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Looking for a quick, tasty meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds? Look no further than BBQ Ranch Chicken Quesadillas! This easy recipe packs a flavorful punch, combining smoky BBQ sauce with creamy ranch and melty cheese. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, you’ll love how simple it is to whip up these satisfying quesadillas. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps you need to create this delicious dish!

Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of BBQ sauce and ranch dressing creates a deliciously unique flavor profile that everyone will love.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on your preferences, such as adding more veggies or trying different cheeses.
- Fun to Make: Cooking quesadillas is an interactive experience that the whole family can enjoy together!
Ingredients
To make BBQ Ranch Chicken Quesadillas, you need fresh and tasty ingredients. Here’s what you need:
– 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken
– 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
– 1/2 cup of creamy ranch dressing
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 bell pepper (red or green), thinly sliced
– 8 large flour tortillas
– Olive oil for grilling
– Optional garnish: fresh cilantro, chopped
Each ingredient plays a key role in your quesadilla’s flavor. The shredded chicken absorbs the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing. The cheeses melt beautifully, adding creaminess. The onions and bell peppers add a fresh crunch. Use your favorite BBQ sauce to make it just right for your taste. Enjoy mixing these to create a delightful dish!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparatory Steps
– First, grab a large bowl. Add 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken.
– Pour in 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Use your favorite type.
– Add 1/2 cup of creamy ranch dressing. Stir the mix well.
– Next, slice 1 medium red onion thinly.
– Then, slice 1 bell pepper, red or green, also thinly.
Cooking Process
– Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Drizzle some olive oil in the pan.
– Place 1 large flour tortilla flat in the skillet.
– On one half, sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly.
– Spoon the BBQ ranch chicken mix on top of the cheese. Spread it out gently.
– Add the thinly sliced onions and bell peppers on top.
– Sprinkle a little more cheese for extra meltiness.
– Carefully fold the tortilla over to form a half-moon shape.
– Cook for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
– Flip the quesadilla and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
– Remove it from the skillet and let it cool slightly.
– Slice it into wedges for easy serving.
Serving Suggestions
– Serve the quesadillas warm on a plate.
– Offer extra ranch or BBQ sauce for dipping.
– Optionally, add freshly chopped cilantro for color and flavor.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Quesadilla
To keep your quesadilla from sticking, use a non-stick skillet. Lightly coat it with olive oil before adding the tortilla. Heat the skillet over medium heat. A hot skillet helps the tortilla crisp up nicely.
The best cooking temperature is medium. If it’s too hot, the outside may burn. If it’s too low, the cheese won’t melt well. You want a golden brown, crunchy quesadilla.
Enhancing Flavor
For a kick of spice, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the chicken mixture. You can also use a spicier BBQ sauce for extra heat.
When it comes to cheese, cheddar and mozzarella are great, but you could also use pepper jack. Pepper jack adds a nice creamy heat. Mixing different cheeses can enhance the flavor and texture of your quesadilla.
Pro Tips
- Choose the Right Tortilla: Opt for large flour tortillas for a better fold and hold. If you prefer a healthier option, whole wheat tortillas also work well.
- Layering for Maximum Flavor: Layer the cheese both on the bottom and the top of the filling. This helps to keep the quesadilla intact while adding melty goodness.
- Cook on Medium Heat: Cooking on medium heat ensures the tortilla gets crispy without burning, while allowing the cheese to melt perfectly inside.
- Let Them Rest: Allow the cooked quesadillas to rest for a minute before slicing. This helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve.

Variations
Customizing Ingredients
You can easily change the proteins in these quesadillas. Instead of chicken, try shredded pork or beef. You can also use cooked shrimp for a fun twist. If you prefer plant-based meals, use black beans or chickpeas for protein. These swaps keep the dish tasty while meeting different diets.
Flavor Profile Alterations
Want some heat? Choose a spicy BBQ sauce to kick up the flavor. You can also mix different BBQ sauces. For the cheese, use pepper jack for a bit of spice. Mixing in gouda or feta can add new depth. The great part is you can mix and match to find your favorite flavor!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your BBQ ranch chicken quesadillas fresh, follow these tips:
– Refrigeration tips: Store the quesadillas in an airtight container. They can last up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to let them cool before sealing. This helps keep them crispy.
– Freezing instructions: If you want to save them longer, freeze the quesadillas. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Methods
You have a few options for reheating your quesadillas:
– Stovetop vs microwave: The stovetop is best for crispy quesadillas. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the quesadilla in the pan and warm it for about 3-4 minutes on each side. For a quicker option, use the microwave. Heat on high for about 1-2 minutes. But note, they won’t be as crispy.
– Oven reheating for best results: If you have several quesadillas, the oven is great. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the quesadillas on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them warm and crispy all over.
FAQs
How to make BBQ Ranch Chicken Quesadillas gluten-free?
To make BBQ Ranch Chicken Quesadillas gluten-free, swap flour tortillas for gluten-free ones. Many brands offer tasty options that work well. Always check the label to ensure they are safe for your diet. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this dish worry-free.
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes, using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great idea! It saves time and adds flavor. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing. This makes cooking quick and easy, especially on busy days.
What can I serve with BBQ Ranch Chicken Quesadillas?
BBQ Ranch Chicken Quesadillas pair well with many sides. Consider serving them with a fresh salad or some crunchy tortilla chips. You can also add salsa or guacamole for extra flavor. A side of corn or black beans can complete the meal nicely. Enjoy your tasty creation!
This blog post covers how to make BBQ Ranch Chicken Quesadillas from start to finish. You learned about the key ingredients, thorough preparation steps, and cooking techniques. We discussed tips for perfecting your quesadilla and offered ways to customize it. Remember, the right flavors and storage methods matter too. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and impressing your friends! Keep cooking and share your favorites. Simple steps lead to tasty meals. Happy cookin
BBQ Ranch Chicken Quesadillas
Delicious quesadillas filled with BBQ ranch chicken, cheese, and fresh vegetables.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 0.5 cup creamy ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper thinly sliced
- 8 large flour tortillas
- to taste tablespoons olive oil, for grilling
- optional tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken. Pour in the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing. Stir well until the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce mixture.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and drizzle a small amount of olive oil to coat the bottom.
Place one tortilla flat in the skillet. On one half of the tortilla, sprinkle an even layer of both the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
Spoon a generous amount of the BBQ ranch chicken mixture on top of the cheese, spreading it out evenly.
Add a layer of the thinly sliced onions and bell peppers over the chicken mixture to enhance the flavor and texture.
Top everything with another sprinkle of cheese for extra melty goodness, then carefully fold the tortilla over, forming a half-moon shape.
Cook the quesadilla for approximately 4-5 minutes on one side, or until the tortilla turns a beautiful golden brown and crispy. Gently flip it over and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, until the opposite side is also crispy and the cheese is melted.
Remove the cooked quesadilla from the skillet and allow it to cool slightly. Slice it into wedges for easy serving.
Continue this process with the remaining tortillas and filling until all quesadillas are prepared.
Serve the quesadillas warm, accompanied by extra ranch or BBQ sauce for dipping. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
Serve with extra ranch or BBQ sauce for dipping.
Keyword BBQ, chicken, quesadillas, ranch
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