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recipe image of a realistic top down mise en place shot showing chicken breast bacon ranch dressing cheese tortillas bell peppers onions spinach mushrooms avocado sour cream jalapeños cilantro garlic cumin paprika fresh ingredients arranged on a white marble kitchen counter with healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight
C. Motter Cindy

20-Minute Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadilla

A quick and easy chicken bacon ranch quesadilla that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes and is packed with flavor.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Chicken cooked and shredded
  • 4 slices Bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese shredded
  • 2 tablespoons Ranch Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Bell Peppers diced, optional
  • 1/4 cup Spinach fresh leaves, optional
  • 2 large Flour Tortillas
  • 1 tablespoon Butter or Oil

Equipment

  • skillet,
  • - Spatula

Method
 

  1. If you don't already have cooked chicken, you can quickly pan-sear a chicken breast seasoned with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder. Let it rest, then shred or dice. Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it. This can be done while the chicken cooks.
  2. Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small pat of butter or a drizzle of oil. Lay one tortilla flat in the pan. Let it warm for about 30 seconds, then flip it so both sides are lightly coated.
  3. Spread half the ranch dressing on the tortilla. Sprinkle half the cheese evenly over the dressing. Then add the chicken, bacon, and any optional veggies like bell peppers or spinach. Top with the remaining cheese. The cheese helps hold everything together.
  4. Carefully fold the tortilla in half to create a half-moon shape. Press down gently with a spatula. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. The smell of toasting tortilla and melting cheese will fill the kitchen.
  5. Carefully flip the quesadilla with a spatula. Cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes, until golden and the cheese is fully melted. If you want extra crispiness, add a tiny bit more butter to the pan before flipping.
  6. Transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board. Let it rest for a minute, then slice into wedges using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. Serve immediately with extra ranch dressing, sour cream, or salsa.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 25g

Notes

Don't overstuff the quesadilla. It's tempting to pile on the fillings, but too much will make the quesadilla hard to flip and the tortilla may tear. Stick to about 1/2 to 3/4 cup total fillings per quesadilla. Use a hot pan. A medium-high heat ensures the tortilla crisps up before the cheese leaks out. If the pan is too cool, the tortilla will become soggy. Let the cheese do the work. Cheese acts as a “glue” that holds the fillings in place. A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives the best melt and flavor.
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