High Protein Chicken Ranch Quesadilla Recipe
Introduction
This High Protein Chicken Ranch Quesadilla is a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Packed with tender chicken, gooey cheese, and a creamy ranch twist, it’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family.
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
- 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.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat until shimmering.
- 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.
- Step 4: Cook the quesadilla for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown on the bottom. Flip it carefully using a spatula.
- Step 5: Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown.
- Step 6: Remove the quesadilla from the pan, slice into wedges, and keep warm while you repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Step 7: Serve warm with additional ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
- Use whole wheat or low-carb tortillas for a healthier option.
- Try swapping mozzarella for pepper jack cheese for a bit more kick.
- Leftover quesadillas can be reheated in a skillet or oven to keep them crispy.
Storage
Store any leftover quesadillas wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy tortillas.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this quesadilla?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works great and saves time. Just dice it before mixing with the other ingredients.
What can I use instead of ranch dressing?
You can substitute sour cream mixed with a little dried dill and garlic powder, or your favorite creamy dressing for a different flavor profile.
PrintHigh Protein Chicken Ranch Quesadilla Recipe
A delicious and protein-packed quesadilla featuring tender cooked chicken, creamy ranch dressing, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, all grilled to golden perfection in a skillet. Perfect as a hearty snack or quick meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 quesadillas (serves 4) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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
- 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 thoroughly until all ingredients are well mixed and evenly coated.
- Heat the pan: Place 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet and heat it over medium heat until it shimmers, indicating it is hot and ready.
- Assemble the quesadilla: Place one large flour tortilla flat in the heated pan. Spread a quarter of the chicken and cheese mixture over half of the tortilla, then fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling.
- Cook one side: Allow the quesadilla to cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the bottom side turns golden brown and crisp.
- Flip and cook the other side: Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula, then cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese melts inside and the other side is also golden brown.
- Remove and keep warm: Take the cooked quesadilla out of the skillet and slice it into wedges. Keep it warm while you repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Serve: Serve the quesadilla warm with additional ranch dressing on the side for dipping to enhance the flavors.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken to save time and ensure safety.
- Adjust the ranch dressing amount depending on your preferred creaminess.
- For a crispier quesadilla, use a bit more olive oil or butter.
- Flour tortillas work best for pliability and texture.
- Optional: Add vegetables like diced bell peppers or onions for added nutrition and flavor.
Keywords: chicken quesadilla, high protein quesadilla, ranch chicken, easy quesadilla recipe, skillet quesadilla, cheesy quesadilla
