Let me introduce you to a true crowd-pleaser — the Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe is an irresistible fusion of bold buffalo flavors wrapped in a crispy, cheesy tortilla. This dish perfectly balances spicy, tangy buffalo chicken with melty Mexican cheese, all hugged by buttery, golden tortillas. It’s quick, satisfying, and ideal for sharing, whether as a game-day snack or a casual dinner with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these quesadillas lies in simple yet essential ingredients that combine to create that crave-worthy texture and flavor. Each component plays its part: tender shredded chicken delivering protein, buffalo sauce adding spicy zest, cheese bringing gooey richness, and tortillas offering a crisp, comforting base.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly poach your own for juicy, tender bites.
- ½ cup buffalo sauce: This spicy, tangy sauce packs the signature flavor punch.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Butter is key for that golden, crispy crust on your quesadillas.
- 4 10-inch flour tortillas: Choose sturdy tortillas to hold all the fillings without breaking.
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese: A melty blend is best—cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a store-bought mix.
- Ranch dressing: Perfect for dipping or drizzling, it cools the heat and adds creaminess.
- Fresh chopped cilantro: Brightens every bite with a fresh herbaceous note.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Chicken with Buffalo Sauce
Start by tossing your shredded chicken with buffalo sauce in a bowl until every piece is generously coated. This simple mixture forms the spicy, tangy core of your quesadillas and ensures that every bite has that unmistakable buffalo kick.
Step 2: Melt Butter in the Skillet
Place 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. The butter not only adds flavor but is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy exterior that makes quesadillas irresistible. Don’t rush this step—let the butter melt fully and start to foam.
Step 3: Assemble Your Quesadilla
Lay a tortilla flat in the skillet, then sprinkle ½ cup of shredded cheese generously over it. Next, spread half of the buffalo chicken mixture evenly on top of the cheese, then add another ½ cup of cheese to cover the chicken. Finally, top it all with a second tortilla. The cheese acts like glue to keep everything together and bring melty goodness to every bite.
Step 4: Cook Until Golden and Melty
Let the quesadilla cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes, or until the bottom tortilla turns a lovely golden brown. Then carefully flip it over and cook for another 2 minutes until the other side is golden and the cheese inside is fully melted. Patience here guarantees the perfect texture: crisp outside, gooey inside.
Step 5: Repeat for Remaining Ingredients
Remove the cooked quesadilla and set aside to rest for a minute before slicing. Repeat the assembling and cooking process for the rest of your chicken mixture, cheese, and tortillas. You’ll end up with four beautifully golden, piping hot quesadillas ready to delight.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped cilantro sprinkled on top adds a vibrant, fresh contrast to those bold buffalo flavors. Ranch dressing on the side is essential—its creamy, cool profile balances the heat perfectly. Feel free to add sliced green onions or a squeeze of lime for an extra zing.
Side Dishes
Serve these quesadillas alongside crunchy celery sticks or carrot batons for a classic buffalo accompaniment. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette can also help round out your meal with some fresh, crisp, and refreshing flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut the quesadillas into small wedges and arrange them on a platter around bowls of ranch, buffalo sauce, and guacamole. Another fun idea is to turn these into a loaded quesadilla platter by adding avocado slices, pickled jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any quesadillas left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll keep well and the flavors actually have time to meld even more.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked quesadillas by wrapping each one tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer bag. They will last up to 2 months frozen and are perfect for quick meals later on.
Reheating
To reheat, place the quesadilla in a hot skillet or oven to preserve its crispiness, avoiding the microwave which can make the tortilla soggy. Heat for about 3-5 minutes on each side until warmed through and cheese is melty again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken other than cooked shredded chicken?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken breast or even rotisserie chicken works beautifully as long as it’s shredded. Just ensure it’s cooked through before mixing with the buffalo sauce.
How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe?
The heat level depends mainly on the buffalo sauce you use. You can adjust the spice by choosing a mild or hot buffalo sauce depending on your preference.
Can I make these quesadillas vegetarian?
Sure! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, cauliflower, or even tempeh tossed in buffalo sauce to keep the flavor profile while making it meat-free.
What cheese should I use if I don’t have Mexican blend?
A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese works wonderfully, offering both sharp flavor and excellent meltability that mimics the traditional blend.
Is it better to use flour or corn tortillas?
Flour tortillas are generally better here due to their flexibility and ability to crisp up nicely without breaking when flipped. Corn tortillas can be used but may be more delicate and prone to tearing.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing this Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe as much as I do. The blend of spicy buffalo chicken, melty cheese, and buttery tortillas creates a perfect bite every single time. It’s an easy, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite go-to for cozy nights or fun gatherings. Don’t wait to give it a try—you’re in for a delicious treat!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas combine tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce with melted Mexican cheese, all grilled to crispy perfection between warm flour tortillas. Served with a drizzle of ranch dressing and fresh cilantro, they make for a quick, flavorful meal perfect for game days or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 10-inch flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
To Serve
- Ranch dressing
- Fresh chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Mix the chicken and buffalo sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce until the chicken is evenly coated with the spicy sauce.
- Melt the butter: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat, allowing it to melt completely and coat the pan.
- Assemble the quesadilla: Place one tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded Mexican cheese evenly over the tortilla. Add half of the buffalo chicken mixture on top of the cheese, then sprinkle another ½ cup of cheese over the chicken. Finally, top with a second tortilla.
- Cook the quesadilla: Let it cook for about 2 minutes or until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook for another 2 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese has melted inside.
- Repeat and serve: Remove the cooked quesadilla and set aside. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients to make the second quesadilla. Serve warm, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro and a side of ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from a rotisserie or leftover chicken breasts to save time.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- For extra crispiness, use a cast-iron skillet to cook the quesadillas.
- Can be served with additional dipping sauces like blue cheese dressing.
- To make this gluten-free, substitute flour tortillas with corn or gluten-free tortillas.
