Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas

My Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas are crispy and creamy all at once. They're easy to prep and cook in minutes. These homemade and simple quesadillas are currently my favorite quick dinner or lunch, PLUS one of my go-to appetizers. Flavorful and easy to make, they're loaded with fresh and delicious ingredients like chicken, smoky bacon, gooey cheese and ranch. You're going to crave these flavors like I do; they're so good! If you're a busy mom, this is a great recipe for a kids' snack, lunch or dinner or as a game day treat. They're a hit at home! Easy to make and equally delicious, this staple is one of those easy-to-eat appetizers.

Loaded with chopped herbs and great to drizzle with ranch, I'm obsessed with this delicious dish. It has golden edges and a gooey, melted center. For more delicious recipes like this popular dish, dive into my Fun Dinner Ideas. If you love this Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas recipe, try my Mexican Breakfast Skillet, this Vegan Mexican Hot Chocolate and Street Corn Chicken Salad.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

My Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas are the coziest snack, appetizer or main meal. They have all the comforting flavors and textures I love.

It takes just minutes to prep and cook, which makes it a really speedy midweek meal.

You can add loads of other ingredients to it. From veggies and seasoning to extra protein boosters like beans.

Who doesn't love a quesadilla? This recipe is an absolute crowd pleaser.

I love that using rotisserie chicken is an easy shortcut.

It's a great way to use up leftover chicken! If you have some at home, this is your sign.

Every generation will love these - from the youngest to the oldest. It's a sure bet. It'll be an instant family favorite.

Equipment Needed

I used a pan, a bowl and then a knife and cutting board to make these Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas.

Ingredients Needed

Chicken: I used shredded chicken in this Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas recipe. You can also use a rotisserie for a shortcut.

Bacon bits: I love the smoky, meaty texture and flavor bacon adds to this recipe.

Jalapeño: Totally optional but I love a little kick and some spice in my chicken quesadillas.

Shredded cheese: Grab your favorite shredded cheese (vegan if needed)!

Cream cheese: Or a creamy vegan cheese! Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature when you use it. This just makes it easy to work with.

Tortillas: I used gluten free tortillas because I am gluten free!

Chives: I use this as a garnish / topping.

Avocado oil: This has a high smoke point which means it won't burn easily and it also has a pretty neutral taste that hosts the other flavors well.

Ranch: Primal Kitchen ranch dressing is a great option!

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Gather your ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the bacon according to package instructions and set aside. Shred the chicken.

Step 3: Chop up the vegetables and crumble your bacon.

Step 4: Add the chicken, bacon, jalapeño, cheese, 1 cup ranch and the cream cheese or vegan cheese to a mixing bowl.

Step 5: Mix everything together.

Step 7: Spread this mixture onto a tortilla and add another tortilla on top of it.

Step 8: Place the tortilla onto a greased pan and cook it over medium heat until both sides are crispy and golden brown. This takes about 5 minutes per side.

Step 9: Cut the quesadillas into triangles and drizzle them with some more ranch and chives. Dig it!

Storage

These are best enjoyed fresh. If you want to make them ahead, I recommend building the Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas up to the point of cooking them. You can then store them for up to 2 days before cooking them.

I suggest letting them come to room temperature before cooking them.

You can also freeze them uncooked for up to 2 months.

Variations

Add buffalo sauce and top with extra cheese.

Add in some black beans (extra protein), crunchy corn and diced red peppers for a more veggie dense version.

Use a BBQ sauce alongside of the ranch and top with fresh slices of red onion before cooking them.

Sub in chipotle peppers in adobo and try out different cheeses!

Make a more breakfast version of this by adding in scrambled eggs and hash browns.

For the kiddies: Skip the jalapeños!

How To Serve 

I love to enjoy my Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas in a couple of different ways:

• Served hot (while the cheese is still gooey) with a bowl of ranch for dipping.
• With the ranch drizzled over the wedges.
• As an appetizer for a crowd.
• With loads of chopped cilantro and a lime wedge.
• With a side salad for a main course.

Recipe FAQ

Is ranch good on quesadillas?

Yes, very! Ranch has a creamy, tangy flavor that is amazing paired with melty cheese, chicken and smoky bacon.

Which cheese goes the best with chicken bacon ranch?

I love a blend of mozzarella and cheddar. Just mozzarella is great too. Whatever you have at home. I used vegan cheese because I am dairy free!

Do you cook chicken before putting it in the quesadilla?

Yes, always use cooked chicken. You can either use rotisserie or pre-cooked and shredded chicken to save time.

Do I grease the pan for quesadilla?

Yes, lightly grease the pan with avocado oil or cooking spray to get a golden, crispy tortilla.

What tortilla is best for quesadilla?

I used gluten free tortillas because I am gluten free. I used Rise and Puff tortillas. I love them because they're soft, pliable and crisp up nicely in the pan. Plus, they come out golden brown!

How do you know when a quesadilla is done?

When both sides are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted, your quesadilla is ready to go.

Is this recipe gluten free?

It can be. All you need is to use certified gluten free tortillas and then double check your bacon and ranch labels.

Is this recipe dairy free?

If you want to make it dairy free, use vegan cheese, plant-based ranch and dairy free creamy cheese.

What to serve with chicken bacon ranch quesadilla?

I recommend serving it with a fresh salad, guacamole, salsa or a side of roasted veggies to round out the meal.

Related Recipes

Be sure to try these fun lunch ideas next:

Mango Chicken Salad

Steak Burrito Bowl

Gluten Free Enchiladas

Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas

Loaded Steak Nachos

If you make this Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas recipe and love it, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or TikTok.