If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal, this buffalo chicken quesadilla recipe is your answer! Packed with tender, spicy chicken, gooey cheese, and a crispy tortilla, it’s perfect for a lunch or dinner treat. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just craving something flavorful, this dish brings a burst of flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
– 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions, cilantro
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time takes 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 quesadilla) contains approximately 450 calories, 20g protein, 25g carbohydrates, 28g fat, and 800mg sodium. This is based on one quesadilla.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce until well coated.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the cheese on one half.
4. Add a generous amount of buffalo chicken mixture on top of the cheese.
5. Top with remaining cheese and fold the tortilla over.
6. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the underside is golden brown.
7. Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
8. Remove from the skillet and let it cool slightly before slicing.
9. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
10. Serve warm with optional toppings like sour cream or cilantro.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute shredded chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, use sautéed vegetables or beans instead of chicken. Additionally, swap out buffalo sauce for a milder sauce if desired.
Serving and Pairings
Buffalo chicken quesadillas pair well with a side of fresh salad, guacamole, or tortilla chips. For drinks, consider serving with a cold beer or a refreshing iced tea.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave for 30-60 seconds. You can also freeze unfilled quesadillas for up to 2 months; just add the filling before reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overfilling the quesadilla can cause it to break when flipping.
- Using low-quality tortillas may lead to a soggy texture.
- Not letting the skillet heat up properly can result in uneven cooking.
- Skipping the cheese can make the quesadilla less flavorful.
- Not letting the quesadilla rest before slicing can make it messy.
Helpful Tips
- Use a non-stick skillet for easier flipping.
- Experiment with different cheese blends for unique flavors.
- For extra crunch, grill the quesadilla on both sides.
- Add some diced jalapeños for extra heat.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier and more flavorful quesadilla. Just cook them thoroughly and shred before mixing with buffalo sauce.
What if I don’t have buffalo sauce?
You can make a substitute using hot sauce mixed with melted butter. This will give you a similar flavor profile for your quesadilla.
Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the quesadillas ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you are ready to cook.
What toppings can I add to buffalo chicken quesadillas?
Popular toppings include sour cream, guacamole, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro. You can also add chopped green onions for extra flavor.
Are buffalo chicken quesadillas spicy?
Yes, they typically have a spicy kick due to the buffalo sauce. You can adjust the spice level by using milder sauces or reducing the amount of buffalo sauce used.
Conclusion
This buffalo chicken quesadilla recipe is not only simple to make but also packed with flavor. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or game day snacks. With its cheesy goodness and spicy chicken, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!
Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional toppings: sour cream green onions, cilantro
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce until well coated.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the cheese on one half.
- Add a generous amount of buffalo chicken mixture on top of the cheese.
- Top with remaining cheese and fold the tortilla over.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the underside is golden brown.
- Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from skillet and let it cool slightly before slicing.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Serve warm with optional toppings like sour cream or cilantro.
