Description
Crispy Bacon Ranch Chicken Queso Pockets: A Deliciously Loaded Handheld Delight
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded queso cheese blend
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 package of large flour tortillas
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Season the chicken breasts with the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bake the seasoned chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked through. Once the chicken is done, let it cool slightly, then use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, shredded queso cheese blend, and ranch dressing. Stir everything together until the filling is well mixed and evenly distributed.
3. Grab a large flour tortilla and place a generous scoop of the chicken-bacon-queso filling onto the center. Fold the sides of the tortilla in and then roll it up tightly to form a pocket.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and spray it with a light coating of cooking oil or olive oil. Place the assembled queso pockets into the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
5. Once the Crispy Bacon Ranch Chicken Queso Pockets are cooked to perfection, slice them in half and serve them warm, with extra ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
To ensure your Crispy Bacon Ranch Chicken Queso Pockets turn out absolutely delicious, here are a few tips:
Juicy Chicken: Baking the chicken breasts with the seasoning blend helps lock in moisture and flavor, making the shredded chicken extra juicy and flavorful.
Crispy Tortillas: Pan-frying the assembled pockets gives them a delightfully crispy exterior, while the interior remains warm and gooey.
Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, such as cumin, chili powder, or cajun seasoning, to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
Alternative Cooking Methods: For a healthier option, you can also air fry the queso pockets at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking/Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pocket
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg