
It’s no surprise that more and more people are becoming budget conscious. After all, prices keep going up without any sign of relief. I’m one of the few lucky ones who doesn’t live paycheck to paycheck, but it hasn’t always been this way. Earning my college degree while trying to afford groceries was no easy feat, and I relied on canned foods a lot, including canned chicken. That is what makes these Buffalo Chicken Dip Quesadillas more affordable. Not only is it cheaper than buying fresh chicken breast, it makes dinner much quicker to prepare, something essential to most households, whether you are running to your next class, feeding your kids right before evening activities, or just plain exhausted from working all day. That is why #SundaySupper is bringing you budget-friendly recipe ideas to help you and your family survive in this economy.

I got the idea to turn buffalo chicken dip into quesadillas from Lane of Supper For A Steal when she mentioned about making quesadillas with my jalapeno popper dip. Since dip isn’t acceptable for a meal, shoving it into tortillas makes it all better. Quesadillas can be dinner if you pair it with vegetables or rice for a side. They also make great appetizers for a party, especially with the various sports games going on. Super Bowl, March Madness, that random hockey game. Or if you don’t watch sports, have movie night. Or a just-because-I-can party.

Cream cheese is hit or miss with being cheap. My grocery store recently put it on sale for 99 cents each, and that’s when I stock up. I think right now I have 6 blocks of cream cheese for both dinner and dessert ideas. Normally cream cheese is almost $2 a block! To make it a little healthier, you can use the Neufchatel cheese, which is lower in fat than regular cream cheese. I tried to incorporate some vegetables by using green pepper. You can substitute celery as well.

According to my grocery bill, these Buffalo Chicken Dip Quesadillas cost me roughly $8. Of course prices may vary on location, availability, prices, and sales, but if you time it correctly, these quesadillas make an affordable (and fun!) meal.

Buffalo Chicken Dip Quesadillas
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, chopped (roughly 1/2 cup)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (12.5 ounce) can of chicken breast in water, drained and broken into smaller pieces
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into 16 pieces
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 10 flour tortillas
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt butter. Add onion, garlic, and green pepper. Cook for 5 minutes. Add the chicken, hot sauce, and ranch. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes. Add in cream cheese, a few pieces at a time, and stir until melted and smooth. Stir in cheese and cook until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat.
- In another large skillet, place one tortilla. Spread some of the dip on top then top with another tortilla (alternatively, you can place one tortilla down, spread some of the dip on only half of the tortilla, then fold the remaining half over it). Cook until the bottom is brown. Flip the tortilla and cook until the other side is brown. Remove and cut. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Notes
© Chocolate Moosey. All images and content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to republish a recipe, please rewrite it in your own words or link back to the post for the recipe.
If you liked these Buffalo Chicken Dip Quesadillas, you may also like these recipes:
- Stovetop Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese (also budget friendly!)
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Summer Squash and Mushroom Quesadillas (budget friendly during the summer)
Renee says
Brilliant idea to make the quesadillas with the dip. Plus it’s a great change from regular Mexican flavored ones. Cheese, spicy goodness for sure.
Carla says
It’s amazing what you can stuff into a quesadilla, right? Thanks Renee!
Lane @ Supper for a Steal says
This is like the perfect quesadilla! I seriously want to hid a little buffalo chicken dip next time I make it and shove it in the tortilla.
Carla says
I had to stop myself from eating the dip itself so I could take pictures haha thanks Lane!
Jen @JuanitasCocina says
Girl, I need two of these.
Carla says
Me too ;) thanks!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
You have to admit this is one of the best dishes! I love Buffalo Chicken Dip and in quesadillas is so perfect!!
Carla says
Probably one of my favorite dinners so far! Thanks Jennifer.
Wendy (The Weekend Gourmet) says
We always have tortillas in the house…all of these ingredients, actually. Hubs would love these with the NBA playoffs coming soon!!
Carla says
Oh great idea! Thanks Wendy!
Family Foodie says
How fun! We make quesadillas all the time at our house and look forward to trying this recipe!
Carla says
Quesadilla party! Thanks Isabel.
Bea says
Sounds and looks amazing, Carla.
Carla says
Thanks Bea!
Liz says
Cheesy, spicy, full flavored, and oh, so yummy! Love your quesadillas!
Carla says
Thanks Liz!
Diana @GourmetDrizzles says
Mmmmm!!! Carla, this looks and sounds incredible. Total comfort, yummy, budget-friendly food ;-)
Carla says
Thanks Diana!
Dorothy at ShockinglyDelicious says
Great idea!
Carla says
Thanks Dorothy!
Tammi @ Momma's Meals says
These have me and my husband written all over it!! YUMMY!!!!
Carla says
Thanks Tammi!
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
good switch up on a standard quesadilla!
Carla says
Thanks Cindy!
Laura | Small Wallet, Big Appetite says
Hubby would love it is we are more Buffalo recipes, this looks like a great new way to get that flavour.
Carla says
Definitely one of my new favorite dinners. Thanks Laura!
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
Carla, this is one good lookin’ quesadilla. I love buffalo chicken dip! Yum!
Carla says
Thanks Jennie!
Sarah Reid, RHNC (@jo_jo_ba) says
Used to love buffalo chicken, I miss it now when the fam comes home from the local wing joint!
Carla says
Aw I’m sorry. I’ll eat one in your honor!
Conni @FoodieArmyWife says
What a lovely twist on this dish!
Carla says
Thanks Conni!
Melissa says
Is there a way to do this in the crockpot? Sounds amazing!
Carla says
I don’t have experience with cooking in a crock pot. Are you looking to “set and forget it” for the day? You can cook the filling in the crock pot as directed then leave it in there and keep it on warm on the lowest setting, but I wouldn’t recommend leaving it in there to cook for 6-8 hours.
Melissa says
I made this yesterday- without the crockpot- and it was amazing! Probably won’t eat quesadillas any other way. Thank you!
Carla says
Awesome! So happy you enjoyed it :)
Teresa Steward says
Dear Sally,
Have been looking for a dip recipe similar to cracker barrel’ s for their quesadillas do you have anything similar. Just not real spicey hot. Love both Philly and chicken Alfredo ideas for quesadillas can’t wait to try them both!
Carla says
Hi Teresa – I’m not familiar with Cracker Barrel’s dip recipe. Can you describe it for me?
Kabrina says
The link on this page for the buffalo chicken dip isn’t working.
Carla says
Thank you – fixed now!
Kabrina Harwell says
Awesome! I can’t wait to make this! Thank you!