Bring the heat and the fun to your next gathering with this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla Ring—a bold, crowd-pleasing twist on classic party food! Loaded with spicy buffalo chicken, melty cheese, and folded into golden, crispy tortillas arranged in a stunning ring, this dish is as eye-catching as it is addictive. Whether you’re hosting game day, movie night, or just feeding a hungry crew, this quesadilla ring is the ultimate finger food that brings flavor and flair to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Bold Buffalo Flavor: Spicy, tangy chicken with just the right amount of heat in every bite.
Cheesy Goodness: Melted cheese pulls that make every piece ooey-gooey and irresistible.
Crispy & Golden: Perfectly baked tortillas for the ideal crunch factor.
Fun to Share: Designed for pulling apart and dipping—great for parties and casual hangouts.
Quick & Easy: Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and maximum payoff.
Ingredients
A flavor booster that makes everything better. Here’s what you’ll need:
Cooked, shredded chicken: This is the star of the show. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own for a fresher taste.
Buffalo sauce: The key to that spicy kick! Choose your favorite brand or make your own for a personalized touch.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the buffalo sauce.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, creating that gooey texture we all love.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese brings creaminess to the mix, balancing the heat of the buffalo sauce.
Ranch dressing: A classic pairing with buffalo flavors, it adds a cool, creamy element to the quesadilla.
Garlic powder: A must-have for depth of flavor. It enhances the overall taste without overpowering it.
Onion powder: Similar to garlic powder, it adds a subtle sweetness and complexity.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate the dish, bringing all the flavors together.
Flour tortillas: These are the base of your quesadilla. Choose large ones for easy assembly.
Green onions and cilantro: These fresh herbs are optional but add a burst of color and freshness when garnishing.
For those looking to spice things up, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture. If you prefer a different flavor profile, barbecue sauce can be swapped in for the buffalo sauce, or you can mix both for a unique twist. Exact measurements for these ingredients can be found at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla Ring
Creating the Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla Ring is a straightforward process that will have your kitchen smelling amazing in no time. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious dish that’s sure to impress.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your quesadilla ring bakes evenly and gets that perfect golden-brown finish. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. The creamy texture of the cheeses mixed with the spicy buffalo sauce creates a mouthwatering filling that you won’t be able to resist.
Step 3: Assemble the Quesadilla
Now, place one tortilla on the prepared baking sheet. Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly over the tortilla, making sure to leave a small border around the edges. This helps prevent any filling from spilling out while baking. Next, top it with the second tortilla, pressing down gently. Spread the remaining chicken mixture on top of this tortilla, creating a delicious layer of flavor.
Step 4: Cut the Quesadilla
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the quesadilla into 8 equal wedges. Be careful not to cut all the way through to the bottom; this will help it hold its shape while baking. Think of it as creating a pizza, but with a spicy twist!
Step 5: Bake
It’s time to bake! Place the quesadilla in the preheated oven and let it bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the quesadilla from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to handle. Carefully pull apart the wedges, and don’t forget to garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro before serving. This adds a fresh touch that complements the spicy flavors beautifully.
Tips for Success
Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option—it’s already cooked and shredded!
Don’t skip the parchment paper; it prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
For extra flavor, let the chicken mixture sit for a few minutes before assembling.
Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy twist.
Serve with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping!
Equipment Needed
Baking sheet: A standard sheet works, but a pizza stone can give you a crispier bottom.
Parchment paper: Essential for easy cleanup; aluminum foil can be a substitute.
Large mixing bowl: Any bowl will do, but a deep one helps with mixing.
Sharp knife or pizza cutter: For cutting the quesadilla; kitchen scissors can also work.
Spatula: Handy for lifting the quesadilla out of the pan.
Variations of Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla Ring
Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture for an extra layer of heat that will make your taste buds dance.
BBQ Twist: Swap out the buffalo sauce for your favorite barbecue sauce for a sweeter, smoky flavor that’s equally delicious.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with black beans or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and onions for a hearty, meat-free version.
Cheese Lovers Delight: Mix in different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for a unique flavor profile that will keep everyone guessing.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free tortillas to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla Ring
Fresh Veggies: Serve with a side of crunchy carrot and celery sticks for a refreshing contrast.
Dipping Sauces: Offer ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping to enhance the flavors.
Chilled Beverages: Pair with cold beers or a zesty lemonade to balance the spice.
Presentation: Arrange wedges on a platter, garnished with extra cilantro for a pop of color.
FAQs about Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla Ring
Can I make the Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla Ring ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken mixture and assemble the quesadilla ring a few hours in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This makes it a perfect option for parties or busy weeknights.
What can I serve with the Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla Ring?
This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh veggies like carrot and celery sticks, along with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. A side salad or some tortilla chips can also complement the flavors nicely.
How spicy is the Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla Ring?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. If you love heat, stick with the buffalo sauce as is. For a milder version, you can mix in some barbecue sauce or reduce the amount of buffalo sauce used.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! If you have any leftovers, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in the oven until warmed through.
What’s the best way to reheat the Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla Ring?
The oven is your best bet for reheating. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake the quesadilla ring for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This will help keep the tortillas crispy!
Final Thoughts
Creating the Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla Ring is more than just cooking; it’s about bringing people together. The joy of watching friends and family dive into a dish that’s bursting with flavor is unmatched. Each bite is a delightful mix of spice and creaminess, making it a memorable experience. Whether it’s game night or a casual dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the deliciousness unfold. Trust me, once you serve this, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, and everyone will be asking for seconds!
A delicious and spicy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla Ring that is perfect for parties or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup ranch dressing
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large flour tortillas
1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Place one tortilla on the baking sheet. Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly over the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
Top with the second tortilla, pressing down gently. Spread the remaining chicken mixture on top of the second tortilla.
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the quesadilla into 8 equal wedges, but do not cut all the way through to the bottom. This will help it hold its shape while baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Carefully pull apart the wedges and garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro before serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
Substitute the buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile, or use a combination of both for a unique twist.
