Description
This High Protein Chicken Ranch Quesadilla is a deliciously cheesy and savory dish perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Loaded with shredded chicken, a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and creamy ranch dressing, this recipe offers a flavorful twist on the classic quesadilla. With simple ingredients and a quick stovetop cooking method, it’s an easy meal that satisfies protein cravings with a crispy golden tortilla exterior.
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
- Mix 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 well until all ingredients are evenly coated and mixed thoroughly.
- Heat the pan: Place a non-stick pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat it until the oil is shimmering, indicating it’s hot enough for cooking.
- Assemble the quesadilla: Lay one flour tortilla flat in the heated pan. Spread a quarter of the chicken and cheese mixture evenly over half of the tortilla. Fold the tortilla over, covering the filling completely.
- Cook first side: Allow the quesadilla to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, until the bottom side turns golden brown and crispy. This ensures the cheese starts melting inside.
- Flip and cook second side: Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on this side until the cheese is fully melted and the tortilla is golden brown and crisp.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas: Remove the cooked quesadilla from the pan, slice into wedges, and keep warm. Add the remaining olive oil to the pan if necessary and repeat steps 3 to 5 with the other tortillas and filling.
- Serve: Serve the quesadillas warm, optionally with extra ranch dressing on the side for dipping, enhancing the creamy and tangy flavor.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from leftovers or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- To make it spicier, add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce inside the filling.
- You can substitute flour tortillas with whole wheat tortillas for added fiber.
- For a crispier quesadilla, press down gently with a spatula while cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet or air fryer for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken quesadilla, high protein, ranch dressing, cheesy quesadilla, quick dinner, stovetop quesadilla
