Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe | Easy, Cheesy, and Packed with Flavor

Introduction

Imagine the warming crunch of a golden tortilla melting under the touch of gooey cheese and spicy chicken inside. Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas bring together two beloved comfort foods into one irresistible package. You get spicy tang from buffalo sauce melding with tender chicken and creamy cheese in every bite. The tortilla wraps it all up in a golden crisp shell that almost snaps when you bite in. It is a flavor journey that brings life to any casual dinner or crowd pleasing appetizer. Anyone who loves buffalo wings or queso style treats will feel at home here. You do not need elaborate ingredients. A few staples from your kitchen and this simple recipe delivers bold flavor and ease of cooking. It looks fancy enough for guests yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. You will feel like a pro making these. You will also feel proud serving them. This article shares the expert tips you need. You will learn how to build flavors. You will learn how to cook them just right. You will know how to tweak the recipe to suit your taste. You will know how to serve them with style. This is your guide to mastering a favorite that feels fresh yet familiar.

Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas

Ingredients Needed

Below is a table that lists everything you need and the approximate calorie count of each ingredient. This helps you see how calories add up while keeping things transparent and easy to plan.

IngredientAmountApproximate Calories
Tortillas (large flour)4 pieces (about 60 g each)150 kcal each
Cooked chicken breast2 cups shredded300 kcal total
Buffalo sauce½ cup100 kcal
Shredded cheddar cheese1 cup440 kcal
Shredded mozzarella1 cup330 kcal
Butter or oil2 tablespoons200 kcal total
Green onions2 tablespoons chopped5 kcal
Optional ranch or blue cheese dressingfor serving100 kcal per 2 tablespoons

Step by Step Cooking Instructions

Begin by making sure your chicken is cooked and shredded well. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or poach fresh chicken breasts gently in water until fully done then shred with forks. Combine the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce in a bowl. Stir until every strand of chicken glistens with sauce.

Set a large skillet over medium heat. Add half the butter or oil. While that heats, lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese evenly over the tortilla. Top with shredded chicken and half of the mozzarella. Scatter green onions if using. Add a little more cheese on top so it melts and acts like a glue.

Gently place the topped tortilla into the hot skillet. Let it cook until the cheese melts and the bottom turns golden brown. That takes around two to three minutes. Lift the edge with a spatula to peek. Once golden, slide the tortilla carefully onto a plate. Now place another tortilla on top or flip the first tortilla over onto the top tortilla in the skillet. Press gently so the two tortillas stick together around the cheesy filling. Cook another two minutes until the second side is also golden and crisp.

Transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board. Let it rest for a minute. That short pause helps the cheese set just enough to slice cleanly. Cut into wedges with a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Repeat the process with remaining tortillas and filling. Keep the cooked quesadillas covered lightly with foil so they stay warm while you finish.

Step by Step Cooking Instructions

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas work with many variations. You can swap spicy buffalo sauce for sweet barbecue sauce for a tangy twist. A creamy garlic sauce gives a more mellow flavor. For heat lovers you can mix in chopped jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce. You can change the cheeses too. Pepper jack adds a spicy kick. A blend of Monterey Jack and provolone gives a smooth melt. If you prefer something lighter you can use reduced fat cheese and whole wheat tortillas. Add vegetables like thinly sliced bell peppers or onions for crunch and extra nutrients. For a richer texture you can stir in a spoonful of cream cheese into the buffalo chicken mixture before building the quesadilla. To make it gluten free just use corn tortillas or certified gluten free tortillas and press lightly to seal so filling does not escape. You can even turn it into a full meal by serving with sides like celery sticks and carrot sticks for that classic buffalo combo. You can add avocado slices after cooking for a cool creamy contrast.


Nutritional Information

This recipe yields four quesadillas. Each quesadilla contains approximately:

  • Tortilla 150 kcal
  • Chicken with buffalo sauce (portion) 100 kcal
  • Cheddar cheese (portion) 110 kcal
  • Mozzarella cheese (portion) 165 kcal
  • Butter or oil used in cooking (portion) 50 kcal
  • Green onions negligible

Estimated per quesadilla: around 575 kcal.

If you serve with two tablespoons of ranch or blue cheese dressing that adds roughly 100 more calories. If you choose lighter options, like lower calorie tortillas or cheeses, you can bring each serving down to around 450–500 kcal. Vegetables like peppers or onions add minimal calories while boosting fiber and vitamins. Adjust sauces and spreads carefully to control hidden calories.

Nutritional Information

Serving Suggestions

Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas pair perfectly with classic side elements. You can offer celery sticks and carrot sticks for crunch and freshness. A small bowl of blue cheese or ranch dressing works nicely for dipping. If you want more heft you can serve a side of crisp salad with iceberg or romaine lettuce dressed with light vinaigrette. For spice lovers a few pickled jalapeno slices add zing. Garnish the quesadillas with chopped cilantro or green onions for color. You can offer lime wedges on the side for a fresh citrus splash. If serving them as a casual appetizer for guests, cut each quesadilla into smaller triangles and arrange on a platter around a bit of salad garnish. Include a small bowl of buffalo or ranch dressing in the center for dipping. For a full meal just serve two quesadillas per person alongside your favorite sides. Add a light soup or chili for a heartier dinner.

Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe | Easy, Cheesy, and Packed with Flavor

Recipe by Shawn MichaleCourse: Blog
Servings

4 quesadillas

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

575 kcal

kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 large flour tortillas

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast

  • ½ cup buffalo sauce

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 2 tablespoons butter or cooking oil

  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)

  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving (optional)

Directions

  • In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until fully coated.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Place one tortilla flat on a clean surface.
  • Sprinkle half the cheddar cheese on one half of the tortilla.
  • Spoon buffalo chicken evenly over the cheese.
  • Add mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken.
  • Sprinkle green onions if using.
  • Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling.
  • Carefully place the folded tortilla in the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
  • Remove from pan and let sit for 1 minute before slicing.
  • Repeat with remaining ingredients.
  • Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, press the quesadillas gently with a spatula while cooking. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. Adjust the level of heat by choosing mild or hot buffalo sauce. Add bell peppers or jalapeños if you like a spicier twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy are these quesadillas
The heat depends entirely on the buffalo sauce you use. For mild spice pick a mild buffalo sauce. For a fiery dish try a hot sauce or even extra hot sauce. You can always tone it down with a dollop of ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Can I make these ahead of time
Yes you can prep the buffalo chicken mixture earlier in the day and store it in the fridge. When you are ready just build and cook the quesadillas. Doing this cuts cooking time in half when hunger strikes.

Can I bake quesadillas instead of frying
Absolutely. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush tortillas lightly with oil on one side. Build quesadillas as usual then place on a baking sheet. Bake about six to eight minutes flipping halfway through until golden and cheese melts.

Can I freeze them
You can freeze fully cooked quesadillas. Let them cool then wrap each one in parchment or foil. Freeze in a single layer. To reheat, unwrap and warm in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about ten minutes until heated through and crispy again.

Can I use shredded rotisserie chicken
Yes using shredded rotisserie chicken is an easy shortcut. Just mix it with buffalo sauce and proceed with the recipe.


Conclusion

You have just discovered a recipe that blends comfort with excitement. Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas fill your kitchen with rich aroma. They offer spicy tang, melty cheese and golden crispness all wrapped in a simple tortilla. Anyone can make them easily. You can tweak them boldly to suit your tastes. They serve beautifully at dinner or as a snack at a casual gathering. Try customizing cheeses or sauces. Add vegetables for depth or sides for freshness. These quesadillas bring flavor and ease together. They invite smiles around the table. You will find yourself coming back to them often.

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