These Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas are a tasty mix of spicy chicken and gooey cheese, all tucked inside a crispy tortilla. They’re perfect for lunch or a fun dinner!
I love how easy they are to make. Just fill the tortillas, grill until golden, and enjoy with some ranch dressing. Yes, please! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for ease or leftover chicken from another meal. If you’re vegetarian, consider substituting with shredded jackfruit or a plant-based chicken alternative.
Buffalo Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice, but feel free to use any favorite brand. If you prefer less heat, you can mix buffalo sauce with a little ranch for a milder flavor.
Cheese: I love the combination of mozzarella and cheddar for a cheesy texture and flavor. If you’re lactose intolerant, try a dairy-free cheese that melts well, like vegan mozzarella or cheddar alternatives.
Flour Tortillas: Large flour tortillas hold everything well, but corn tortillas are a great gluten-free option. Just be gentle as they can be a bit more fragile.
How Do I Achieve a Perfectly Crispy Quesadilla?
Getting that golden-brown, crispy outside is key to a great quesadilla. Here’s how to make it happen:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom.
- Cook each quesadilla on one side for about 3-4 minutes. Don’t rush it; this is where the crispness comes from.
- When you flip it, gently press down with a spatula to ensure the cheese melts evenly.
- If you notice the skillet getting too hot, lower the heat to prevent burning while allowing the cheese to melt properly.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Quesadillas:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (plus more for drizzling, if desired)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Sour cream or ranch dressing for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10-15 minutes to cook. In total, you can have these delicious Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas ready to serve in about 30 minutes! Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Mix them together until all the chicken is well coated with the spicy sauce. Set this aside; it’s going to be the star of your quesadillas!
2. Heat the Skillet:
Place a large skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat up. This will help to get that crispy, golden outer layer on your quesadillas!
3. Assemble the Quesadilla:
Take one tortilla and lay it flat in the skillet. On one half of the tortilla, sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Then, spoon a generous portion of the buffalo chicken mixture over the cheese. Finally, top it off with the rest of the cheese on that half of the tortilla!
4. Cook the Quesadilla:
Carefully fold the tortilla in half, covering all that yummy filling. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes on one side or until it turns golden brown and crispy. Then, gently flip it over and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side until it’s browned and the cheese is melted.
5. Continue Cooking:
Once that first quesadilla is done, remove it from the skillet and repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling. If needed, add more olive oil to the skillet to keep everything from sticking.
6. Slice and Serve:
After cooking all your quesadillas, slice them into wedges. Garnish each serving with chopped green onions and, if you want, drizzle a little more buffalo sauce on top. Serve them hot with sour cream or ranch dressing on the side for dipping!
Enjoy your spicy, cheesy Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas!
Can I Use Raw Chicken Instead of Cooked?
Yes, you can use raw chicken! Simply cook the chicken in the skillet before adding the buffalo sauce. Dice or shred the chicken once it’s cooked through, then mix with the buffalo sauce as directed in the recipe. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
What If I Don’t Have Buffalo Sauce?
No problem! You can make a quick substitute by mixing hot sauce with melted butter. Use a ratio of 1 part hot sauce to 2 parts butter for a creamy buffalo sauce effect. Adjust the heat level by using more or less hot sauce to suit your taste!
How to Make These Quesadillas Healthier?
To lighten them up, consider using whole wheat tortillas or substituting part of the cheese with low-fat versions. You can also add some veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition without sacrificing flavor!
How to Store Leftover Quesadillas?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or pop them in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds. For extra crispiness, reheat in a toaster oven or skillet instead of the microwave!
