Chili’s Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas

Looking for an easy recipe that the whole family will love? Today, we make a copycat recipe for Chili’s Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas!

If you love easy lunch recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Pork Taquitos, Air Fryer Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe, or even Air Fryer Lobster Grilled Cheese.

Chili’s Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas Recipe

Chili’s Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas are a delicious and satisfying dish that combines juicy chicken, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and zesty ranch dressing, all tucked into a crispy, golden tortilla.

Serve your Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas with additional ranch dressing for dipping and a side of salsa or guacamole if desired. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a weekend lunch, or even a party appetizer.

Ingredients Needed to Make Chili’s Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas

These ingredients come together to create a deliciously satisfying quesadilla that’s perfect for any meal or snack.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post and the nutritional information.

• Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender, juicy meat. Season and cook until fully done, then slice or shred for easy filling.
• Bacon: Cooked until crispy, bacon adds a smoky, savory crunch that complements the chicken perfectly.
• Flour Tortillas: Large flour tortillas work best for quesadillas, providing a sturdy base to hold all the delicious fillings.
• Ranch Dressing: Spread a generous layer of ranch dressing on the tortillas to add a tangy, creamy flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese melts beautifully, offering a rich, sharp taste that pairs well with the chicken and bacon.
• Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: Monterey Jack or Colby Jack adds a creamy, mild flavor that enhances the overall cheesiness of the quesadillas.
• Butter or Cooking Spray: Used to lightly grease the skillet or griddle, ensuring the tortillas cook to a golden brown and crispy finish.
• Serving: Serve with Pico de gallo, Salsa, Sour Cream or Guacamole.

How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas Recipe

Chili’s Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas are a delightful combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing, all wrapped in a crispy tortilla. Here’s a simple guide to make this delicious dish at home:

Start by preheating your air fryer to 370 degrees F, air fryer setting for 3-5 minutes. Spray your air fryer tray, or air fryer basket with cooking spray, or brush with olive oil.

Add your tortilla, then add your shredded cheese, chicken, bacon; add some more shredded cheese on top (This will help adhere your tortilla on top) If you need to add toothpicks, add them on top. Make sure you soak your toothpicks in water for at least 10 minutes. This will help with any charring that might occur.

Set the air fryer cook time for 8-10 minutes, flipping, halfway through the cooking process. Garnish with the pico de gallo, salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.

Recipe Variations for Chili’s Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas

• Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas: Add a spicy twist by tossing the cooked chicken in buffalo sauce before assembling the quesadillas. This adds a tangy, spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy ranch dressing.
• Vegetable Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas: Incorporate sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach into the filling for added texture and nutrition. These vegetables complement the savory flavors of the chicken and bacon, making the quesadillas more wholesome.
• BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas: Replace the ranch dressing with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky, sweet variation. The BBQ sauce adds a rich depth of flavor that works wonderfully with the chicken and bacon.
• Avocado Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas: Add slices of fresh avocado or a dollop of guacamole inside the quesadillas for a creamy, nutritious boost. The avocado adds a rich, buttery texture that enhances the overall flavor.
• Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas: Use a blend of different cheeses such as mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack along with the cheddar and Monterey Jack. This creates an extra cheesy and flavorful quesadilla with a variety of cheese textures and tastes.
• Herbed Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas: Mix fresh or dried herbs like basil, cilantro, or parsley into the ranch dressing or cheese blend. The herbs add a fresh, aromatic element that elevates the dish’s flavor profile.

Recipe For Chili’s Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas Pro Tips

• Cook the Chicken Perfectly: Ensure the chicken breasts are cooked thoroughly and remain juicy by using medium heat. Avoid high heat, which can dry out the chicken. Season the chicken well with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices for added flavor. Using a meat thermometer, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Crispy Bacon: For the best texture, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. This not only adds a delightful crunch but also a rich, smoky flavor that enhances the quesadilla. Drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease before crumbling.
• Even Cheese Distribution: Use a blend of shredded cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack for the best melt and flavor. Distribute the cheese evenly over the filling to ensure every bite is cheesy and delicious. Pre-shredded cheese saves time, but shredding your own cheese can melt better and taste fresher.
• Use Fresh Tortillas: Fresh tortillas hold up better when folded and cooked. Warm the tortillas slightly before assembling to make them more pliable and easier to fold without tearing.
• Perfectly Cooked Quesadillas: Use medium heat when cooking the quesadillas in a skillet or on a griddle. This allows the cheese to melt thoroughly without burning the tortillas. Press down slightly with a spatula to help the quesadillas stick together and cook evenly.
• Customize with Add-ins: Feel free to add extra ingredients like sautéed onions, bell peppers, or fresh herbs to customize your quesadillas. These additions can enhance the flavor and make the dish more nutritious.
• Serve with Dips: Serve the quesadillas with extra ranch dressing, salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. These accompaniments add additional layers of flavor and make the dish more enjoyable.
• Cutting and Serving: Let the quesadillas cool for a minute after cooking to make them easier to cut and handle. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice them into wedges for serving.

Chili’s Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas Recipe Faqs

What type of chicken should I use for the quesadillas? Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results. They are easy to cook and shred, providing a tender and juicy filling for the quesadillas.

How do I cook the chicken for the quesadillas? Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Cook them on a grill or in a skillet over medium heat until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest before slicing or shredding.

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken? Yes, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time. Just shred or slice the chicken and reheat it slightly before assembling the quesadillas.

What type of bacon works best for this recipe? Use thick-cut bacon for a crispy texture and rich flavor. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy, then crumble it into small pieces.

What kind of cheese should I use? A combination of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese works best. These cheeses melt well and provide a balanced, flavorful taste.

How do I prevent the quesadillas from falling apart? Spread the filling evenly and use enough cheese to help bind the ingredients together. Press down gently with a spatula while cooking to help the quesadillas stick together.

Can I add vegetables to the quesadillas? Yes, you can add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the filling. This adds extra flavor and nutrition to the quesadillas.

What’s the best way to cook the quesadillas? Cook the quesadillas in a lightly greased skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

How should I serve the quesadillas?: Let the quesadillas cool slightly before cutting them into wedges. Serve with extra ranch dressing, salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.

Can I make the quesadillas ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the quesadillas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Cook them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

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