Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas

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Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas are what happen when bold flavor meets effortless cooking. With a creamy, spicy filling stuffed between golden, crispy tortillas, this dish is the perfect answer to both busy weeknights and laid-back game day spreads. Melty cheese and tangy buffalo sauce coat the shredded chicken in every bite, delivering that signature kick without overpowering the comforting warmth of the tortillas.

What makes this recipe shine is its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients and a skillet to turn leftover or rotisserie chicken into a crave-worthy meal. It’s the kind of recipe you keep in your back pocket for when you want something satisfying, fast, and full of flavor.

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What Kind of Tortillas Should I Use?

Go for flour tortillas when making Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas. They’re soft, flexible, and brown beautifully in a skillet. They also hold up well to melty fillings without tearing. Choose medium or large-sized tortillas for the best folding and flipping ease. If you’re looking to reduce carbs or gluten, you can opt for a low-carb or gluten-free version—just make sure it’s sturdy enough to handle the filling.

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Ingredients for the Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas

• Shredded Cooked Chicken: This is the backbone of the quesadillas. Using rotisserie chicken makes it quicker, but any cooked shredded chicken works.
• Buffalo Sauce: Adds that essential heat and tang. Use your favorite brand, or make a quick homemade version.
• Cream Cheese: This smooths out the buffalo sauce and gives the filling a luscious, creamy texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: For a sharp, melty contrast to the spicy sauce. You can also mix in Monterey Jack for extra melt.
• Flour Tortillas: Crisp up perfectly in a skillet while keeping the gooey goodness tucked inside.
• Butter or Oil: Needed for pan-frying the quesadillas to a golden finish.

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How To Make the Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, and softened cream cheese. Stir until everything is evenly coated and creamy. This blend should be rich, spicy, and smooth—adjust the buffalo sauce to taste if you want it milder or hotter.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. Let it get hot enough to sizzle when a drop of water hits the surface.

Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas

Lay a tortilla flat and spread half of it with a generous scoop of the buffalo chicken mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then fold the tortilla over to close. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Place the folded quesadillas onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side, pressing slightly with a spatula, until the outside is golden brown and the cheese inside has melted.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Transfer cooked quesadillas to a cutting board. Let them rest for a minute before slicing into wedges. Serve hot with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

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Serving and Storing Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas

Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas are best served hot and crisp right off the skillet. Pair them with cooling dips like ranch or blue cheese dressing and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onion for color and freshness. They also make great finger food for parties when cut into smaller wedges.

If you have leftovers, allow the quesadillas to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a skillet or toaster oven to bring back their crispiness—microwaving is convenient, but it softens the tortillas.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the buffalo chicken mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble and cook the quesadillas just before serving.

What cheese is best for quesadillas?

Sharp cheddar is classic for bold flavor, but Monterey Jack or mozzarella add great melt. A combo of cheeses works beautifully here.

Can I use canned chicken?

Absolutely. Canned chicken is a convenient shortcut. Just drain it well and shred before mixing.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Quesadillas can be frozen after assembly but before cooking. Wrap tightly and freeze. Cook straight from frozen in a skillet, adding a couple of extra minutes.

What’s the best dip for these?

Ranch and blue cheese dressings are the go-to favorites. You can also try a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce or even sour cream with chives.

How do I make them spicier?

Add extra buffalo sauce or mix in some diced jalapeños or hot sauce with the filling.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love these bold and cheesy Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas, you’ll want to check out these other mouthwatering dinner options:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for a rich and indulgent meal.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine when you crave something tangy and hearty.
• One Skillet Spicy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta to keep that spicy kick going in pasta form.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes for a one-pan comfort dish.
• One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese for a fusion of classic favorites in every bite.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s easy to find when cravings strike!

And if you try these quesadillas, let me know how they turned out! Did you double up on cheese? Add extra spice? Maybe even tossed in some chopped bacon?

I’d love to hear your twist in the comments. And if you’re looking for more quick dinner inspiration, check out my daily pins and boards here: Life with Nina on Pinterest

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