Speedy Ranch Chicken & Bacon Quesadillas: Your 20-Minute Weeknight Win! 🥙🥓🔥
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for an easy quesadilla recipe that comes together quickly and delivers maximum flavor, then these Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas are your perfect solution. Designed as a 20-minute meal, this dish combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch in a warm, cheesy quesadilla. Whether you’re busy on weeknights or craving a satisfying snack, these quesadillas are a delicious hit for the whole family.
2. Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (more chicken recipes can be found here)
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter for cooking
- Optional: chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, jalapeños for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas
Preparation of Ingredients
Start by cooking your bacon until crispy, then set aside to drain. Shred the cooked chicken if it’s not pre-shredded and gather all other ingredients for easy assembly.
Assemble the Quesadilla
Lay a tortilla flat on a plate or cutting board. Spread a tablespoon of ranch dressing evenly over the tortilla, then layer with shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheese. Top with another tortilla if making a double-layer quesadilla, or leave it open-faced.
Cooking the Quesadilla
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil or butter. Carefully transfer the assembled quesadilla to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side until golden and the cheese is melted.
Serving and Garnishing
Remove from the skillet and let it sit for a minute. Slice into wedges and garnish with chopped green onions or diced tomatoes for extra flavor. Serve hot for the best cheesy, savory experience.
4. Tips for Perfect Quesadillas
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting quality.
- Keep the heat moderate to avoid burning the tortillas before the cheese melts.
- Experiment with different cheeses and add avocado or sour cream for extra richness.
- For a healthier twist, swap out the sour cream with Greek yogurt.
5. Storage and Leftover Ideas
Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven for a crispy exterior. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tortillas soggy. For extra convenience, prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble fresh quesadillas as needed.
6. Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad, crispy tortilla chips, or a serving of salsa. For added flavor, consider serving with a side of cheddar garlic herb potato soup.
7. Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas
Can I make these quesadillas gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free tortillas available in stores, and ensure your bacon and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I substitute the ranch dressing?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor, sour cream mixed with herbs or a spicy mayo works well.
How long does it take to prepare this 20-minute meal?
The entire process from prep to serving takes approximately 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I add vegetables to the quesadillas?
Yes, diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or onions are tasty additions that add crunch and flavor.
8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: Essential for evenly cooking and flipping your quesadillas without sticking. This high-quality cookware makes preparation a breeze.
- Ninja Mega Kitchen Power System: Perfect for quickly shredding cooked chicken or blending ingredients for dips and sides.
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1: Want crispy bacon without the mess? This air fryer cooks bacon evenly in less time.
- KitchenAid Classic Iconic Stand Mixer: Ideal for whipping up side dishes, dough, or sauces to complement your quesadilla meal.
9. Conclusion
With this easy quesadilla recipe, you’ll have a delicious, cheesy, and flavorful dinner on the table in just 20 minutes. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and tangy ranch creates a satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Give this Speedy Ranch Chicken & Bacon Quesadillas a try and enjoy a quick, wholesome, and remarkably tasty dish that everyone will love!
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Speedy Ranch Chicken & Bacon Quesadillas: Your 20-Minute Weeknight Win!
Discover the ultimate quick and easy Speedy Ranch Chicken & Bacon Quesadillas recipe that combines tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing in a cheesy, flavorful quesadilla. Perfect for busy weeknights, this 20-minute meal delivers maximum taste with minimal effort, making it an ideal family dinner or snack.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter for cooking
- Optional: chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, jalapeños for garnish
Instructions
- Start by cooking the bacon until crispy, then set aside to drain. Shred the cooked chicken if needed and gather all ingredients for assembly.
- Lay a tortilla flat on a plate or cutting board. Spread a tablespoon of ranch dressing evenly over the tortilla.
- Layer shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheese on one half of the tortilla. If making a double-layer quesadilla, top with another tortilla.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil or butter. Carefully transfer the assembled quesadilla to the skillet.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side until cheese is melted and tortilla is crispy.
- Remove from heat, let sit for a minute, then slice into wedges. Garnish with chopped green onions or diced tomatoes if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.
- Keep heat moderate to avoid burning tortillas before cheese melts.
- Experiment with different cheeses or add avocado, sour cream for extra flavor.
- For a healthier option, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Flexible, can be adapted for Gluten-Free and Keto
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 460 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 28 grams
- Saturated Fat: 12 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 36 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 30 grams
- Cholesterol: 85 mg