High-Protein Chicken Ranch Quesadilla Recipe

Introduction

This High-Protein Chicken Ranch Quesadilla is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Packed with shredded chicken, melty cheese, and zesty ranch dressing, it combines bold flavors with a crispy tortilla for the ultimate comfort food.

A stack of six crispy golden-brown quesadilla triangles is piled on a black plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each quesadilla triangle has a charred, toasted flour tortilla shell folded over layers of creamy white melted cheese mixed with herbs and pieces of orange melted cheddar cheese, along with white shredded chicken bits inside. The texture of the quesadilla shells shows well-defined grill marks and small flecks of green herbs are visible inside the melted cheese filling. The stack is arranged neatly with the top piece slightly angled, showing the rich, gooey layers inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 4 medium flour tortillas
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup diced green onions
  • 1/4 cup diced bell pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine the cooked chicken, shredded cheese, ranch dressing, green onions, bell pepper, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.
  2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat, swirling to coat the bottom evenly.
  3. Step 3: Place one tortilla in the pan. Spread one quarter of the chicken mixture over half of the tortilla, then fold the tortilla over to cover the filling.
  4. Step 4: Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula.
  5. Step 5: Cook the other side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.
  6. Step 6: Remove the quesadilla from the pan and let it rest for 2 minutes before slicing into wedges. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
  7. Step 7: Serve your quesadillas hot with extra ranch dressing for dipping and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili powder or some chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
  • Try using whole wheat tortillas for added fiber and nutrition.
  • Swap the ranch dressing for a chipotle mayo or salsa verde to change the flavor profile.
  • Use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack and pepper jack for extra gooeyness and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat to keep the tortilla crisp, or use a microwave for convenience, though the tortilla may become softer.

How to Serve

A stack of six toasted quesadilla triangles, each folded tortilla showing a crispy, golden brown, slightly charred surface with green herbs sprinkled on top. Inside each quesadilla, there are visible layers of melted white and yellow cheese mixed with small pieces of shredded chicken and chopped green herbs, giving a creamy and textured filling. The quesadilla pieces are neatly piled on a round, white plate on a white marbled surface. The focus is on the rich filling spilling slightly from the edges and the warm, toasted exterior. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the chicken with cooked beans, sautéed mushrooms, or a mix of vegetables to create a delicious vegetarian quesadilla.

What kind of ranch dressing works best?

A creamy, full-flavored ranch dressing works best in this recipe to ensure the filling is moist and flavorful. You can use store-bought or homemade ranch depending on your preference.

Print
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High-Protein Chicken Ranch Quesadilla Recipe


  • Author: Ella
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 quesadillas 1x

Description

This High-Protein Chicken Ranch Quesadilla is a delicious and satisfying meal featuring shredded chicken, melted cheese, and creamy ranch dressing wrapped in a crispy, golden tortilla. Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or snack, it combines flavorful ingredients with a simple stovetop cooking method for a warm and comforting dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Mixture

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup diced green onions
  • 1/4 cup diced bell pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Quesadilla Assembly

  • 4 medium flour tortillas
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare Filling: Combine cooked chicken, shredded cheese, ranch dressing, green onions, bell pepper, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix until well combined to create a flavorful, creamy filling.
  2. Heat Pan and Oil: Heat the olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Swirl the oil around to evenly coat the bottom of the pan, ensuring the tortillas won’t stick and will crisp nicely.
  3. Assemble Quesadilla: Place one tortilla in the heated pan. Spread one-quarter of the chicken mixture evenly over one half of the tortilla. Carefully fold the tortilla over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
  4. Cook First Side: Cook the quesadilla for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the bottom to turn golden brown and the cheese to start melting.
  5. Flip and Cook Second Side: Using a spatula, carefully flip the quesadilla to the other side. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until this side is also golden brown and the cheese inside is fully melted.
  6. Rest and Slice: Remove the quesadilla from the pan and let it rest for 2 minutes to allow the filling to set. Then slice the quesadilla into wedges for serving.
  7. Repeat and Serve: Repeat the assembly and cooking process with the remaining tortillas and filling. Serve the hot quesadillas with extra ranch dressing for dipping and enjoy this high-protein, flavorful meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute flour tortillas with whole wheat or low-carb tortillas for a healthier option.
  • For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the filling mixture.
  • Leftover quesadillas can be reheated in a skillet or oven to retain crispiness.
  • Use cooked rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
  • Adding veggies like corn or diced tomatoes can enhance texture and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: chicken quesadilla, high protein quesadilla, ranch dressing quesadilla, quick chicken dinner, cheesy quesadilla

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