 8 Tortillas (6-inch Mission Carb Balance tortillas preferred): Soft yet sturdy wraps that crisp up nicely without overpowering the filling.
How to Make Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and cooking the bacon strips until they turn deliciously crispy. Don’t rush this part—crispy bacon adds an incredible texture and flavor boost. Once cooked, transfer the strips to a paper towel to absorb excess grease but keep that flavorful bacon fat in the skillet for the next step.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Chicken
In the same skillet with the leftover bacon fat, add your ground chicken. Cooking it in the bacon fat infuses the meat with smoky goodness and keeps it moist. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it browns to make sure every bit is cooked thoroughly with no pink left.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now add the ranch seasoning to the cooked chicken along with the crispy bacon pieces. Stir everything well so that the seasoning is evenly distributed and the bacon bits are woven throughout the mixture. Let this cook just long enough for the flavors to meld and for no visible ranch powder to remain. Once mixed, transfer the filling to a bowl or plate to keep warm while you prepare the quesadillas.
Step 4: Prepare and Assemble the Quesadillas
Heat the skillet or a large griddle over medium-low to medium heat and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place one tortilla on the skillet flat. On half of it, evenly sprinkle two tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese. Add about 40-45 grams of the chicken and bacon mixture over the cheese, then top with another two tablespoons of cheddar. This cheese layering ensures ooey-gooey melting on both sides of the filling.
Step 5: Fold and Cook Until Golden
Carefully fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape. Use a spatula to gently press the fold edge for a few seconds to help it seal as the cheese starts to melt. Cook for one to two minutes on each side or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, with the cheese fully melted inside. Adjust heat if the tortilla browns too quickly to avoid burning.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Remove the cooked quesadilla from the skillet and slice if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the full combination of melty cheese, tender chicken, and crispy bacon in every bite. Repeat these steps with the remaining tortillas and filling for all eight quesadillas.
How to Serve Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate the Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas Recipe to new heights. Try topping your quesadillas with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of creamy avocado dressing for cool contrast. Fresh chopped cilantro or green onions bring brightness and a pop of color that complement the rich filling perfectly.
Side Dishes
Some perfectly paired sides can make your meal even more satisfying. Serve these quesadillas with a crisp mixed green salad drizzled with lime vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or prepare some homemade salsa and guacamole for dipping. For a heartier accompaniment, roasted corn or a simple black bean salad work beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to wow guests or add some fun variety, slice the quesadillas into small wedges and serve them as finger foods at a party. Stack them layered with a bit of lettuce and tomato between for a quesadilla sandwich twist. Even using different tortilla types, like spinach or tomato basil, can add visual appeal and an extra flavor note.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas Recipe freezes and stores well for easy reheating. Place any extras in an airtight container or tightly wrap in foil and store in the fridge for up to three days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain the tortillas’ crispness and flavors.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each quesadilla individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top freezer bag or container. Freezing prevents them from sticking together, and they can keep well for up to two months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
For reheating, the best method is to warm the quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat. This brings back that wonderful crispy exterior while melting the cheese inside beautifully. You can also use a toaster oven or regular oven set at 350°F, heating for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the tortillas chewy instead of crisp.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Just dice or shred the chicken breast and cook it thoroughly before mixing with the ranch seasoning and bacon. This method will give you slightly different texture but still delicious results.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this quesadilla?
Yes, simply substitute the chicken and bacon with cooked mushrooms or a plant-based chicken substitute. Use vegetarian bacon or smoked tempeh for that savory smoky flavor. Keep the ranch seasoning and cheese for maximum taste.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Cheddar cheese is the classic choice here because of its perfect melt and sharp flavor, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend for a different twist.
Can I make these quesadillas gluten-free?
Certainly! Just swap the tortillas for gluten-free versions available in many grocery stores. The filling ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy adaptation.
How can I make my quesadillas extra crispy?
Make sure your skillet is properly heated before adding the tortilla, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Press down gently with a spatula while cooking. Lightly brushing or spraying the tortillas with oil before cooking can also help develop a golden crisp crust.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas Recipe is one of those effortless dishes that instantly feels like a special occasion at the table. With its irresistible layers of crispy bacon, flavorful ranch-seasoned chicken, and gooey melted cheese, it’s perfect for any time you want comfort food that’s quick and simply delicious. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a beloved go-to that you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (1 quesadilla per serving)
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas recipe combines lean ground chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese seasoned perfectly with ranch seasoning, all stuffed inside warm tortillas. Ready in just 30 minutes, these quesadillas make for a delicious and satisfying meal, great for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Cheese
- 1 lb Ground Chicken (97/3 lean to fat ratio)
- 6 slices Bacon, cut into strips
- 8 oz Cheddar cheese, shredded
Seasoning
- 2 Tbsp Ranch Seasoning
Base
- 8 Tortillas (6-inch Mission Carb Balance tortillas preferred)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the bacon strips until crispy. Remove the cooked bacon strips and place them on paper towels to drain excess grease, reserving the skillet for the next step.
- Cook the ground chicken: In the same skillet with the rendered bacon fat, add the ground chicken. Cook thoroughly over medium-high heat until no pink remains, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Combine ingredients: Add the ranch seasoning and cooked bacon pieces back into the skillet with the cooked ground chicken. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasoning and bacon, cooking until no visible ranch seasoning remains. Transfer the mixture to a bowl or plate and set aside.
- Prepare the quesadillas: Heat the same skillet or a large griddle over medium-low to medium heat. Lightly spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place one tortilla flat on the skillet.
- Assemble the quesadilla: On one half of the tortilla, sprinkle 2 tablespoons (about 14g) of shredded cheddar cheese. Layer about 40-45g of the ground chicken and bacon mixture over the cheese, then add another 2 tablespoons of cheese on top.
- Fold and cook: Using a spatula, carefully fold the tortilla in half over the filling. Hold the folded side closed for a few seconds to let the cheese begin melting. Cook the quesadilla for 1-2 minutes per side until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning the tortilla.
- Serve: Remove from the skillet, slice if desired, and serve warm. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
Notes
- Use a non-stick skillet or griddle for best results to prevent sticking and tearing the tortillas.
- Adjust the ranch seasoning amount according to your taste preference.
- For added flavor, you can include diced onions or bell peppers when cooking the ground chicken.
- Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for extra taste.
- Allow quesadillas to cool slightly before slicing to prevent filling from spilling out.
