Forget greasy takeout and complicated recipes! This Buffalo Chicken Sheet Pan Quesadilla recipe is your new go-to for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious game-day snack or meal. It's customizable to your spice preference, perfect for feeding a crowd, and delivers all the cheesy, spicy, and satisfying goodness of buffalo chicken without the mess.
This recipe leverages the efficiency of sheet pan cooking, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. We'll cover everything from ingredient selection to cooking tips and variations, ensuring you create the perfect Buffalo Chicken Sheet Pan Quesadilla every time.
What Makes This Recipe So Great?
- Easy Cleanup: One pan means minimal dishes – perfect for busy weeknights or post-game celebrations.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Easily scalable to feed a small gathering or a large party.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level to your liking, add different cheeses, or incorporate your favorite veggies.
- Quick & Convenient: From prep to plate, this recipe is surprisingly fast.
- Deliciously Flavorful: The perfect blend of spicy buffalo chicken, melty cheese, and warm tortillas is irresistible.
Ingredients You'll Need:
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For the Buffalo Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank's RedHot is a classic!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
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For the Quesadillas:
- 10-12 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite blend)
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, but highly recommended!)
- Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Spread the chicken in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
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Bake the Chicken: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned.
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Toss with Buffalo Sauce: Remove the chicken from the oven and toss it with the buffalo wing sauce.
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Assemble the Quesadillas: Lay out your tortillas. Divide the buffalo chicken evenly among half of the tortillas. Top with cheddar and blue cheese (if using). Fold the tortillas in half.
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Bake the Quesadillas: Place the quesadillas on the same baking sheet (you may need to work in batches depending on the size of your baking sheet). Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tortillas are golden brown.
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Serve & Enjoy: Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, mozzarella, or any cheese that melts well. A blend of cheeses often creates the most delicious result.
What if I don't have a large baking sheet?
You can bake the chicken and quesadillas in batches on smaller baking sheets. Just be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will prevent even cooking.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the buffalo chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the quesadillas right before baking for the best results.
How can I make these spicier?
Add more buffalo wing sauce to the chicken, or use a spicier brand of buffalo sauce. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning.
What are some other variations I can try?
Add some chopped vegetables like onions, peppers, or celery to the chicken mixture. Experiment with different dipping sauces, such as sour cream, guacamole, or a spicy mayo.
This Buffalo Chicken Sheet Pan Quesadilla recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity and adaptability make it perfect for any occasion. So fire up your oven and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious and easy meal!
