Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla Surprise

Name: Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla Surprise
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 1/2 cup buffalo sauce; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 4 large flour tortillas; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; Ranch dressing or blue cheese for serving; Cooking spray or oil for frying

Highlighted under: Simple Speedy Plates

I absolutely love making Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla Surprise for a quick meal that packs a punch! The spicy buffalo sauce combined with tender chicken and gooey cheese makes for a delightful bite every time. It's perfect for gatherings or when I want to indulge in some comfort food. I typically serve it with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side to balance the flavors and add a creamy touch. If you're a fan of bold flavors, this is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-01-23T20:54:27.402Z

When I first decided to make Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas for dinner, I was looking for a quick, satisfying meal. I used rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time, which worked brilliantly. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce and cheese melts into every corner of the tortilla, creating a dish that is both crunchy and cheesy. I topped it with fresh diced green onions for a little crunch that complements the creamy texture.

I discovered that the key to getting them perfectly crispy is to cook them on medium-high heat, ensuring the tortillas get that golden crust without burning. Pairing these quesadillas with tangy ranch dressing adds a nice balance that keeps everyone asking for seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Spicy buffalo flavor that excites your taste buds
Cheesy goodness encapsulated in a crispy tortilla
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights

Preparing the Chicken

Using rotisserie chicken saves a significant amount of time, but it's crucial to ensure it's well-shredded for even distribution of flavor throughout the quesadilla. You can also use leftover grilled or baked chicken if you have any on hand—just ensure that it’s moist enough, as dryer chicken can lead to a less enjoyable texture. If you're short on time, tossing the chicken with the buffalo sauce while still warm allows it to soak up the flavor quickly, enhancing each bite.

When it comes to the buffalo sauce, feel free to experiment with the heat level. If you prefer a milder quesadilla, you can blend the buffalo sauce with a little ranch dressing or use a milder hot sauce as a base. This adjustment yields a subtle buffalo flavor that complements the cheese without overpowering the dish. Just remember to mix in the sauce thoroughly; an uneven coating can lead to some bites being very spicy and others lacking flavor.

Achieving Perfect Quesadillas

The tortilla choice is vital for creating a perfectly crispy quesadilla. A large flour tortilla works well due to its flexibility and durability to hold the ingredients. When layering, start with a generous amount of cheese on both sides of the chicken mixture, ensuring that when cooked, the melting cheese binds the tortillas together. This not only enhances flavor but also ensures that the filled quesadilla doesn't fall apart while being flipped.

Cook the quesadilla on medium-high heat to achieve golden, crispy edges. Don’t rush this process; cooking too quickly can result in burnt tortillas while leaving the cheese barely melted. Use a spatula to press down gently on the quesadilla during cooking to help everything meld together. If you’re cooking multiple quesadillas, keep the first ones warm in a low oven while you finish up the rest, preventing them from getting soggy.

Ingredients

Here's what you need to whip up these delicious quesadillas:

Ingredients

2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 large flour tortillas
1/4 cup chopped green onions
Ranch dressing or blue cheese for serving
Cooking spray or oil for frying

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your quesadillas:

Mix Chicken with Sauce

In a bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken with buffalo sauce. Stir until all the chicken is evenly coated.

Assemble Quesadillas

Lay one tortilla flat and sprinkle a layer of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Add a portion of the buffalo chicken mixture on top, then sprinkle more cheese and a few chopped green onions. Top with another tortilla.

Cook the Quesadilla

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and lightly grease it. Carefully place the assembled quesadilla in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Serve

Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and cut it into wedges. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add some diced jalapeños or serve with chili flakes. These quesadillas also freeze well – simply cook and freeze, then reheat in the toaster oven for a quick meal!

Serving and Pairing

Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla Surprise pairs wonderfully with spicy or creamy dipping sauces. My favorite is a classic ranch dressing, as it provides a cooling effect against the heat of the buffalo sauce. Alternatively, a blue cheese dressing adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the overall taste profile seamlessly. You can also consider fresh veggies like carrot and celery sticks on the side for a refreshing crunch.

For a more tailored experience, try serving each quesadilla with a variety of dipping options. You could create a dipping bar with different sauces like a honey mustard or a sriracha aioli. This adds an interactive element to your meal, making it more fun for gatherings or movie nights at home.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftover quesadillas, they're easy to store! Allow them to cool completely, then keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For optimal freshness, you might want to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to eat, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy again—a method that retains their wonderful texture.

Alternatively, you can freeze assembled but un-cooked quesadillas for later. Just assemble them, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer-safe bag. To cook from frozen, just pop them in the skillet; increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they heat thoroughly without burning. This makes for an easy weeknight meal when you want the flavor of freshly made quesadillas without the prep time.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use cooked frozen chicken. Just thaw and shred it before mixing with the buffalo sauce.

→ What if I don't have buffalo sauce?

You can substitute with other hot sauces like sriracha or even a blend of barbecue sauce and hot sauce.

→ Can these be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the quesadillas ahead of time and cook them just before serving.

→ What sides go well with buffalo chicken quesadillas?

They pair well with a fresh salad, veggie sticks, or potato wedges for a complete meal.