High-Protein Chicken Ranch Quesadilla Recipe
Introduction
This High-Protein Chicken Ranch Quesadilla is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Packed with tender chicken, melty cheese, and zesty ranch, it’s a quick and easy dish that everyone will love.
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
- Step 1: Combine cooked chicken, shredded cheese, ranch dressing, green onions, bell pepper, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Swirl the oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Step 3: Place one tortilla in the pan and spread 1/4 of the chicken mixture on one half of the tortilla. Fold the tortilla over to cover the filling.
- Step 4: Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula.
- Step 5: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Step 6: Remove the quesadilla from the pan and let it rest for 2 minutes before slicing into wedges. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Step 7: Serve hot with extra ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy your High-Protein Chicken Ranch Quesadilla!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder to the chicken mixture.
- Use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier twist.
- Try swapping ranch dressing for a spicy chipotle mayo to add a kick.
- Include diced tomatoes or jalapeños for added texture and heat.
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 tortilla crispy or microwave briefly, then crisp up in a hot pan. Avoid soggy quesadillas by reheating rather than freezing.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred it and follow the recipe as written.
What cheese works best for quesadillas?
Cheddar and mozzarella are great for melting and flavor, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend for authentic taste.
PrintHigh-Protein Chicken Ranch Quesadilla Recipe
This High-Protein Chicken Ranch Quesadilla combines tender shredded chicken with creamy ranch dressing and melted cheese, all wrapped inside a crispy, golden tortilla. Enhanced with fresh green onions and bell peppers, this quick and delicious quesadilla makes a perfect meal for lunch or dinner, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 quesadillas 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Filling:
- 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
Tortillas and Cooking:
- 4 medium flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Mix the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, shredded cheese, ranch dressing, diced green onions, diced bell pepper, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated to create a flavorful filling.
- Heat the pan: Place a non-stick pan over medium heat and add olive oil. Swirl the pan to evenly coat the bottom with oil, which helps achieve a crispy and golden tortilla.
- Assemble the quesadilla: Place one flour tortilla flat in the heated pan. Spread one quarter of the chicken mixture evenly over one half of the tortilla, then fold the other half over the filling to close the quesadilla.
- Cook the first side: Allow the quesadilla to cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom turns golden brown and crispy.
- Flip and cook the second side: Using a spatula, carefully flip the quesadilla over and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring the other side is also golden brown and the cheese inside fully melts.
- Rest and slice: Remove the cooked quesadilla from the pan and let it rest for 2 minutes. Then slice into wedges for serving. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve each quesadilla hot with extra ranch dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying texture of your High-Protein Chicken Ranch Quesadilla!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breast with rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- To make it lower in fat, use reduced-fat cheese and light ranch dressing.
- Use corn tortillas as an alternative for gluten-free option, but cooking time may slightly vary.
- Ensure the pan is properly heated to achieve a crispy exterior without burning.
Keywords: chicken quesadilla, high-protein quesadilla, ranch dressing recipe, quick chicken dinner, cheesy quesadilla
