Chilis Bacon Ranch Quesadillas Recipe

Ok guys, so what about this irresistible combination of savory chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch, all hugged by a golden, toasted tortilla?

Bacon Ranch Quesadillas are a delightful twist on the classic quesadilla, bringing together rich flavors that will make your next meal truly special.

I always recommend cooking the bacon until it’s perfectly crispy to get that satisfying crunch in every bite.

Don’t forget, the key is to use a generous amount of shredded cheese to keep everything nicely melted and delicious.

How to Make Chili’s Bacon Ranch Quesadillas Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 Flour Tortillas
• 2 cups Shredded Chicken
• 1 cup Shredded Cheese (your preference)
• 6 strips Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
• 1/2 cup Ranch Dressing
• 1/4 cup Green Onions (chopped)
• 2 tbsp Butter (softened)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Cook the bacon strips until crispy and crumble them into small bits.

Set aside.

Step 2:

In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and ranch dressing.

Make sure everything is well combined.

Step 3:

Take each flour tortilla and butter one side lightly.

Place them buttered side down.

Step 4:

Spread the chicken and bacon mixture evenly over one half of each tortilla.

Fold the tortillas in half to cover the filling.

Step 5:

Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the folded tortillas on it.

Cook until each side is golden brown and the cheese is melted, usually about 3-4 minutes per side.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Pre-cook and Shred the Chicken

Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can save you a lot of time and adds great flavor to the quesadillas.

Use Different Cheeses

Experimenting with cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack can give you different delicious flavor profiles.

Toast the Tortilla

If you like extra crispy quesadillas, toast the tortillas lightly in the skillet before adding the filling.

Don’t Overfill

Be careful not to overfill the tortillas to avoid the filling spilling out while cooking.

Less is sometimes more for easy handling.

Serve Fresh

Serve the quesadillas hot off the skillet for the best flavor.

If they sit too long, they might get soggy so enjoy them right away!

What to Serve with Chili’s Bacon Ranch Quesadillas

Classic Mexican Rice

A fresh and flavorful Mexican rice pairs wonderfully with these quesadillas.

The soft, fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes, onions, and garlic adds a delightful balance.

Serve it on the side to complete your meal!

Guacamole and Salsa

Guacamole and salsa are always great companions for quesadillas.

The creamy texture of guacamole mixed with the zesty salsa creates a nice contrast.

Keep it simple with fresh avocado, lime, and cilantro for guacamole, and tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños for the salsa.

Coleslaw

Try a tangy and crunchy coleslaw to add some freshness.

Use cabbage, carrots, and a vinegar-based dressing to keep it light.

It’s a unique pairing that provides a lovely crunch to your meal.

Black Bean and Corn Salad

A black bean and corn salad brings some color and texture to your plate.

The combination of black beans, sweet corn, red bell peppers, and cilantro is both visually appealing and delicious.

Dress it with lime juice and olive oil for a simple yet delicious side.

Tomato Basil Soup

Serving a warm bowl of tomato basil soup with your quesadillas adds a comforting touch.

This classic soup is creamy, rich, and full of flavor.

It complements the cheesy bacon quesadillas perfectly.

Variations and Substitutions

When making the Chili’s Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, you can get creative with a range of variations and substitutions.

Cheese Options

If you prefer a bit more spice, try using pepper jack cheese instead of the standard shredded cheese.

For a smokier flavor, Gouda is a fantastic choice!

Experimenting with different cheeses can give your quesadillas a unique twist.

Protein Choices

Instead of using chicken, you can swap it for cooked ground beef or turkey.

Vegetarian? No problem! Substitute the chicken with black beans or sautéed mushrooms for a delicious meat-free option.

Additional Ingredients

Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for an extra crunch and some heat.

Sliced avocado or a dollop of guacamole can add a creamy texture to your quesadillas.

Ranch Variations

Consider using a spicy ranch dressing if you like things a bit hotter.

You could also try a homemade ranch for a fresher taste.

Tortilla Types

Whole wheat or spinach tortillas can be used instead of regular flour tortillas for a healthier option.

Gluten-free tortillas work well for those with dietary restrictions.

Mix and match these variations and substitutions to tailor the recipe to your tastes!

How to Store Leftover Bacon Ranch Quesadillas

Cooling Down

Let the bacon ranch quesadillas cool down to room temperature before storing them.

This prevents moisture from building up and making them soggy.

Wrapping

Wrap each quesadilla individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

This keeps them fresh and prevents them from sticking together.

Containers

Put the wrapped quesadillas in an airtight container.

An airtight container helps keep them fresh for a longer time.

Freezing

For longer storage, place the wrapped quesadillas in a freezer-safe bag.

They can last up to three months in the freezer.

Labeling

Label the containers with the date you stored them.

This makes it easier to keep track of how long they’ve been stored.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overloading the Tortilla

It’s tempting to add lots of cheese, chicken, and bacon.

However, too much filling can make it hard to fold and cook evenly.

Stick to a balanced amount of each ingredient for best results.

Skipping the Pre-Cooking Steps

Don’t skip pre-cooking the bacon until it’s crispy.

Undercooked bacon can be chewy and unappetizing.

Also, make sure your chicken is properly cooked before adding it to the quesadilla.

Ignoring the Heat Level

Using too high heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.

Medium to medium-low heat works best for a golden, crispy tortilla.