Looking for a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further than Pioneer Woman Chicken Quesadillas! Inspired by Ree Drummond’s approachable and delicious style, this sheet pan method transforms the classic quesadilla into a party-sized sensation. Perfect for game days, casual gatherings, or any time you need to feed a hungry group, these quesadillas are guaranteed to be a hit.
Close-up of a Chicken Sheet Pan Quesadilla slice with toppings, showcasing the melted cheese and flavorful filling.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this Pioneer Woman chicken quesadillas recipe is incredibly simple to follow. Forget flipping individual quesadillas – with this method, you bake one giant quesadilla in the oven, making it ideal for stress-free party prep. Imagine golden, crispy tortillas enveloping a savory chicken, bacon, and cheese filling, all ready to be sliced and devoured with your favorite toppings.
This recipe takes the essence of Ree Drummond’s home-style cooking – hearty, flavorful, and designed for sharing – and applies it to a beloved Tex-Mex classic. We’ve taken inspiration from classic recipes to create a chicken sheet pan quesadillas dish that’s not only easy but also allows for tons of customization. Want to make it vegetarian? Swap out the chicken. Craving extra spice? Add some jalapeños or hot sauce. The possibilities are endless!
Serve these Pioneer Woman chicken quesadillas with a dollop of guacamole, a spoonful of pico de gallo, or a side of sour cream for dipping. Get ready to impress your guests with this fun, flavorful, and fuss-free party food. Let’s get cooking!
Why Pioneer Woman Chicken Quesadillas Are a Must-Try
Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is known for her down-to-earth recipes that are perfect for family gatherings and casual entertaining. Her style emphasizes big flavors and easy techniques, and this chicken sheet pan quesadillas recipe perfectly embodies that spirit. Here’s why this recipe is a winner:
- Feeds a Crowd: The sheet pan method is designed for parties. You can make a large batch all at once, saving you time and effort compared to making individual quesadillas.
- Easy to Customize: Just like many Pioneer Woman recipes, this one is flexible. You can easily adapt the filling to suit your preferences and dietary needs, from different proteins to vegetarian options.
- Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of chicken, bacon, cheese, and zesty seasonings creates a truly irresistible taste that everyone will love.
- Perfect for Game Day or Parties: Pioneer Woman chicken quesadillas are the ultimate party food – easy to eat, shareable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the filling in advance, making assembly and baking a breeze when your guests arrive.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman Chicken Quesadillas
To make these delicious Pioneer Woman chicken quesadillas, you’ll need the following ingredients. Feel free to adjust quantities based on your sheet pan size and desired filling thickness.
- Chicken: 1 pound cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great for convenience)
- Bacon: 6 slices, cooked and crumbled (optional, but adds incredible flavor)
- Veggies:
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, diced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh Cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Beans: 2 (15-ounce) cans pinto or black beans, rinsed and drained (or one of each)
- Sour Cream: 1 cup (for creamy filling)
- Cheese: 3-4 cups shredded Mexican blend or Pepper Jack cheese (or your favorite)
- Tortillas: 16 (10-inch) or 24 (8-inch) flour tortillas (enough to cover a large sheet pan)
- Melted Butter: For brushing tortillas
- Toppings for Serving: Guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa, sour cream, ranch dressing
Ingredients for Chicken Sheet Pan Quesadilla laid out on a counter, showcasing fresh vegetables, shredded chicken, cheese, and tortillas.
Ingredient Notes & Variations:
- Chicken Options: Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver, but leftover grilled or baked chicken works perfectly too. You can also sauté diced chicken breast if you prefer.
- Bacon Substitute: If you’re skipping bacon, use 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter to sauté the vegetables.
- Vegetgie Variations: Feel free to add other veggies like corn, diced onions, or mushrooms to the filling.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. For a milder version, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño.
- Cheese Choices: Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend of Mexican cheeses all work well. Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick.
- Tortilla Type: Flour tortillas are recommended for their flexibility and taste in quesadillas.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Chicken Quesadillas
Follow these simple steps to create your own Pioneer Woman chicken quesadillas masterpiece:
- Cook the Bacon (Optional): If using bacon, cook it in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, reserving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet. Crumble the cooked bacon.
- Sauté the Veggies: Heat the reserved bacon grease (or olive oil/butter) in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the white parts of the scallions, diced bell pepper, and jalapeño. Sauté for 5 minutes, until softened. Add minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Sauté for another 2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Combine the Chicken Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed veggie mixture, shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, rinsed and drained beans, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and the green parts of the scallions. Mix well to combine all ingredients. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Prep Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly brush a large 13×18 inch sheet pan with melted butter.
- Assemble the Quesadilla:
- Arrange tortillas around the perimeter of the sheet pan, overlapping them so that half of each tortilla hangs over the edge.
- Place two additional tortillas in the center of the pan to cover the bottom completely.
- Spread the chicken filling evenly over the tortillas on the sheet pan.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the chicken filling.
- Place two more tortillas overlapping in the center over the cheese layer.
- Fold the overhanging tortillas inward towards the center, covering the filling completely.
- Brush the top of the tortillas evenly with melted butter.
- Bake: Place another large baking sheet on top of the quesadilla to weigh it down (this helps the quesadilla cook evenly and become crispy). Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the top baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Carefully remove the sheet pan from the oven. Let the quesadilla cool slightly, then slice it into squares or triangles. Serve warm with your favorite toppings like guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa, and sour cream.
Tips for Perfect Pioneer Woman Chicken Quesadillas
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to load up the filling, too much filling can make the quesadilla soggy and difficult to bake evenly. Spread the filling in a relatively even layer.
- Weigh it Down: Using another baking sheet to weigh down the quesadilla during baking is crucial for achieving a crispy top and ensuring the cheese melts uniformly.
- Brush with Butter: Brushing the tortillas with melted butter before baking is key to getting that golden brown, crispy exterior.
- Serve Immediately: Pioneer Woman chicken quesadillas are best served hot and fresh when the cheese is melty and the tortillas are crispy.
- Pre-Prep for Efficiency: Cook the chicken and bacon, chop the veggies, and shred the cheese ahead of time to make assembly quick and easy, especially when preparing for a party.
Slicing and serving a large Chicken Sheet Pan Quesadilla, showcasing the portion sizes and ease of serving.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Your Chicken Quesadillas
Serving Suggestions:
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces like guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa (red or verde), sour cream, ranch dressing, or even a spicy queso dip.
- Side Dishes: Serve your Pioneer Woman chicken quesadillas with a side salad, Mexican rice, or black beans for a complete meal.
- Garnish: Garnish with extra cilantro, chopped scallions, or a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness.
Recipe Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Quesadillas: Add diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the chicken filling for a smoky heat.
- Vegetarian Quesadillas: Omit the chicken and bacon and add more vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, corn, or sweet potatoes. Black beans and cheese will provide plenty of protein.
- Beef or Pork Quesadillas: Substitute shredded cooked beef or pork for the chicken. Ground beef or chorizo are also great options.
- Shrimp Quesadillas: Sauté shrimp with taco seasoning and add to the quesadilla filling for a seafood twist.
- Different Cheese Blends: Experiment with different cheese combinations like Monterey Jack and cheddar, or a spicy blend with jalapeño jack.
Pioneer Woman chicken quesadillas are a fantastic and versatile recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a hit, this sheet pan quesadilla recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a Tex-Mex feast that everyone will love!
