If you’re looking for the ultimate combination of spicy, cheesy, and downright irresistible, Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas are the answer to your comfort food cravings. Melty cheese, zippy buffalo sauce, juicy shredded chicken, and golden, crispy tortillas come together in a dish that’s as bold in flavor as it is easy to make. Whether you’re feeding game day friends, hungry kids after school, or just spicing up your weeknight dinner routine, these quesadillas deliver a satisfying, restaurant-worthy experience in just minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas rely on a short ingredient list, but each element plays a starring role. These kitchen staples bring fire, creaminess, gooey texture, and that unmistakable quesadilla crunch—making every bite memorable.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie or leftover chicken makes this super fast, absorbing the tangy sauce perfectly.
- Buffalo hot sauce: This is the flavor backbone; pick your favorite for just the right level of heat and tang.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Adds creamy, cooling contrast and that signature buffalo chicken vibe.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, giving the filling luscious pull.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Provides sharpness and color, balancing out the mozzarella.
- Large flour tortillas: Sturdy and soft, these hold all the filling without splitting or tearing.
- Butter or olive oil (for cooking): Builds a golden, crispy crust on the outside of each quesadilla.
- Chopped green onions or cilantro (optional): Fresh garnish brings brightness and a pop of color.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
Step 1: Toss the Chicken in Buffalo Sauce
Start by combining your shredded chicken with buffalo hot sauce and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Stir until everything is evenly coated—you want every bite to pack a punch of creamy, spicy flavor. This step is where the magic begins, infusing the chicken with that signature Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas kick.
Step 2: Prep the Skillet
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a bit of butter or olive oil. This ensures your tortillas will crisp up beautifully, delivering that golden crunch in every bite without sticking to the pan.
Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas
Lay a tortilla flat in the hot skillet. Scatter an even layer of both mozzarella and cheddar on one half of the tortilla—this forms a gooey cheese base. Spoon a quarter of the buffalo chicken mixture on top of the cheese. Add another layer of cheese for maximum melt, then fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape.
Step 4: Cook Until Crispy and Melty
Press down gently on the folded quesadilla and let it cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the outside is golden brown and the cheese inside is perfectly melted. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning while ensuring the cheese gets gooey.
Step 5: Repeat and Slice
Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling. Once all your Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas are crisped and melty, transfer them to a cutting board. Let them cool for a minute, then slice each into wedges for the ultimate hand-held feast.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
Garnishes
Finish your quesadillas with a shower of chopped green onions or fresh cilantro. Not only do they brighten up the plate visually, but they add a fresh, herbal note that balances the richness. A drizzle of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on top makes each wedge feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Serve Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas with crisp celery sticks or carrot spears for that classic buffalo pairing. For a more substantial meal, a side of coleslaw, mixed green salad, or even crispy tater tots hit the mark. Don’t forget a side of extra dipping sauce—ranch, blue cheese, or even a cool avocado crema.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack quesadilla wedges on a platter with rainbow veggies for a playful, layered look. Or, serve as part of a game day spread, arranging quesadillas in a spiral with dipping sauces in the center for easy grab-and-dip fun. For a crowd, try cutting mini quesadillas with a round cutter and skewer them for party-friendly bites—it’s a Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas twist that always wows guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extra Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas (a big “if”!), allow them to cool completely before storing. Stack them in an airtight container with parchment between layers to keep them from sticking. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days, making a perfect grab-and-go snack.
Freezing
Want to prep ahead? Freeze cooked quesadillas in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. This way, they won’t clump together. They’ll keep their flavor beautifully for up to two months and can be heated up anytime the craving strikes.
Reheating
To revive that crispy tortilla and melty cheese, reheat Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat until heated through and crisp on the outside. You can also pop them in a toaster oven or a conventional oven at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes. The microwave works too, but the tortillas may soften rather than stay crispy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is one of my favorite time-saving hacks for Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas. It shreds easily, absorbs the sauce well, and brings plenty of juicy flavor so you can get dinner on the table in record speed.
What’s the best cheese for these quesadillas?
The combination of mozzarella and cheddar is classic, providing both stretch and sharpness. You can also experiment with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a slightly different flavor or extra kick.
How do I keep quesadillas crispy when serving a crowd?
Lay cooked quesadillas in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, then keep warm in a low oven (about 200°F). This helps air circulate and keeps the tortillas crisp until you’re ready to serve your hungry guests.
Can I make these Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas spicy or mild?
Yes! Control the heat by choosing your favorite buffalo sauce—mild, medium, or hot. For extra spice, add a small pinch of cayenne or sliced jalapeños to the filling. Prefer milder flavor? Add a bit more ranch or blue cheese dressing to mellow things out.
Are Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas kid-friendly?
With a few tweaks, definitely. Choose a mild wing sauce and more cheese for little taste buds, and maybe serve the dressing on the side for dipping. Kids love food they can pick up, so these quesadillas are always a fun family favorite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to turn up the flavor and fun, Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas are calling your name. They’re quick, satisfying, and endlessly customizable—a true game changer for busy nights or casual entertaining. Gather your ingredients and give them a whirl; your next favorite meal is waiting right in your skillet!
PrintBuffalo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
These Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas are a perfect blend of spicy and cheesy flavors in a handheld treat. Great for game day or any casual get-together!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 quesadillas 1x
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Buffalo Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/3 cup buffalo hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons ranch or blue cheese dressing
For the Quesadillas:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil (for cooking)
- chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Buffalo Chicken: In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing until well coated.
- Cook the Quesadillas: Heat a skillet, place a tortilla, sprinkle cheese on half, add buffalo chicken, more cheese, fold, cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese melts. Repeat for remaining tortillas.
- Serve: Slice into wedges, garnish with green onions or cilantro, and serve warm.
Notes
- Serve with extra ranch, blue cheese dressing, or celery sticks for a classic buffalo combo.
- Great with leftover or rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg