Copycat Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
Introduction
This Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla is a quick and tasty way to enjoy a beloved fast-food favorite at home. With tender chicken, melted cheese, and a creamy sauce wrapped in a crispy tortilla, it’s perfect for a satisfying snack or meal.
Ingredients
- Flour tortillas (large)
- Cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Creamy sauce (such as a spicy mayo or ranch dressing)
Instructions
- Step 1: Lay a tortilla flat and spread a thin layer of creamy sauce evenly over one side.
- Step 2: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the sauce, then add the chicken on top.
- Step 3: Top with another tortilla and press gently to seal.
- Step 4: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook the quesadilla for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas are golden and crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, let cool for a minute, then slice into wedges and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add diced onions, jalapeños, or a sprinkle of taco seasoning to the chicken before cooking.
- Use sour cream or guacamole as a dip to complement the quesadilla.
- Try different cheese blends like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist.
- To make it vegetarian, swap chicken with sautéed mushrooms or black beans.
Storage
Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to retain crispiness or microwave briefly if short on time.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use tortillas other than flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat or corn tortillas, but flour tortillas tend to crisp up better and are easier to fold without breaking.
What kind of creamy sauce works best?
A simple blend of mayonnaise with a bit of hot sauce or ranch dressing works well to mimic the original Taco Bell flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorite creamy condiments.
PrintCopycat Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
This Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla recipe recreates the iconic fast-food favorite at home, featuring tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a crispy tortilla. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that captures the authentic flavors of Taco Bell’s popular quesadilla.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 quesadillas (8 servings) 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients
Tortillas
- 4 large flour tortillas
Chicken
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a blend of Monterey Jack and Cheddar)
Creamy Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon mild taco sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the creamy sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, taco sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until smooth and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the quesadilla: Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the creamy sauce evenly over half of the tortilla. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded cheese on top of the sauce, and then add a generous layer of shredded chicken. Top with another 1/4 cup of cheese and fold the tortilla in half to cover the fillings.
- Cook until crispy: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the folded quesadilla into the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the cheese has melted.
- Slice and serve: Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it cool slightly. Slice into wedges and serve warm with additional creamy sauce, salsa, or sour cream if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, season the chicken with taco seasoning before cooking.
- You can substitute the chicken with beef, steak, or keep it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding sautéed vegetables.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for a crispier quesadilla crust.
- To keep the quesadilla warm before serving, place it on a baking sheet in a 200°F (93°C) oven.
Keywords: Copycat Taco Bell quesadilla, homemade quesadilla, chicken quesadilla, crispy quesadilla, fast food copycat
