My son’s favorite thing to order from Chili’s is the Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadilla and he asked if we could make it for dinner.

Ummmmm……. “Great idea!  Dang you’re smart!.. why didn’t I think of that??? …. and, Yes, of course… we have the ingredients anyway!”

It was easy to throw together and everyone loved it so I’m filing it under “Apps and Sides” because although it was great for dinner, it’d be even better as an appetizer!

 

You need the following:

• Flour Tortillas
• Sliced Chicken
• Cumin blend or Taco Seasoning
• Crumbled Bacon
• Ranch Dressing
• Shredded Cheese

The following are optional but recommended as garnishes:

• Sour Cream
• Jalapenos
• Pico de Gallo or Salsa

(For the Pico I diced up a medium tomato, 1/4 of a red onion, and then added a splash of lemon juice, garlic salt and cumin – easy enough if you have similar items handy!)

 

 

I had jumbo tortillas so I wound up folding them in half.  If you use regular size tortillas make sure to put ranch on both of them.

 

Then add crumbled bacon.

I used real leftover bacon but, Hormel’s crumbled bacon would be good too. 🙂

“Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon.”

– Doug Larson

 

Then add sliced chicken.

Note:  You can buy pre-cooked chicken, use a rotisserie chicken, use leftover chicken, or bake the chicken yourself.

Whatever you choose to do make sure you season the chicken with taco seasonings, or a blend of cumin, chili powder, and garlic salt.

 

Next add cheese.  I used 1/2 monterey jack and 1/2 medium cheddar.

 

Now cook over medium heat for a few minutes on each side making sure not to burn the tortilla.  It’s done when the cheese is melted and the chicken is warmed through.

Serve with garnishes such as salsa, jalapenos, sour cream, guacamole, etc.

 

I give Owen the credit…  he’s really clever to come up with this idea and the quesadillas were delicious!  My daughter requested them again for dinner the next night so I made one for her in less than 10 minutes using leftover chicken and bacon.  🙂

 

Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadilla

• 6-8 regular size Flour Tortillas
• 1 1/2 cups Sliced Chicken
• Taco Seasoning
• 1/3 cup Crumbled Bacon or Hormel Real Bacon Crumbles
• Ranch Dressing
• 2-3 cups Shredded Cheese, Mexican Blend or your preference

The following are optional but recommended as garnishes:

• Sour Cream
• Jalapenos
• Pico de Gallo or Salsa

(For the Pico I diced up a medium tomato, 1/4 of a red onion, and then added a splash of lemon juice, garlic salt and cumin – easy enough if you have similar items handy!)

Season the chicken with taco seasoning or a blend of cumin, chili and garlic salt.  Coat both sides of the tortilla with a generous amount of ranch.  Sprinkle with bacon, then add the sliced chicken and then the cheese (amount vary depending on preference).  Coat the skillet with a splash of oil and cook each quesadilla over medium heat until the tortilla is browned, the cheese is melted and the chicken is warmed through.  Serve with garnishes.

Enjoy! 🙂

Serves 4-6