If you are on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed dish that’s quick and easy to prepare, look no further than this Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe. Imagine tender, spicy buffalo chicken nestled between crispy, buttery tortillas with ooey-gooey melted cheese—each bite bursting with bold, tangy heat balanced by creamy ranch and fresh cilantro. This dish is the perfect weeknight dinner or game day snack that will have everyone asking for seconds, and it comes together faster than you can say “buffalo wing cravings!”

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with shredded chicken that is coated in a thick, orange-brown sauce, giving the meat a moist and tender look. The chicken strands are uneven and piled loosely inside the bowl, and the sauce clings well to each piece. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright background that contrasts with the rich color of the chicken. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in making your buffalo chicken quesadillas truly unforgettable. From the heat of the buffalo sauce to the melted Mexican cheese that creates that irresistible stretch, every element contributes to the perfect blend of flavor, texture, and color.

2 cups cooked shredded chicken: A tender and protein-packed base that soaks up the buffalo sauce beautifully. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience!
½ cup buffalo sauce: Brings the signature spicy, tangy kick that defines the dish.
4 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a golden, crispy tortilla exterior.
4 10-inch flour tortillas: The sturdy yet pliable canvas for your fillings, ensuring every quesadilla holds together.
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese: A melty blend that provides creamy texture and savory flavor.
Ranch dressing: For dipping or drizzling, it cools down the heat and adds a delicious contrast.
Fresh chopped cilantro: Brightens and freshens the overall flavor with its herbal notes.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Chicken and Buffalo Sauce

Start by combining the cooked shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce in a bowl. This ensures every shred is coated in that bold, spicy flavor, giving you that signature buffalo taste in every bite.

Step 2: Prepare the Skillet and Tortilla

Heat two tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, place one tortilla into the skillet—this is the start of your crispy, golden foundation.

Step 3: Build Your Quesadilla

Sprinkle half a cup of shredded Mexican cheese evenly over the tortilla, and then add half of the buffalo chicken mixture on top. Follow with another half cup of shredded cheese to help everything stick together beautifully.

Step 4: Top and Cook the Quesadilla

Place a second tortilla on top of all the fillings, gently pressing down. Let it cook for about two minutes or until the underside is golden brown and crisp.

Step 5: Flip and Finish Cooking

Carefully flip the quesadilla to cook the other side for another two minutes. Once both sides are perfectly golden and the cheese is melted, remove the quesadilla from the skillet and repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

A tall stack of eight golden brown quesadilla pieces is shown on a white marbled surface. Each layer has melted cheese and shredded chicken inside warm tortillas, with slight browning on the edges. Small pieces of green onion are sprinkled between layers and on top for color. A drizzle of red sauce runs down the upper layers, adding a splash of vibrant contrast. A small white bowl with creamy dip is blurred in the background. The textures look soft inside and crispy on the outside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple garnish can elevate your Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe to the next level. I love sprinkling freshly chopped cilantro on top for a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. Serving alongside a little ranch dressing or sour cream adds a creamy contrast to the spicy heat.

Side Dishes

These quesadillas pair perfectly with crispy fries, a fresh garden salad, or crunchy celery sticks that nod to the classic buffalo wing sides. For something heartier, consider a side of Spanish rice or seasoned black beans.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cut your quesadillas into bite-sized wedges and serve them on a platter for sharing. You can also layer them with avocado slices or a drizzle of blue cheese dressing if you want to amplify the flavors further.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep in mind they may lose some crispiness, but the flavor remains delicious.

Freezing

If you want to save them for longer, wrap individual quesadillas tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to two months, making them a terrific freezer-friendly meal option.

Reheating

To reheat, place the quesadilla in a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes per side. This method revives the crispy exterior without turning the cheese rubbery. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the tortillas soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of shredded chicken?

Absolutely! You can cook chicken breasts and shred them yourself or buy pre-cooked shredded chicken. The key is to have the chicken tender and well-coated with buffalo sauce to capture that classic spicy flavor.

What kind of buffalo sauce is best for this recipe?

Choose a buffalo sauce you love—whether mild or hot. Classic hot sauce-based buffalo sauces work perfectly, but you can also experiment with smoky or garlic-infused varieties for a unique twist.

Can I make these quesadillas vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, try substituting the chicken with cooked jackfruit or seasoned cauliflower florets tossed in buffalo sauce. The cheese and other flavors will still shine through!

Is it okay to use whole wheat or corn tortillas?

Yes, you can definitely experiment with different tortillas. Whole wheat adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber, while corn tortillas bring a classic Mexican touch. Just monitor the cooking time as they may crisp up differently.

What can I use instead of ranch dressing?

If ranch isn’t your favorite, blue cheese dressing makes an excellent alternative with its creamy and tangy notes. You can also try sour cream mixed with a little lime juice and chopped herbs for a fresh dip.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe is pure comfort food magic in a crispy, cheesy package. It’s a surefire way to bring excitement to your dinner table or impress friends with minimal fuss. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and discover just how addictive and satisfying these quesadillas can be!

Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 8 reviews

Author: Jessica
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

These Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas combine tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce with melted Mexican cheese, all sandwiched between crispy flour tortillas. Perfect for a quick and flavorful appetizer or meal, they are served with ranch dressing and fresh cilantro for a cool, tangy contrast to the heat.

Ingredients

Chicken Mixture

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
½ cup buffalo sauce

Quesadillas

4 tablespoons butter
4 (10-inch) flour tortillas
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

Serving

Ranch dressing, for serving
Fresh chopped cilantro, for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the buffalo chicken: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix the cooked shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce until well coated, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed.
Heat the skillet and assemble the quesadilla: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted and sizzling, place one flour tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded Mexican cheese evenly over the tortilla, then layer half of the buffalo chicken mixture on top.
Add cheese and top tortilla: Sprinkle another ½ cup of shredded Mexican cheese over the chicken, then cover with a second tortilla to form a sandwich. Allow it to cook for about 2 minutes or until the bottom tortilla turns golden brown and crispy.
Flip and cook the other side: Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese inside has melted.
Repeat with remaining ingredients: Remove the cooked quesadilla from the skillet and set it aside. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan and repeat the process with the remaining tortillas, cheese, and buffalo chicken.
Serve: Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro and ranch dressing on the side for dipping.

Notes

You can use rotisserie chicken or freshly cooked shredded chicken for convenience.
Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your preferred spice level.
For a crispier quesadilla, cook a little longer but be careful not to burn the tortillas.
Use a heavy skillet like cast iron for even heating.
Serve with additional toppings such as sour cream or guacamole if desired.