Chilis Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

If you’re a fan of Chili’s, you’re going to love this Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadilla recipe!

This dish combines savory chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing into a mouthwatering quesadilla that’s perfect for any meal.

My favorite trick is to caramelize the onions before adding them to the mix—it adds a sweet depth of flavor that makes a huuuge difference!

How to Make Chilis Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups Chicken (cooked, shredded)
• 8 strips Bacon (cooked, crumbled)
• 2 cups Cheese (shredded, cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1/2 cup Ranch Dressing
• 4 Flour Tortillas (large)
• 1/4 cup Green Onions (chopped)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Cook the onions.

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the green onions until softened, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2:

Assemble the quesadillas.

On one half of each tortilla, sprinkle cheese, then layer with chicken, bacon, and cooked green onions.

Step 3:

Add ranch dressing.

Drizzle ranch dressing over the fillings. Top with more cheese for extra gooeyness!

Step 4:

Cook the quesadillas.

Place the prepared tortilla in a preheated skillet, buttered side down. Cook until crispy and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 5:

Serve and enjoy.

Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve immediately while hot and melty.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Achieve the perfect crisp:

Cook your quesadilla on medium heat to give it a slightly crunchy texture without burning.

Make it spicier:

Add some finely chopped jalapeños to the filling if you like a bit of heat!

Avoid sogginess:

Don’t overfill your quesadilla with ranch dressing to maintain a balanced texture.

Cooking bacon:

For best results, cook your bacon until crispy to add a nice crunch to your quesadilla.

Easy flipping:

Use a wide spatula to flip your quesadilla easily and avoid any spills.

What to Serve with Chili’s Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas

Black Bean Salad

A classic side dish to pair with your quesadillas is a refreshing black bean salad.

The combination of black beans, corn, red bell peppers, and a sprinkle of cilantro provides a perfect balance to the richness of the quesadillas.

Add some mango slices, lime juice, and a touch of olive oil for an extra burst of flavors.

Guacamole

Who can resist creamy guacamole with quesadillas?

You can make a simple guacamole with mashed avocados, lime juice, chopped tomatoes, onion, and a pinch of salt.

For an interesting twist, add some finely diced jalapeños or pomegranate seeds.

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

Whip up a vibrant and tangy black bean and corn salsa!

Combine black beans, sweet corn, red onions, bell peppers, and a generous amount of lime juice.

Add chopped cilantro for a fresh and flavorful dip that pairs well with the quesadillas.

Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad is always a great choice to serve alongside quesadillas.

The crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and tangy Caesar dressing create a delightful contrast to the hot and cheesy quesadillas.

Don’t forget the Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper to top it off.

Pineapple Salsa

Why not mix things up with a vibrant pineapple salsa?

Diced fresh pineapple, red bell peppers, red onions, and a bit of chopped cilantro make a sweet and spicy combination.

A squeeze of lime juice ties it all together and provides a refreshing complement to the quesadillas.

Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro lime rice is another fantastic option to round out your meal.

The fluffy rice cooked with fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro offers a light and citrusy flavor.

It’s a simple yet delightful side that blends perfectly with the flavors of the quesadillas.

Sautéed Vegetables

For a healthier side, try some sautéed vegetables.

Bell peppers, zucchini, and onions sautéed with a bit of garlic and olive oil make a colorful and nutritious addition.

Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper, and you’ve got a delicious and versatile side dish.

Spicy Coleslaw

Spice things up with a tangy and spicy coleslaw!

Shredded cabbage, carrots, and diced jalapeños mixed with a zesty dressing can bring a crunchy, spicy kick to your meal.

It’s easy to prepare and pairs wonderfully with the savory quesadillas.

Variations and Substitutions

Cheeses

You can get creative with the cheese!

Swap out the cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a melty twist.

You can even use a blend to add depth to the flavor.

Proteins

Chicken is a classic choice, but why not try something different?

Use turkey or grilled shrimp for a change.

Vegetarians can substitute with beans or roasted veggies.

Tortillas

Flour tortillas are standard, but whole wheat or spinach tortillas are also great options.

For a gluten-free alternative, use corn tortillas.

Seasonings

Experiment with seasonings to spice things up!

Add a bit of taco seasoning or chipotle powder for a smoky flavor.

Ranch Dressing

Try making your own ranch dressing for a fresher taste.

You can also use a low-fat version or a yogurt-based ranch to lighten it up.

How to Store Leftover Chili’s Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas

Use Airtight Containers

Place the leftover quesadillas in an airtight container.

This will keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out.

Make sure to arrange them in a single layer to avoid sticking.

Refrigerate Promptly

Store the container in your refrigerator immediately after your meal.

This is essential to maintain the quality and taste.

Leftovers can stay refrigerated for up to three days.

Consider Freezing

If you plan to keep the quesadillas longer, freezing is a great option.

Wrap each quesadilla individually in aluminum foil.

Place the wrapped quesadillas in a zip-lock bag before freezing.

Label with Dates

Label the zip-lock bag with the date of freezing.

This will help you keep track of how long they’ve been stored.

Using the quesadillas within two months is ideal for best flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overstuffing the Quesadilla

It’s tempting to load up on all the delicious fillings, but overstuffing can cause the quesadilla to fall apart.

Keep the layers thin with just enough cheese and toppings to bind everything together.

Less is more when it comes to making a perfectly crispy quesadilla.

Not Preheating the Skillet

Throwing your quesadilla into a cold or lukewarm skillet doesn’t allow it to brown properly.

Make sure the pan is hot enough before adding your quesadilla.

A preheated skillet helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior.

Using Low-Quality Ingredients

The quality of your ingredients makes a big difference in the final product.

Choose good-quality cheese, fresh chicken, and premium bacon.

Fresh ranch dressing will also make your quesadilla incredibly flavorful.