If you crave a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful quesadilla like Taco Bell’s, you can make it at home in just 20 minutes! Packed with tender chicken, three cheeses, and a zesty sauce, these quesadillas are quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. Perfect for a satisfying meal anytime!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Taco Bell-inspired chicken quesadilla is a comforting, savory treat with a crispy tortilla, melted cheese, juicy chicken, and the perfect balance of heat and smokiness from the sauce. It’s simple to make, and you can adjust the level of spiciness to suit your tastes. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a cheesy, crispy quesadilla ready to enjoy!
Ingredients
For the Protein:
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2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
For the Cheese Blend:
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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½ cup shredded American cheese
For the Sauce:
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¼ cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños, chopped
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½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
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¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Tortillas:
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4 large burrito-sized flour tortillas
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Make the Sauce
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In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chopped pickled jalapeños, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Prepare the Chicken
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If using fresh chicken, cook it thoroughly until tender. If using leftover or rotisserie chicken, simply warm it up to maintain juiciness. Shred or dice the chicken as preferred.
3. Heat the Skillet
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Heat a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat until it’s hot. This ensures even browning without burning the tortillas.
4. Assemble the Quesadillas
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Place one tortilla in the hot skillet.
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Spread half of the cheese blend evenly on one half of the tortilla.
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Add the chicken on top of the cheese, then spread the remaining cheese over the chicken.
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On the empty half of the tortilla, spread a thin layer of the prepared sauce.
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Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling.
5. Cook the Quesadillas
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Cook the quesadilla for about 3-4 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
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Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes, until it’s golden and the cheese is melted.
6. Let Rest & Serve
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Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it rest for about 1 minute to prevent cheese burns.
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Cut the quesadilla into wedges and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4 large quesadillas
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Kick – Add more pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra spicy twist.
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Vegetarian Version – Substitute the chicken with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian quesadilla.
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Add Guacamole or Sour Cream – Serve your quesadillas with a side of guacamole or sour cream for a creamy contrast to the spice.
Storage
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Storing Leftovers – Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them back in a skillet over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy again.
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Freezing – You can freeze the quesadillas before cooking. Wrap each one in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When ready to cook, thaw and cook as directed.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! You can experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for extra spice or mozzarella for a stringy melt.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, you can substitute with corn tortillas for a gluten-free option. Keep in mind that corn tortillas may be a bit more delicate than flour tortillas.
Can I use cooked chicken from a rotisserie?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds flavor to the quesadillas. Just shred it and add it to the quesadilla.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help the flavors meld even further.
Conclusion
These Taco Bell-inspired Chicken Quesadillas are a quick and easy meal that’s packed with flavor. Crispy, cheesy, and with just the right amount of spice from the zesty sauce, they’re perfect for a busy weeknight or a weekend treat. Whether you’re enjoying them solo or sharing them with friends, these quesadillas are sure to satisfy your cravings!
Print
Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 large quesadillas (1 per serving)
Description
This Taco Bell-inspired Chicken Quesadilla is a crispy, cheesy delight packed with seasoned chicken and a zesty sauce. With a blend of three cheeses and a touch of heat from pickled jalapeños, these quesadillas are a quick, flavorful meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Protein:
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
For the Cheese Blend:
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
½ cup shredded American cheese
For the Sauce:
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños, chopped
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Tortillas:
4 large burrito-sized flour tortillas
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, chopped pickled jalapeños, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Prepare the Chicken: If using fresh chicken, cook it until fully done and tender. If using leftover or rotisserie chicken, warm it slightly to maintain its juiciness.
Heat the Skillet: Heat a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat until hot to ensure even browning without burning the tortillas.
Assemble the Quesadilla: Place one tortilla in the skillet. Spread half of the cheese blend evenly over one half of the tortilla. Add the chicken, then top with the remaining cheese. Spread the prepared sauce on the empty half of the tortilla, then fold the tortilla over the filling.
Cook the Quesadilla: Cook until the bottom is golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook the other side until golden and the cheese has melted.
Rest and Serve: Remove from the skillet and let the quesadilla rest for about 1 minute to prevent cheese burns. Cut into wedges and serve warm.
Notes
Medium Heat: Use medium heat to avoid burning the tortillas while ensuring the cheese melts fully.
Make-Ahead Sauce: Prepare the sauce ahead of time to enhance the depth of flavor.
Rest the Quesadillas: Let the quesadillas rest briefly before cutting to make handling easier and ensure a better texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
