I’m excited to share my take on Ranch Quesadillas—a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful twist on the classic quesadilla. This recipe keeps things simple yet satisfying, making it perfect for a quick lunch, snack, or easy dinner.
Why I Love This Recipe
I like how ranch dressing adds a tangy creaminess that blends perfectly with tender chicken and melted cheese. It’s a comfort food that feels indulgent but is quick enough for busy days. I can make it with just a few ingredients I usually already have in my kitchen.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• Flour or corn tortillas
• Cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• Shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or a blend
• Ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• Optional: diced green onions, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or extra shredded cheese for more flavor
directions
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In a bowl, mix the cooked chicken, shredded cheese, and a few spoonfuls of ranch dressing until everything is well coated.
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Place a tortilla on a flat surface and spread the filling evenly over half of it.
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Fold the tortilla in half to form a half-moon shape.
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Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the quesadilla on the skillet and cook for 2–4 minutes on each side, until golden and the cheese is melted.
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Remove from the heat, let cool slightly, then cut into wedges. Serve with extra ranch on the side if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings. Prep time is around 5 minutes (if the chicken is already cooked), and cooking takes 10–15 minutes, so the whole meal is ready in under 20 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes swap the chicken for grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a vegetarian version. For a spicy twist, I mix a bit of hot sauce into the ranch or add thinly sliced jalapeños inside the quesadilla.
storage/reheating
I store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes on each side to keep them crispy. The microwave works too, but it softens the tortilla.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas?
Yes, corn tortillas work well if I want a gluten-free option or a slightly different texture and flavor.
Can I make them vegetarian?
Definitely—I just skip the chicken and use roasted vegetables or extra cheese.
What cheese works best?
I usually go for a melty cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend, but mozzarella works for a milder flavor.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes, I assemble the quesadillas ahead and store them in the fridge. I cook them right before serving to keep them crispy.
How do I make them spicier?
I add sliced jalapeños, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or use spicy ranch dressing.
Conclusion
I love how easy and versatile these Ranch Quesadillas are. With their creamy ranch flavor, gooey cheese, and warm crispy tortilla, they’re a quick and satisfying choice for any meal.
Print
Ranch Quesadillas
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A quick and flavorful quesadilla made with creamy ranch dressing, tender chicken, and melted cheese inside a crispy tortilla. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack.
Ingredients
- 8 flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or a blend
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: 1/4 cup diced green onions
- Optional: 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional: 1–2 sliced jalapeños
- Optional: extra shredded cheese for more flavor
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix the cooked chicken, shredded cheese, and ranch dressing until well combined.
- Place a tortilla on a flat surface and spread the filling evenly over half of it.
- Fold the tortilla in half to create a half-moon shape.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the quesadilla on the skillet and cook for 2–4 minutes per side, until golden and cheese is melted.
- Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then cut into wedges.
- Serve with extra ranch dressing if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, swap chicken for grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- To make it spicier, add jalapeños, chili flakes, or spicy ranch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet for crispiness or in the microwave for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg