Description
Recreate the famous Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla at home with this easy copycat recipe! Featuring tender, seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and a creamy jalapeño sauce, this homemade version is crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—perfect for a quick meal or snack.
Ingredients
For the Quesadilla Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1½ tbsp pickled jalapeños, minced
- 1½ tbsp pickled jalapeño juice
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Quesadilla:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs (cooked and shredded)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
-
Prepare the Quesadilla Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, minced jalapeños, jalapeño juice, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir well and set aside.
-
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add chicken and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook until golden and fully cooked. Let cool slightly, then shred or slice thinly.
- Toss chicken with half of the quesadilla sauce.
-
Assemble the Quesadilla:
- Spray a skillet with nonstick spray and place one tortilla in the pan over medium-low heat.
- Sprinkle ½ cup of cheese over half the tortilla.
- Spread the chicken mixture over the cheese.
- Add another ½ cup of cheese on top and fold the tortilla in half.
-
Cook the Quesadilla:
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing down gently until golden brown and crispy.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas.
-
Serve:
- Let the quesadillas cool slightly before slicing into wedges.
- Serve with extra sauce, sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add extra jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or black beans.
- Cheese Choices: Try cheddar, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack for variety.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
