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, melty cheese, and zesty ranch dressing, it’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family.
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: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheese, ranch dressing, green onions, bell pepper, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.
- Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat, swirling it to evenly coat the bottom of the pan.
- Step 3: Place one tortilla in the pan and spread one-quarter of the chicken mixture over half of the tortilla. Fold the tortilla to cover the filling.
- Step 4: Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom turns golden brown. Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula.
- Step 5: Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese has melted.
- Step 6: Remove the quesadilla from the pan and let it rest for 2 minutes before slicing into wedges. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Step 7: Serve hot with extra ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy your High-Protein Chicken Ranch Quesadilla!
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a richer cheese flavor and better melt.
- Add a dash of smoked paprika or chili powder to the chicken mixture for a smoky kick.
- Substitute flour tortillas with whole wheat or low-carb tortillas for a healthier option.
- Include sliced jalapeños for added heat if you like spicy food.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
Storage
Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to keep them crispy, or warm in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the quesadillas and store them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. Just cook them fresh for the best texture and flavor.
What cheese works best for quesadillas?
Cheddar and mozzarella are great choices because they melt well. You can also try Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavors.
PrintHigh-Protein Chicken Ranch Quesadilla Recipe
A delicious and protein-packed chicken quesadilla recipe featuring shredded chicken breast, melted cheese, and creamy ranch dressing, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 quesadillas (serves 4) 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 4 medium flour tortillas
Additional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup diced green onions
- 1/4 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, shredded cheese, ranch dressing, diced green onions, diced bell pepper, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Heat the pan: Place a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Swirl the oil around to coat the pan evenly.
- Assemble the quesadilla: Place one of the flour tortillas into the heated pan. Spread about a quarter of the chicken mixture over half of the tortilla. Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling.
- Cook first side: Let the quesadilla cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the bottom turns golden brown.
- Flip and cook second side: Using a spatula, carefully flip the quesadilla. Continue cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the other side is also golden brown and the cheese has melted.
- Rest and repeat: Remove the cooked quesadilla from the pan and let it rest for 2 minutes before slicing into wedges. Repeat the assembling and cooking steps with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the quesadillas hot with extra ranch dressing for dipping and enjoy your High-Protein Chicken Ranch Quesadilla!
Notes
- Use cooked chicken breast leftovers or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
- For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños to the filling.
- To reduce fat, use low-fat cheese and ranch dressing.
- If preferred, whole wheat tortillas can be swapped in for a healthier alternative.
Keywords: chicken quesadilla, protein-packed, ranch dressing, easy dinner, skillet quesadilla
