High Protein Chicken Ranch Quesadilla Recipe
Introduction
This High Protein Chicken Ranch Quesadilla is a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Packed with tender chicken, melted cheeses, and a tangy ranch flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make at home.
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 flavor, add chopped green onions or jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
- Swap the flour tortillas for whole wheat or low-carb tortillas to boost nutrition.
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience without sacrificing taste.
- Try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
Storage
Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the tortilla crispy. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses for this quesadilla?
Yes, feel free to substitute with cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby for different flavors and meltability.
How can I make this quesadilla vegetarian?
Replace the chicken with cooked beans, sautéed vegetables, or a plant-based protein to keep it high in protein while making it vegetarian.
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High Protein Chicken Ranch Quesadilla Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A delicious and protein-packed chicken quesadilla featuring a creamy ranch dressing blend and a melty mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, cooked to golden perfection in a skillet. Perfect for a hearty snack or a quick meal.
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 until well mixed and evenly coated to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Heat the pan: Place a non-stick pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until it starts shimmering, indicating it’s hot enough for cooking.
- Assemble the quesadilla: Lay one flour tortilla flat in the pan. Spread a quarter of the chicken and cheese mixture evenly over half of the tortilla, then fold the other half over to create a semicircle.
- Cook the first side: Let the quesadilla cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown. Use a spatula to carefully flip it over, making sure the filling stays inside.
- Cook the other side: Cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese inside melts completely and the tortilla is golden brown on both sides.
- Repeat and keep warm: Remove the cooked quesadilla from the pan, slice into wedges, and keep warm. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling, adding the remaining tablespoon of olive oil as needed.
- Serve: Serve the quesadilla warm with extra ranch dressing on the side for dipping to enhance the creamy, tangy flavor.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from the rotisserie or leftovers to save time.
- Feel free to swap flour tortillas for whole wheat for added fiber.
- Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce if you prefer a spicy kick.
- Make sure the pan is hot to get a crispy, golden exterior.
- Substitute ranch dressing with a low-fat version to reduce calories if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken quesadilla, high protein quesadilla, ranch chicken, easy quesadilla recipe, skillet quesadilla
