Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

Taco Bell’s Chicken Quesadilla is a fan favorite, known for its perfectly grilled tortilla, tender chicken, melty cheese, and that creamy, tangy quesadilla sauce. If you’ve ever craved this delicious item at home, you’re in for a treat. This guide will show you how to recreate the Taco Bell classic in your own kitchen with easy-to-follow steps, customizable options, and tips for perfecting every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Authentic Taste: Recreate the exact flavors of Taco Bell’s quesadilla, including the signature creamy jalapeño sauce.
2. Simple Ingredients: No hard-to-find items—everything you need is likely already in your pantry or fridge.
3. Quick to Make: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknights.
4. Customizable: Adjust the heat level, add your favorite toppings, or switch up the protein.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Jalapeño Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients
   • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped pickled jalapeños, jalapeño brine, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, and salt.
2. Taste and Adjust
   • Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. For more heat, add additional jalapeños or brine.
3. Chill
   • Refrigerate the sauce for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cook or Reheat
   • Use pre-cooked shredded chicken, or cook and season fresh chicken. For a Taco Bell-inspired flavor, season with a mix of paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt.
2. Dice or Shred
   • Once cooked, shred or dice the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Assemble the Quesadilla

1. Lay Out Tortillas
   • Place a tortilla on a clean, flat surface.
2. Spread Sauce
   • Spread 1–2 tablespoons of creamy jalapeño sauce evenly across half of the tortilla.
3. Add Chicken and Cheese
   • Top with a generous layer of shredded chicken and sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on top.
4. Fold
   • Fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently to seal the edges.

Step 4: Grill the Quesadilla

1. Heat the Skillet
   • Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil.
2. Cook the Quesadilla
   • Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted.
3. Repeat
   • Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

1. Cut into Wedges
   • Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the quesadilla into three or four wedges.
2. Serve with Dips
   • Serve with additional creamy jalapeño sauce, guacamole, salsa, or sour cream on the side.

Tips for Success

1. Even Cheese Distribution
   • Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed for a perfect melt.
2. Avoid Overfilling
   • Keep the fillings balanced to prevent the quesadilla from breaking.
3. Cook on Medium Heat
   • Medium heat ensures the tortilla crisps up without burning, while the cheese has time to melt.

Variations

1. Spicy Kick
   • Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
2. Vegetarian Option
   • Replace chicken with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a veggie-packed quesadilla.
3. Protein Swaps
   • Use steak, ground beef, or even shrimp instead of chicken.
4. Cheese Alternatives
   • Try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration

• Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Wrap each quesadilla individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, or use an oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
   • Absolutely! The sauce can be prepared up to three days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
2. What type of tortillas should I use?
   • Use large, soft flour tortillas for the best texture and flavor.
3. How do I prevent the quesadilla from getting soggy?
   • Make sure to cook the quesadilla on medium heat and avoid overloading it with sauce or moist ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair your quesadilla with a side of Mexican rice, a fresh salad, or tortilla chips with salsa.
• For beverages, serve with a refreshing margarita, horchata, or cold soda.

Conclusion

This homemade Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Recipe brings the flavors of your favorite fast-food item straight to your kitchen. With its creamy jalapeño sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese, this quesadilla will become a family favorite in no time.

Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to experiment with variations to make it your own!

Yield: 4

Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

Print

Taco Bell’s Chicken Quesadilla is a fan favorite, known for its perfectly grilled tortilla, tender chicken, melty cheese, and that creamy, tangy quesadilla sauce. If you’ve ever craved this delicious item at home, you’re in for a treat. This guide will show you how to recreate the Taco Bell classic in your own kitchen with easy-to-follow steps, customizable options, and tips for perfecting every bite.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Quesadilla:
• 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or diced
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 2 tablespoons butter, for cooking
• For the Creamy Jalapeño Sauce:
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeño juice
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped pickled jalapeños
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Make the Creamy Jalapeño Sauce
   In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, pickled jalapeño juice, chopped jalapeños, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt.
   Adjust seasoning to taste and set the sauce aside in the refrigerator.
   
2. Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
   If using uncooked chicken, season it with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cumin or taco seasoning. Cook it in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes per side), then shred or dice it.
   Set the cooked chicken aside.
   
3. Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas
   Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface.
   Spread a thin layer of the creamy jalapeño sauce evenly across the tortilla.
   Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded cheese over half of the tortilla.
   Top the cheese with a layer of chicken, followed by another ¼ cup of shredded cheese.
   
4. Step 4: Cook the Quesadillas
   Fold the tortilla in half to create a half-moon shape.
   Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt ½ tablespoon of butter.
   Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
   Repeat for the remaining quesadillas, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.
   
5. Step 5: Serve
   Cut each quesadilla into three or four wedges using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
   Serve hot with additional creamy jalapeño sauce, salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.

Notes

• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or sliced fresh jalapeños for extra heat.
• Cheese Blend: Use a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar for a creamy, melty texture.
• Quick Prep: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.