If you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinners or serve up something bold for game day, Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas are the perfect solution. Combining the iconic flavors of buffalo chicken with the crisp, cheesy goodness of quesadillas, this dish is easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With just the right balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch, Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas are a crowd-pleasing snack, appetizer, or quick meal that’s sure to become a favorite.
What Are Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas?
Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas are a delicious fusion of two beloved dishes—buffalo chicken and quesadillas. In this recipe, shredded chicken is mixed with buffalo sauce, then paired with melted cheese between two flour tortillas and cooked to golden, crispy perfection. The buffalo sauce gives the chicken a spicy, tangy kick, while the cheese helps balance the heat, creating a gooey, flavorful filling. Serve them with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, and you’ve got a winning combination that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
This recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and comes together quickly, making it ideal for a fast meal or snack:
For the Quesadillas:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
For Serving:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)
- Extra buffalo sauce (for drizzling, optional)
- Celery sticks (optional, for a classic buffalo side)
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, tossing until the chicken is evenly coated. You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce depending on how spicy you want the filling.
Step 2: Assemble the Quesadillas
- Lay out the flour tortillas on a flat surface. On half of each tortilla, sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese.
- Spread a generous amount of the buffalo chicken mixture over the cheese, then sprinkle another 1/4 cup of cheese on top of the chicken. The cheese helps hold the quesadilla together.
- Fold the other half of each tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
Step 3: Cook the Quesadillas
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1/2 tablespoon of butter to the pan.
- Once the butter has melted, place one or two quesadillas in the skillet, depending on the size of your pan.
- Cook the quesadillas for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is fully melted. Add more butter to the skillet as needed for the remaining quesadillas.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
- Once cooked, remove the quesadillas from the skillet and let them cool for a minute before slicing them into wedges.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping, along with extra buffalo sauce for drizzling, if desired.
Why You’ll Love Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
- Bold Flavors: The combination of spicy buffalo chicken and melty cheese is a flavor explosion, with just the right mix of heat and richness.
- Quick and Easy: With pre-cooked chicken, these quesadillas come together in just minutes, making them perfect for a fast lunch, dinner, or snack.
- Versatile: Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas can be served as a main dish, appetizer, or party snack, making them perfect for a variety of occasions.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the heat level, cheese variety, or even add extra ingredients like chopped onions, bell peppers, or spinach to make the dish your own.
Tips for Making Perfect Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
- Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: For convenience, use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken. You can also quickly cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer.
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overstuff the quesadillas, as too much filling can make it difficult to flip them without spilling. A good balance of chicken and cheese ensures a perfect bite every time.
- Crisp Them Up: Cooking the quesadillas in butter gives the tortillas a golden, crispy exterior. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use olive oil or even cook them in a dry skillet.
- Serve Immediately: Quesadillas are best enjoyed fresh off the skillet when the cheese is still melty and the tortillas are crispy. If you’re making a large batch, you can keep them warm in the oven until ready to serve.
Variations and Add-Ins
- Veggie Add-Ins: Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra flavor and texture.
- Cream Cheese Twist: For an extra creamy filling, mix a little cream cheese into the buffalo chicken mixture before assembling the quesadillas.
- Grilled Chicken: Swap out the shredded chicken for grilled chicken strips for a smokier flavor.
- Buffalo Chicken Tacos: If you want to switch things up, use the buffalo chicken filling to make tacos instead of quesadillas.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas are perfect on their own, but you can serve them with some classic sides and dips to complete the meal:
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: For dipping, ranch or blue cheese dressing helps cool down the heat from the buffalo sauce.
- Celery and Carrot Sticks: These classic buffalo wing accompaniments make for a refreshing, crunchy side.
- Coleslaw: A light, tangy coleslaw balances the richness of the quesadillas and adds a refreshing crunch.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas are the ultimate fusion of two beloved comfort foods: buffalo wings and quesadillas. With their spicy, cheesy filling and crispy exterior, these quesadillas are perfect for game day, parties, or a quick and satisfying meal. The combination of tangy buffalo sauce, creamy melted cheese, and tender chicken creates an explosion of flavors in every bite. Easy to make and even easier to eat, these quesadillas are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
