Easy Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas for a Flavorful Meal

Satisfy your cravings with this delicious Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla recipe! Packed with tender, spicy chicken, gooey melted cheese, and crispy tortillas, this dish is not only easy to make but also full of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a tasty snack, it’s the perfect choice for any occasion.

For a deliciously creamy filling, you can also try our Marry Me Chicken Pasta, which combines tender chicken with a rich, cheesy sauce.

To make your buffalo chicken extra tender, check out our tips on how to prepare Chicken with Spinach.

How to Make a Classic Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla

Making a classic Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla is simple and quick, yet packed with flavor. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast (about 2 medium-sized chicken breasts)
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 4 large flour tortillas (8-inch size)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
• 2 tablespoons ranch dressing (optional, for drizzling inside or serving)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for grilling)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • If you haven’t already cooked the chicken, start by grilling, baking, or pan-frying the chicken breasts. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks.
   • In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce. Make sure the chicken is well coated in the sauce, adjusting the amount based on your preference for spiciness.

1. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. If you like a creamier filling, mix in the softened cream cheese.
   • If using, add chopped green onions and a pinch of salt and pepper to the chicken and cheese mixture.
2. Assemble the Quesadillas:
   • Lay one flour tortilla flat on a clean surface.
   • Spread a generous amount of the buffalo chicken mixture onto the tortilla, then top it with the shredded cheese mixture. Spread evenly to cover the entire surface.
   • If you’re using ranch dressing, you can drizzle a little on top of the chicken mixture before adding the second tortilla.
   • Place the second tortilla on top, pressing gently to secure the filling inside.

1. Cook the Quesadillas:
   • Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter.
   • Once hot, place the assembled quesadilla in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until golden and crispy.
   • Carefully flip the quesadilla over and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side, pressing gently with a spatula to ensure even browning.
2. Serve:
   • Once the quesadilla is crispy and the cheese is melted, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a minute before slicing.
   • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with additional ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla:

• For Extra Crispiness: Use butter instead of olive oil to cook the quesadilla. It adds a nice golden crunch.
• Adjusting Heat: If you prefer less heat, use a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount of sauce. For more heat, add extra hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
• Meal Prep: You can cook and assemble the quesadillas ahead of time, then refrigerate them. Simply heat them up in a skillet when ready to serve.

Enjoy your homemade Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla, the perfect combination of spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors!

If you prefer a healthier alternative, our Tropical Shrimp Salad is a great option for a light yet flavorful meal.

Common Variations of Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla

While the classic Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla is already delicious, there are numerous ways to customize and adapt this dish to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some common variations to try:

1. Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla with Vegetables

Adding vegetables to your Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla can introduce new textures and flavors. Consider adding:

• Onions: Caramelized onions add a sweet contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce.
• Bell Peppers: Sautéed bell peppers bring a crunchy texture and slight sweetness.
• Corn: Adding corn gives the quesadilla a slightly sweet and crunchy bite that balances the heat from the buffalo sauce.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a touch of greenery and freshness to the quesadilla. Simply sauté or lightly steam the vegetables before adding them to the quesadilla filling.

2. Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla with Blue Cheese

For an extra bold and tangy flavor, incorporate crumbled blue cheese into the quesadilla. The richness of blue cheese complements the spicy buffalo sauce perfectly. You can either mix it into the chicken filling or sprinkle it on top of the cheese before adding the second tortilla.

3. Spicy Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla

If you’re a fan of extra heat, add some jalapeños, chopped chili peppers, or a dash of hot sauce into the chicken mixture. You can also include a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce inside the quesadilla before grilling to intensify the flavor.

4. Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla with Ranch or Garlic Sauce

Some people love the creaminess and coolness that ranch dressing provides when paired with spicy foods. You can either drizzle ranch inside the quesadilla or serve it on the side for dipping. Another great option is garlic sauce, which complements the buffalo chicken with a savory touch.

5. Vegan Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla

For a plant-based version, substitute the chicken with buffalo cauliflower or buffalo tempeh. Both options provide a satisfying texture and flavor that pairs well with the tangy buffalo sauce. Use a dairy-free cheese alternative to make this quesadilla fully vegan.

6. Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla with Cream Cheese

For a creamy and rich twist, add cream cheese into the chicken filling. This creates a smoother, richer filling that contrasts nicely with the spicy buffalo sauce. You can combine it with cheddar and mozzarella cheeses for extra cheesiness.

If you’re looking for more quesadilla ideas, check out our Air Fryer Quesadilla recipe for a quick, healthier way to enjoy this favorite dish.

7. Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla with Bacon

If you’re a fan of bacon, consider adding crispy bacon bits to the quesadilla. Bacon’s salty and smoky flavor enhances the richness of the chicken and buffalo sauce, making the quesadilla even more indulgent.

8. Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla with Avocado

For a cool and creamy contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce, add sliced avocado inside the quesadilla. It adds a smooth texture and balances out the heat, making each bite more refreshing.

9. Double-Cheese Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla

For cheese lovers, you can mix several types of cheese into the filling. Try combining cheddar, Monterey Jack, and even cream cheese for an extra cheesy and creamy experience. The blend of cheeses will melt perfectly inside the crispy tortilla, adding richness to the buffalo chicken flavor.

10. Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla with Cilantro Lime

Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice can add a burst of freshness to the spicy buffalo chicken quesadilla. Sprinkle cilantro over the filling before closing the tortilla and squeeze lime juice on top when serving to bring an extra layer of flavor.

Each variation provides a unique twist on the traditional Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla, allowing you to explore different flavor profiles, textures, and spice levels. Whether you prefer extra heat, creaminess, or a crunchy veggie addition, there’s a variation to suit your preferences!

The Best Cheese for Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla

Cheese plays a crucial role in the flavor and texture of a Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla. It melts beautifully and helps to bind the ingredients together while complementing the spicy buffalo chicken. Here’s a breakdown of the best cheese options for making the perfect Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla:

1. Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar is a classic cheese choice for quesadillas. Its sharp, tangy flavor pairs perfectly with the spicy buffalo sauce. Cheddar also melts well, providing a creamy texture that complements the crispy tortilla. A blend of sharp and mild cheddar can add depth to the flavor.

2. Monterey Jack Cheese

Monterey Jack is another excellent choice for quesadillas due to its smooth, creamy texture and mild flavor. It melts beautifully and helps create that gooey, cheesy experience. Its mildness balances out the heat from the buffalo sauce, making it a popular option for quesadillas.

3. Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella brings a stretchy, gooey texture that’s perfect for quesadillas. It doesn’t have the sharpness of cheddar but adds creaminess and meltability. Combining mozzarella with cheddar or Monterey Jack can give you the best of both worlds—meltability with flavor.

4. Cream Cheese

Adding cream cheese into the filling helps to create a rich, creamy texture. It enhances the buffalo chicken’s spiciness by providing a smooth contrast. Cream cheese works especially well in combination with sharper cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella to balance out the flavors.

5. Colby Jack Cheese

Colby Jack is a mild, creamy cheese with a slightly tangy flavor. It’s a great melting cheese and offers a smooth texture that complements the spicy buffalo chicken. Colby Jack is an excellent option if you’re looking for a cheese that’s mild but still flavorful.

6. Pepper Jack Cheese

Pepper Jack is an ideal choice if you want to amp up the heat in your quesadilla. This cheese is infused with spicy peppers, such as jalapeños, giving it an extra kick. If you want to enhance the spiciness of your Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla, Pepper Jack cheese adds an additional layer of flavor and heat.

7. Blue Cheese Crumbles

Is a popular accompaniment to buffalo chicken, and adding crumbled blue cheese to your quesadilla brings out that signature flavor pairing. Blue cheese is tangy, bold, and rich, making it a perfect complement to the spicy buffalo sauce. You can either mix it into the filling or sprinkle it on top before folding the quesadilla.

8. Queso Blanco

Queso Blanco is a soft, mild cheese often used in Mexican cuisine. It melts easily and provides a creamy texture that doesn’t overwhelm the buffalo chicken’s flavor. It’s perfect if you want a subtle cheese that still adds creaminess without competing with the spiciness.

Best Cheese Combinations for Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla:

For the ultimate quesadilla, you can combine several cheeses for added depth of flavor and perfect meltability. Here are some great combinations:

• Cheddar and Monterey Jack: A classic combo that balances flavor and meltability.
• Mozzarella and Pepper Jack: For extra stretch and heat.
• Cheddar and Cream Cheese: For a sharp, creamy, and rich filling.
• Colby Jack and Blue Cheese: For a tangy, flavorful twist.

Common Variations of Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla

Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas are highly versatile, and there are many ways to customize them based on personal preferences or dietary needs. From adding extra heat to incorporating different proteins and toppings, here are some popular variations of the classic Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla:

1. Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla with Vegetables

Adding vegetables to your quesadilla introduces new flavors and textures, making the dish even more satisfying. Here are some great vegetable options to consider:

• Bell Peppers: Sautéed bell peppers add a sweet crunch that contrasts nicely with the heat of the buffalo sauce.
• Onions: Caramelized onions bring a touch of sweetness that balances the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
• Corn: Sweet corn kernels add a burst of flavor and a slight crunch, perfect for balancing the spicy filling.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a layer of freshness, helping to cut through the richness of the chicken and cheese.

2. Spicy Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla

If you love extra heat, this variation is for you. To spice things up, try adding:

• Jalapeños: Slice fresh jalapeños or use pickled ones to give the quesadilla a fiery kick.
• Cayenne Pepper: Sprinkle a little cayenne pepper into the buffalo sauce or directly onto the filling for an extra layer of spice.
• Hot Sauce: For even more heat, drizzle extra hot sauce inside the quesadilla before grilling.

3. Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla with Blue Cheese

Blue cheese is a natural pairing with buffalo chicken, so adding crumbled blue cheese to your quesadilla enhances its flavor with tangy, creamy richness. You can mix the blue cheese into the filling or sprinkle it on top before adding the second tortilla for an extra punch of flavor.

4. Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla with Ranch or Garlic Sauce

Some people enjoy the cool, creamy contrast that ranch dressing brings to the spicy buffalo chicken. You can drizzle ranch inside the quesadilla before grilling or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Another popular option is to use garlic sauce, which adds a savory depth to the dish and complements the buffalo sauce beautifully.

5. Vegan Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla

For a plant-based alternative, replace the chicken with buffalo cauliflower or buffalo tempeh. These plant-based proteins provide a similar texture and soak up the buffalo sauce perfectly. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives to make the quesadilla fully vegan.

6. Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla with Avocado

Adding sliced avocado to your quesadilla creates a creamy, cooling contrast to the spicy buffalo chicken. The smooth texture of avocado helps to balance out the heat, and it provides a fresh, satisfying bite.

7. Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla with Bacon

If you’re looking to take your quesadilla to the next level, consider adding crispy bacon bits. The salty, smoky flavor of bacon enhances the richness of the buffalo chicken and makes the quesadilla even more indulgent. For added texture, sprinkle the bacon directly into the filling.

8. Double-Cheese Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla

If you love cheese, try combining multiple varieties for a richer filling. A mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and even cream cheese creates a melty, gooey texture with the perfect balance of flavor. This variation is especially great for cheese lovers who want extra creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite.

9. Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla with Cilantro Lime

Adding a sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice enhances the freshness of the quesadilla. The lime adds a refreshing tang, while the cilantro provides a burst of herbaceous flavor. This variation is perfect for cutting through the richness of the buffalo sauce and creating a well-rounded taste.

10. Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla with Sweet Potatoes

For a slightly sweet contrast to the spicy buffalo chicken, try adding roasted sweet potatoes to the filling. The natural sweetness of the potatoes balances the heat of the buffalo sauce, creating a unique and flavorful twist on the traditional quesadilla.

Frequently Asked Questions about Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla

1. What kind of chicken should I use for buffalo chicken quesadillas?

• For buffalo chicken quesadillas, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are the best options. You can also use rotisserie chicken for a quicker and easier alternative.

2. Can I make buffalo chicken quesadillas ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before assembling the quesadillas. This can save you time when you’re ready to cook.

3. Can I use a different sauce for buffalo chicken quesadillas?

• Absolutely! While buffalo sauce is traditional, you can swap it out with other spicy sauces like sriracha or a spicy barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile.

4. What cheese is best for buffalo chicken quesadillas?

• For the best melt, use cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack. A combination of these will give you both flavor and a great texture.

5. Can I make buffalo chicken quesadillas spicy?

• Yes! To increase the spice level, you can add extra hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or even some chopped jalapeños to the filling. Adjust it to your taste.

6. Are buffalo chicken quesadillas gluten-free?

• To make them gluten-free, simply use gluten-free tortillas. The rest of the ingredients, like chicken and cheese, are naturally gluten-free.

7. Can I make buffalo chicken quesadillas vegetarian?

• Yes, for a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein, such as cauliflower, tofu, or even a mixture of beans and vegetables for a flavorful filling.

Conclusion

In conclusion, buffalo chicken quesadillas are a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender, spicy chicken, melted cheese, and crispy tortillas, they deliver a satisfying balance of flavors and textures. Whether you prefer them mild or extra spicy, this recipe can be easily customized to suit your taste. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can make these quesadillas at home and enjoy a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. So, next time you’re craving a flavorful twist on a classic quesadilla, give buffalo chicken quesadillas a try!

f you love buffalo chicken quesadillas, be sure to try our Honey Walnut Shrimp for another savory dish with a flavorful twist.

Print