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
