Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla

Featured in Satisfying Main Courses.

Mix mayo, sour cream, jalapeños and spices for sauce. Combine sauce with shredded chicken. Layer tortilla, cheese, chicken mix, more cheese, and another tortilla. Cook in skillet until golden on both sides.
Recipes Fives Halima
Updated on Sat, 08 Mar 2025 14:39:59 GMT
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Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla | recipesfives.com

Melted cheese embraces perfectly seasoned chicken between golden-brown tortillas, all enhanced by a creamy, tangy jalapeño sauce that delivers that unmistakable Taco Bell experience. This homemade version elevates the fast-food favorite to new heights, providing richer flavors, quality ingredients, and the satisfaction of creating restaurant-caliber food in your own kitchen.

My family discovered this recipe during a pandemic lockdown when fast food cravings hit hard. What started as an experiment became our Friday night tradition. My daughter, who typically orders only 'plain cheese' quesadillas, actually requests this version with the sauce included—a culinary miracle in our household.

Quality Ingredient Selection

  • Flour Tortillas: Choose 10-inch tortillas with a pliable texture and visible brown spots for authentic flavor.
  • Premium Chicken: Rotisserie chicken offers convenience and juicy tenderness, best using the breast meat.
  • Cheese Blend: Use equal parts mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and pepper Jack for the perfect melt and flavor balance.
  • Pickled Jalapeños: Opt for high-quality jarred jalapeños in vinegar brine to enhance the sauce's tangy kick.
  • Quality Mayonnaise: Real mayonnaise ensures a smoother, more stable sauce without unwanted sweetness.

Masterful Quesadilla Creation

Signature Sauce Perfection
Whisk mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth. Stir in finely chopped pickled jalapeños, their juice, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne if desired. Allow resting for at least 10 minutes to develop deeper flavors.
Chicken Preparation
Shred rotisserie chicken into fine, uniform pieces for even distribution. Warm slightly and coat with a small amount of sauce for enhanced moisture and flavor.
Strategic Assembly
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place one tortilla in the pan, sprinkle with cheese, add chicken evenly, then top with additional cheese before sealing with a second tortilla.
Perfect Cooking Technique
Cook until golden-brown spots form on the bottom and cheese begins to melt. Flip carefully and cook until the second side matches in color.
Resting Period
Let the quesadilla rest for 30-60 seconds before slicing to prevent cheese from oozing out.
Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Recipe Pin it
Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Recipe | recipesfives.com

My grandmother always said good food doesn't need to be complicated, just thoughtfully prepared. This quesadilla proves her right. The first time I perfected the sauce, I understood why Taco Bell's version is so addictive—it's that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy that makes you keep coming back for more.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with Mexican rice and beans for a complete meal. Serve with extra jalapeño sauce, fresh salsa, and guacamole for dipping. Cut into smaller portions for appetizers.

Creative Variations

Enhance the recipe by adding sautéed bell peppers and onions for a fajita-style quesadilla. Swap chicken for grilled steak or introduce crispy bacon for a smoky twist. A breakfast version with scrambled eggs and chorizo brings a delicious morning option.

Storage Wisdom

For best results, enjoy immediately. If storing, allow to cool completely before refrigerating for up to 24 hours. Reheat in a dry skillet to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the tortillas.

This Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla brings fast-food comfort into your kitchen, transforming a guilty pleasure into a satisfying homemade meal. The combination of quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation elevates this simple dish into something truly craveable—proof that sometimes the best restaurant experiences happen right at home.

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Easy Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla | recipesfives.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, while the recipe recommends a blend of Monterey Jack, American, and Mozzarella, you can also use Cheddar, Gouda, or a Mexican cheese blend.
→ How spicy is the jalapeño sauce?
It has a medium kick. If you prefer milder, reduce the cayenne and pickled jalapeños. For spicier, add more cayenne or use fresh jalapeños.
→ Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The jalapeño sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
→ What can I use instead of rotisserie chicken?
You can cook your own chicken with the seasoning in the recipe notes, or use leftover grilled chicken, poached chicken, or even canned chicken in a pinch.
→ Are these quesadillas freezer-friendly?
Not really. The texture suffers and the sauce tends to make the tortillas soggy when thawed and reheated. These are best enjoyed fresh.
→ What sides go well with these quesadillas?
Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, or a simple green salad make perfect accompaniments.

Copycat Chicken Cheese Wrap

Cheesy tortillas filled with shredded chicken and slathered with tangy homemade jalapeño sauce - better than the fast food version.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Halima

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican-American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 quesadillas)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ For The Taco Bell Jalapeño Sauce

01 1/2 cup (125 ml) mayonnaise
02 1/2 cup (125 ml) sour cream
03 3 tbsp (45 ml) pickled jalapeno juice (from the jar of pickled jalapenos)
04 3 tbsp (15 g) pickled jalapenos, minced
05 1 clove garlic (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
06 2 tsp cumin
07 2 tsp smoked paprika
08 1/2 tsp cayenne powder
09 Salt and pepper, to taste

→ For The Chicken Quesadillas

10 8 medium flour tortillas
11 4 cups (800 g) shredded rotisserie chicken
12 4 cups (460 g) shredded cheese blend (Monterey Jack, American Cheese, and Mozzarella recommended)

Instructions

Step 01

Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, pickled jalapeño juice, pickled jalapeños, garlic, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper to a small bowl and mix until fully combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if desired.

Step 02

If using rotisserie or plain leftover chicken, shred the chicken using two forks or your hands. Add the shredded chicken and part or all of the jalapeño sauce to a medium bowl and mix until combined and creamy. You can use the remaining sauce for dipping, if desired.

Step 03

In a skillet over medium heat, add a tortilla, top with cheese, chicken, more cheese, and another tortilla. Cook until the bottom tortilla is golden (about 1 minute), then flip and cook until golden again (about 30-60 seconds).

Step 04

Repeat with remaining tortillas. Slice each prepared quesadilla into wedges (if desired) and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

  1. If you want to cook your own chicken instead of using rotisserie, add 1 tbsp of butter or oil to a skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 lb boneless chicken, season with 1.5 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp dried oregano, salt, and pepper, and cook until done (5-6 minutes, flip, cook another 2-3 minutes).
  2. These quesadillas are best eaten hot and fresh when the cheese is still melty. They don't store well as the sauce may leak out when reheated.
  3. If you must store leftovers, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days and reheat in a skillet over medium heat until hot.

Tools You'll Need

  • Skillet or flat griddle
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Spatula for flipping

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (sour cream, cheese)
  • Contains eggs (mayonnaise)
  • Contains gluten (flour tortillas)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 650
  • Total Fat: 42 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 38 g