Tasty Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Copycat Recipe At Home

Crafting a mouthwatering taco bell chicken quesadilla copycat recipe brings the excitement of fast-food magic right into your kitchen.

Passionate home cooks know the thrill of recreating restaurant favorites with personal flair.

Tender chicken, melted cheese, and that signature creamy sauce become your culinary playground.

Soft tortillas crisp up perfectly when grilled to golden perfection.

Each bite promises a delicious adventure that rivals the original fast-food classic.

Our simple method ensures you’ll nail the authentic flavor without complicated techniques.

Grab your skillet and get ready to impress everyone at the dinner table!

Reasons To Try Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Copycat

• Spice Up Your Meal: Kick your taste buds into high gear with a bold and zesty chicken quesadilla that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen.
• Master Quick Cooking: Create a restaurant-worthy dish in minutes with simple techniques that guarantee perfectly cooked chicken and crispy, golden tortillas every single time.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize this recipe by adjusting spice levels, cheese types, or adding extra toppings to match your family's unique taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Enjoy a crowd-pleasing meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making dinnertime a delicious and stress-free experience for everyone around the table.

What Goes In Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Copycat

• Chicken Breast: A lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein in this quesadilla recipe.

• Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: A flavorful spice blend that adds depth and warmth to the chicken.

• Flour Tortillas: Soft, pliable flatbreads that create the base of the quesadilla.
• Shredded Cheese Blend: A melty mixture that provides creamy richness and binding for the quesadilla.

• Creamy Jalapeño Sauce: A zesty, smooth condiment that adds spicy and tangy flavor to the quesadilla.
• Vegetable Oil: A neutral cooking oil used to prevent sticking and help achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

How To Make Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Copycat

Step 1: Spice Up The Chicken

Grab chicken breast and coat thoroughly with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Ensure every inch gets seasoned evenly.

Step 2: Sizzle The Protein

Heat vegetable oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Cook seasoned chicken until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes per side. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 3: Slice The Chicken

Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 3-4 minutes. Slice against grain into thin, uniform strips for perfect quesadilla filling.

Step 4: Spread The Sauce

Take flour tortillas and spread creamy jalapeño sauce on one side of each tortilla. Create a thin, consistent layer covering entire surface.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Layer

Sprinkle shredded cheese blend generously over sauced tortilla side. Aim for complete and even cheese coverage.

Step 6: Arrange Chicken Filling

Place sliced chicken strips strategically across cheese-covered tortilla. Distribute evenly for balanced flavor in each bite.

Step 7: Create Quesadilla Sandwich

Fold second tortilla over chicken and cheese, sauce-side down. Form a half-moon shaped quesadilla.

Step 8: Crisp The Quesadilla

Return skillet to medium heat. Cook quesadilla 2-3 minutes per side until exterior turns crispy golden and cheese melts completely.

Step 9: Slice And Serve

Transfer to cutting board, cool for 1 minute. Slice into triangular wedges using sharp knife.

Step 10: Enjoy Warm Quesadillas

Serve immediately while warm. Optional: Add extra creamy jalapeño sauce for dipping.

Simple Tips For Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Copycat

• Maximize Chicken Flavor: Ensure even spice coating by patting chicken dry before marinating, allowing seasonings to adhere perfectly.
• Achieve Golden Perfection: Use a cast-iron skillet for deeper, crispier exterior and more consistent heat distribution during chicken cooking.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let cheese reach room temperature before sprinkling to guarantee smooth, even melting throughout quesadilla.
• Crispy Texture Secret: Press quesadilla gently with spatula while cooking to create a uniformly golden and crunchy exterior.
• Slice Like a Pro: Allow quesadilla to rest briefly after cooking to help cheese set, enabling cleaner and more precise cutting.

Creative Takes On Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Copycat

• Vegetarian Quesadilla: Replace chicken with black beans, roasted bell peppers, and corn for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, swap jalapeño sauce with chipotle cream, and incorporate pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
• Low-Carb Wrap: Substitute tortillas with large lettuce leaves, using grilled chicken and cheese as primary filling for a carb-conscious version.

What To Serve With Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Copycat

• Cool Down with Citrus Margarita: Blend tequila, fresh lime juice, and orange liqueur to complement the spicy chicken's bold flavors and cut through the richness of melted cheese.
• Refresh with Mexican Street Corn Salad: Toss grilled corn kernels with lime, cotija cheese, and chili powder to echo the quesadilla's southwestern profile while adding bright, tangy contrast.
• Balance with Crisp Cucumber Salsa: Chop cucumber, red onion, and cilantro with a splash of lime juice to provide a light, cooling side that offsets the quesadilla's heat and adds textural variety.

How To Store Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Copycat

• Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual quesadillas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 2 months.
• Place quesadilla on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat for 30-45 seconds until warm and cheese melts.
• Warm a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat, cook quesadilla for 1-2 minutes per side until crispy and heated through, restoring original crunch and flavor.

Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Copycat FAQ List

• Why use chili powder in the marinade?

Chili powder adds depth and mild heat to the chicken, enhancing its overall flavor profile and creating a more complex taste experience.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which ensures the chicken is safe to eat and prevents undercooking.

• What's the best way to slice chicken for quesadillas?

Cut the chicken strips against the grain into thin, uniform pieces to ensure tenderness and even distribution in the quesadilla.

• Can I make the quesadillas ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the components in advance and assemble quickly when ready to cook, keeping ingredients separately refrigerated.

Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Copycat Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Savor Taco Bell’s legendary Chicken Quesadilla, a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish packed with creamy jalapeño sauce and melted cheese. Crispy tortillas and tender chicken create a delicious replica you can easily craft at home for a quick, satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 tortillas (large flour tortillas)
• 8 oz chicken breast
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese blend

Supporting Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp creamy jalapeño sauce
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Seasoning and Garnish:

• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken breast with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring each side is thoroughly coated with the spice blend.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the seasoned chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Remove chicken from skillet, let rest for 3-4 minutes, then slice into thin, uniform strips against the grain.
4. Spread creamy jalapeño sauce evenly on one side of each flour tortilla, creating a thin, consistent layer.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese blend generously over the sauced side of one tortilla, creating an even coverage.
6. Arrange sliced chicken strips strategically across the cheese-covered tortilla, ensuring complete and balanced distribution.
7. Carefully fold the second tortilla over the chicken and cheese, sauce-side down, creating a half-moon shape.
8. Return skillet to medium heat and cook quesadilla for 2-3 minutes per side until exterior turns crispy golden and cheese melts completely.
9. Transfer to cutting board, let cool for 1 minute, then slice into triangular wedges using a sharp knife.
10. Serve immediately while warm and cheese remains gooey, optionally accompanied by additional creamy jalapeño sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Marinate chicken ahead of time for deeper flavor infusion, allowing spices to penetrate meat thoroughly for maximum taste impact.
• Use high-quality cheese blend like Monterey Jack and cheddar for authentic Taco Bell-style melting and rich, creamy texture.
• Consider substituting chicken with plant-based alternatives like tofu or jackfruit for vegetarian version, maintaining similar seasoning technique.
• Control skillet heat carefully to prevent burning tortilla while ensuring perfectly melted cheese and crispy golden exterior.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 505
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 640 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg