Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
If youāre craving something bold, cheesy, and absolutely packed with flavor, Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas are about to become your new obsession. Imagine all the spicy, tangy magic of Buffalo wings, but cozied up with gooey cheese between perfectly crisp tortillas. This recipe is quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve at a party. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you get a dish thatās loaded with melty cheese, tender chicken, and that irresistible Buffalo kick. Ready to make your kitchen smell like game day? Letās dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas lies in their simplicity. Every ingredient plays a starring roleācontributing richness, spice, texture, or that satisfying crunch. Hereās what youāll need, along with some tips to make each component shine.
- Shredded chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for ease, or any leftover cooked chicken you have on handājust shred it finely for even filling.
- Buffalo wing sauce: Choose your favorite brand or make it homemade; it brings the signature spicy-tangy flavor that defines this dish.
- Melted butter: Mixing this with the Buffalo sauce mellows the heat and gives the chicken a rich, silky coating.
- Shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese: Both melt beautifully and balance the heat with creamy goodnessāfeel free to use a mix for extra flavor.
- Large flour tortillas: Sturdy enough to hold all the cheesy, saucy filling without falling apart.
- Chopped green onions: These add a pop of freshness and a subtle bite that lifts the whole quesadilla.
- Nonstick spray or oil for the skillet: Helps get that crave-worthy crispy, golden exterior every time.
- Optional ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping: A cool, creamy dip is the perfect finishing touchāespecially if you love that classic Buffalo pairing.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
Step 1: Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl. Add your shredded chicken, Buffalo wing sauce, and melted butter. Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coatedāevery piece should glisten with that fiery, buttery sauce. This is where the magic happens, and where all those spicy, tangy flavors come together!
Step 2: Prep the Skillet
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly coat it with nonstick spray or a drizzle of oil. This step ensures the tortillas get beautifully golden and crispy without sticking, so donāt skip it! Let the skillet come up to temperature before you start assembling.
Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas
Place one tortilla flat in the hot skillet. Sprinkle a generous layer of cheese over half the tortillaāthis will help the filling stick together. Spoon about 1/2 cup of the Buffalo chicken mixture over the cheese, then scatter a few green onions on top. Add another handful of cheese before folding the tortilla in half to sandwich all that goodness inside.
Step 4: Cook Until Golden and Crispy
Let the quesadilla cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula so everything melds together. Youāre looking for a gorgeous, golden crust and gooey cheese oozing at the seams. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling until youāve used everything up.
Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the quesadillas to a cutting board and let them rest for a minute. This makes slicing much easier and keeps the cheese from spilling out everywhere. Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve them hot, with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
Garnishes
Top your Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas with a sprinkle of extra green onions, a handful of chopped fresh cilantro, or even a few crumbles of blue cheese for an extra burst of flavor. A drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing on top adds a creamy contrast that brings all the flavors together.
Side Dishes
Pair these spicy, cheesy quesadillas with a crisp celery slaw, classic carrot sticks, or even a simple side salad to balance the heat. For a heartier meal, serve with roasted corn or a big bowl of tortilla chips and salsa.
Creative Ways to Present
Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas shine as both a main course and a party appetizer. Cut them into smaller wedges for a crowd-pleasing finger food platter, or stack them high with toothpicks for a game day snack tower. Add fun dipping sauces like avocado crema, spicy sriracha mayo, or classic guacamole for extra excitement.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let the quesadillas cool completely before wrapping them individually in foil or storing them in an airtight container. Theyāll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days and make a fantastic next-day lunch.
Freezing
To freeze, lay the cooked, cooled quesadillas flat on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. Theyāll keep for up to two monthsāperfect for quick snacks or easy meals down the road.
Reheating
Reheat quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat for the crispiest results, or pop them in a preheated 375Ā°F oven for about 10 minutes. An air fryer is also fantastic for restoring their crunch! Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is not only convenient but also adds a boost of flavor. Just shred it finely and make sure to remove any skin or bones before mixing with the Buffalo sauce.
Whatās the best cheese to use in this recipe?
Monterey Jack and mozzarella are both excellent choices because they melt smoothly and provide a creamy, mild flavor that complements the spicy chicken. You can also try cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend for a different twist.
How can I make these Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas spicier?
If you love extra heat, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or mix in sliced jalapeƱos with the chicken filling. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes inside the quesadillas for an added kick.
Are there any gluten-free options for this recipe?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free tortillas in place of regular flour tortillas. Just make sure theyāre sturdy enough to handle the filling without tearing.
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble and cook the quesadillas as directed, then let them cool and store in the fridge or freezer. Reheat in the oven or air fryer when youāre ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas are the ultimate combo of spicy, cheesy, and totally satisfying. Whether youāre making them for a quick weeknight dinner or sharing with friends at your next get-together, this recipe always hits the spot. Give it a tryāyou might just find it becomes a new staple in your kitchen!
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Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas are a deliciously spicy and cheesy meal perfect for game day or a quick dinner. Tender shredded chicken tossed in zesty Buffalo wing sauce is layered with melted mozzarella and green onions inside crispy flour tortillas, served hot with optional ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Ingredients
Buffalo Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/3 cup Buffalo wing sauce
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Cheese & Tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Cooking
- Nonstick spray or oil for the skillet
Optional
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the Buffalo Chicken: In a bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, Buffalo wing sauce, and melted butter, stirring well to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce mixture.
- Heat the Skillet: Warm a large skillet over medium heat and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray or brush with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Quesadilla: Place one flour tortilla flat in the skillet. On half of the tortilla, sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese, then spoon about 1/2 cup of the Buffalo chicken mixture over the cheese. Add a few chopped green onions and a little more cheese on top to bind the filling.
- Cook the Quesadilla: Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, then carefully flip and cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes until golden and the cheese is melted.
- Repeat and Serve: Repeat the assembly and cooking process with the remaining tortillas and filling. Let each quesadilla rest for a minute before slicing into wedges. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side if desired.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce or sliced jalapeƱos to the chicken filling before cooking.
- These quesadillas can be made ahead of time and reheated in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
