Chicken Quesadillas With Melty Cheese, Ranch Dressing, And Bacon
These Chicken Quesadillas with Melty Cheese, Ranch Dressing, and Bacon are the ultimate comfort food—ooey-gooey, cheesy, crispy, and loaded with savory flavor.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, weekend snack, or party platter, they come together in just minutes using simple ingredients like rotisserie chicken and crispy bacon.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: Ready in 20 minutes with minimal prep.
Crowd-Pleaser: Crispy tortillas, melted cheese, savory chicken, and smoky bacon—what’s not to love?
Customizable: Make it your own with different cheeses, sauces, or proteins.
Pantry-Friendly: Uses common ingredients many already have on hand.
Key Ingredients
Flour Tortillas (8-inch): Soft yet sturdy base that crisps beautifully.
Ranch Dressing: Adds tangy creaminess and flavor depth.
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken keeps it quick and juicy.
Bacon: Adds a smoky, salty crunch.
Colby Jack & Queso Quesadilla Cheese: A melty, creamy blend with bold flavor.
Butter: For perfectly crisp and golden tortillas.
Chicken Quesadillas With Melty Cheese, Ranch Dressing, And Bacon
Ingredients:
4 (8 inch) flour tortillas
1/4 cup ranch dressing
1 cup COOKED rotisserie chicken breast cut in small bite size pieces
4 slices crispy cooked bacon chopped
2/3 cup shredded colby jack
2/3 cup shredded queso quesadilla cheese
2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
Spread 2 tablespoons of ranch dressing evenly across two of the tortillas.
Sprinkle the chopped chicken, crispy bacon, and both cheeses equally over each dressed tortilla.
Place the remaining two tortillas on top to form quesadilla sandwiches.
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
Carefully add one quesadilla to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes or until the bottom turns golden brown and the cheese starts to melt.
Flip and cook the other side until nicely browned and crispy.
Remove the finished quesadilla and repeat with the second one, melting the remaining tablespoon of butter beforehand.
Slice and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces or toppings!
Recipe Notes
Use pre-cooked chicken to save time. Rotisserie chicken works great, but you can also use grilled or leftover baked chicken. Just shred or chop it into small pieces.
Don’t overload the quesadillas — too much filling can make them hard to flip and prevent the cheese from melting evenly.
For extra flavor, use a smoky or spicy BBQ sauce (like chipotle BBQ) to enhance the sweet and savory combo.
Red onion adds a pop of bite and sweetness, but you can substitute with green onions or omit entirely if you prefer a milder taste.
Watch the heat while cooking — medium heat allows the cheese to melt without burning the tortillas. If the pan is too hot, the outside may brown before the cheese is fully melted inside.
Add crunch or color by tossing in thin slices of bell peppers or a sprinkle of corn inside the quesadilla.
Customize the heat: Pepper jack adds a gentle kick, but you can use Monterey Jack for a milder flavor or toss in jalapeños for extra spice.
Make it crispier: Brushing the outside of the tortillas with a little butter or oil before cooking gives them a golden, crunchy finish.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 2 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 600 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 35g | Fiber: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of tortilla for this recipe?
Yes, you can use whole wheat, corn, or any other type of tortilla based on your preference.
Is there a substitute for ranch dressing?
Yes, you can use sour cream, salsa, or guacamole as a tasty alternative.
Can I add vegetables to these quesadillas?
Absolutely! Sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach would make great additions.
Is there a healthier option for cheese?
Consider using reduced-fat or part-skim cheese for a lower-calorie option.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the ingredients in advance, but it’s best to assemble and cook the quesadillas just before serving to maintain their freshness.
What’s the best way to reheat quesadillas?
Reheat them in a skillet or oven to maintain the crispy texture.
How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?
Avoid overloading with wet ingredients, and ensure the skillet is adequately heated for a crispy finish.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, leftover grilled or roasted chicken works well.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
You can use gluten-free tortillas to make this dish gluten-free.
What side dishes pair well with chicken quesadillas?
Guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, or a simple side salad would complement these quesadillas nicely.