High Protein Chicken Ranch Quesadilla Recipe

Introduction

This High Protein Chicken Ranch Quesadilla combines tender chicken with creamy ranch dressing and a blend of melted cheeses for a satisfying, flavorful meal. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.

A stack of four folded quesadilla slices is shown on a white plate, each slice revealing three layers: the top and bottom layers are golden-brown toasted flour tortillas with light charred spots, and inside there is a creamy melted cheese layer mixed with shredded white chicken and bits of green herbs. The texture of the tortillas is soft with crisp edges, and the cheese looks smooth and gooey, slightly oozing out between the layers. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled on the top tortilla, adding a fresh contrast to the warm colors of the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed and evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Place one tortilla in the pan and spread a quarter of the chicken and cheese mixture over half of the tortilla. Fold the tortilla over.
  4. Step 4: Cook the quesadilla for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown on the bottom. Flip it carefully using a spatula.
  5. Step 5: Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown.
  6. Step 6: Remove the quesadilla from the pan, slice into wedges, and keep warm while you repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
  7. Step 7: Serve warm with additional ranch dressing on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut and extra flavor.
  • Swap ranch dressing for a spicy chipotle ranch to add a kick.
  • Add sliced jalapeños or diced bell peppers to the chicken mixture for extra veggies and heat.
  • Try whole wheat or low-carb tortillas for a healthier option.

Storage

Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to keep the tortillas crispy, or warm in a microwave for about 1-2 minutes until heated through.

How to Serve

A stack of four folded quesadilla pieces is shown on a white plate, each cut into a triangle shape with golden brown grill marks on the soft flour tortillas. Each layer reveals a filling of white melted cheese mixed with shredded white chicken and scattered fresh green herb bits, creating a creamy texture inside. The quesadillas are arranged neatly, with the top piece slightly tilted to display the gooey cheese and chicken filling inside. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken for this recipe?

This recipe calls for cooked chicken to save time and ensure even cooking. If you use raw chicken, cook it thoroughly before mixing it with the other ingredients.

What can I substitute for ranch dressing?

You can use sour cream mixed with dried herbs or a creamy Caesar dressing as a substitute, but ranch gives the dish its signature flavor.

Print
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High Protein Chicken Ranch Quesadilla Recipe


  • Author: Ella
  • Total Time: 26 minutes
  • Yield: 4 quesadillas (serves 4) 1x
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

A flavorful and protein-packed chicken ranch quesadilla featuring a delicious blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, combined with tender cooked chicken and creamy ranch dressing, all grilled to golden perfection in a skillet. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Quesadilla

  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined and evenly coated.
  2. Heat the skillet: Place a non-stick pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Let the oil heat until it starts shimmering, indicating it’s ready for cooking.
  3. Assemble the quesadilla: Place one large flour tortilla into the hot pan. Spread a quarter of the chicken and cheese mixture evenly over half of the tortilla, then fold the other half over to create a half-moon shape.
  4. Cook the first side: Let the quesadilla cook undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom becomes golden brown and crispy.
  5. Flip the quesadilla: Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula to cook the other side. Cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until this side is also golden brown and the cheese inside has melted completely.
  6. Repeat for remaining tortillas: Remove the cooked quesadilla from the pan and slice it into wedges. Keep it warm while repeating the process with the remaining tortillas and filling, adding the remaining tablespoon of olive oil as needed for each quesadilla.
  7. Serve: Serve the quesadillas warm, optionally with extra ranch dressing on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Use cooked chicken to save time; leftover or rotisserie chicken works great.
  • Adjust the amount of ranch dressing to your taste preference or substitute with a lighter dressing for fewer calories.
  • For extra crispiness, press down gently on the quesadilla with a spatula while cooking.
  • Cheese types can be substituted or combined according to preference.
  • Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for added flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 16 minutes
  • Category: Lunch,Dinner,Snack
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Chicken quesadilla, ranch dressing, high protein, cheesy quesadilla, quick dinner, easy meal

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