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TACO BELL CHICKEN QUESADILLA centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
Olivia Farnsworth

Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Recipe: Easy Copycat Guide

Enjoy a homemade Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla that’s cheesy, flavorful, and satisfying. This recipe features a creamy copycat Taco Bell Jalapeño Sauce and tender shredded chicken, bringing the authentic taste right to your kitchen in just 25 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 quesadillas

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup (125 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup (125 ml) sour cream
  • 3 tbsp (45 ml) pickled jalapeno juice (from the pickled jalapenos)
  • 3 tbsp (15 g) pickled jalapenos (minced)
  • 1 clove garlic (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne powder
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 8 medium flour tortillas
  • 4 cups (800 g) shredded rotisserie chicken*
  • 4 cups (460 g) shredded cheese blend (Monterey Jack, American Cheese, and Mozzarella recommended)

Method
 

  1. Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, pickled jalapeno juice and minced jalapenos in a bowl along with garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper; stir well until smooth and taste to adjust seasoning.
  2. Shred the rotisserie chicken if using and mix it into a medium bowl with some or all of the jalapeno sauce until the chicken is nicely coated and creamy; reserve extra sauce for dipping.
  3. Heat a skillet to medium, place one flour tortilla in the pan, sprinkle a layer of cheese, add some chicken mixture, top with more cheese, and cover with a second tortilla.
  4. Cook the quesadilla until the bottom tortilla turns golden brown, about 1 minute, then carefully flip and cook the other side for 30 to 60 seconds until golden and cheese melts.
  5. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling, slice each quesadilla into wedges as desired, and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • *To Cook Your Own Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp butter or oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken, season with 1 and 1/2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook 5-6 minutes per side until done.
  • Make-Ahead: Best served hot to enjoy melty cheese; not recommended to prepare ahead.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for 1-2 days and reheat in a skillet over medium heat until hot, although sauce may separate and quesadillas lose some freshness.