Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats the irresistible combination of spicy buffalo chicken, gooey melted cheese, and crisp tortillas. This Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla recipe is a perfect blend of heat and flavor, making it a must-try for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or anytime you’re craving something indulgent yet easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bursting with Flavor: Spicy buffalo sauce paired with creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing creates a flavor explosion.
2. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
3. Perfectly Crispy: Golden-brown tortillas with a cheesy, melty interior.
4. Customizable: Adjust the spice level, add veggies, or swap in your favorite cheeses.
5. Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for parties, family dinners, or as a hearty snack.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken

1. Shred the Chicken: Use a fork to shred cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. If using fresh chicken, cook it first by boiling, baking, or pan-searing.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine buffalo sauce, melted butter, and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Adjust the amount of sauce based on your spice preference.
3. Toss the Chicken: Add the shredded chicken to the sauce mixture and toss until evenly coated. Set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Quesadillas

1. Lay Out the Tortillas: Place tortillas flat on a clean surface.
2. Add Cheese: Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese over half of each tortilla.
3. Layer the Chicken: Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly on top of the cheese.
4. More Cheese: Add another sprinkle of cheese on top of the chicken for extra gooeyness.
5. Fold the Tortillas: Fold each tortilla in half, pressing gently to seal.

Step 3: Cook the Quesadillas

1. Heat the Skillet: Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add butter or lightly coat with cooking spray.
2. Cook the Quesadillas: Place the folded quesadillas in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown, then carefully flip and cook the other side.
3. Check for Doneness: Ensure the cheese is fully melted and the tortilla is crispy.
4. Repeat: Cook in batches if needed, adding more butter or spray as necessary.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice and Serve: Cut each quesadilla into triangles and arrange on a serving plate.
2. Add Toppings: Serve with sour cream, ranch or blue cheese dressing, chopped green onions, and crumbled blue cheese.
3. Optional Garnish: Drizzle extra buffalo sauce for an added kick.

Tips for Success

1. Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Save time by using rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken.
2. Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce or mix in some honey for a sweeter kick.
3. Crispy Tortillas: Use a hot skillet and cook in butter for maximum crispiness.
4. Prevent Overstuffing: Avoid overloading the tortillas to prevent filling from spilling out.
5. Cut Neatly: Let the quesadillas rest for a minute before slicing to avoid cheese oozing out.

Variations

Protein Swaps

• Turkey: Substitute chicken with shredded turkey for a twist.
• Beef: Use ground beef seasoned with buffalo sauce.
• Shrimp: Add cooked shrimp for a seafood version.

Cheese Options

• Pepper Jack: Add a spicy kick with pepper jack cheese.
• Colby Jack: For a milder flavor, try Colby jack cheese.
• Provolone: A creamy cheese that melts beautifully.

Add Veggies

• Bell Peppers: Add thinly sliced bell peppers for crunch and color.
• Red Onions: Sautéed onions pair perfectly with buffalo chicken.
• Jalapeños: For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Quesadillas Ahead of Time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the buffalo chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble and cook the quesadillas when ready to serve.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store cooked quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to maintain crispiness.

Can I Bake the Quesadillas Instead?

Yes, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the assembled quesadillas on a baking sheet for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What Can I Serve with These Quesadillas?

• Side Salad: A simple green salad balances the richness of the quesadillas.
• Veggie Sticks: Serve with celery and carrot sticks for a classic buffalo pairing.
• Chips and Salsa: Add a crunchy side with your favorite tortilla chips and salsa.

The Magic of Buffalo Chicken

Buffalo chicken has become a beloved flavor combination in American cuisine. Its origins trace back to Buffalo, New York, where the original Buffalo wings were created. The tangy, spicy sauce pairs beautifully with creamy elements like cheese and ranch dressing, making it a versatile ingredient for various dishes.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas are the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a shareable appetizer, this recipe checks all the boxes. With its bold flavors, crispy exterior, and gooey interior, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ready to spice up your dinner game? Grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try!

Yield: 4

Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

Print

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats the irresistible combination of spicy buffalo chicken, gooey melted cheese, and crisp tortillas. This Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla recipe is a perfect blend of heat and flavor, making it a must-try for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or anytime you're craving something indulgent yet easy to make.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Filling:
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1/3 cup Buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, chopped (optional)
• For the Quesadillas:
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 tablespoon butter (or olive oil) for cooking

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.

2. Assemble the Quesadillas

1. Lay a tortilla flat and sprinkle a thin layer of mozzarella and cheddar cheese on one half.
2. Spread a generous amount of the Buffalo chicken mixture over the cheese.
3. Add chopped green onions if using, and top with more cheese.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

3. Cook the Quesadillas

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or olive oil.
2. Cook each quesadilla for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

4. Slice and Serve

1. Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and let them cool for a minute.
2. Slice into wedges and serve warm with additional ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, or a drizzle of extra Buffalo sauce.

Notes

• Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for quick preparation.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Buffalo sauce.
• Add extras like diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese for a flavor boost.