If you love Taco Bell’s famous Chicken Quesadilla, then you’re in for a treat! This Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla recipe captures all the cheesy, creamy, and slightly spicy flavors of the original, including the iconic Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Sauce. Whether you want a quick dinner, a Cookout Chicken Quesadilla Copycat, or even a Breakfast Quesadilla Sauce to go with your morning meal, this recipe has you covered. Plus, you can even make it in the air fryer for an easy, crispy texture!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Tastes Just Like Taco Bell – Enjoy the same flavors at home! ✔ Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes. ✔ Customizable – Adjust spice levels and ingredients to your taste. ✔ Budget-Friendly – No need for takeout when you can make it yourself! ✔ Great for Meal Prep – Make a batch and enjoy all week.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Quesadilla:
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar + Monterey Jack)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for grilling)
For the Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 teaspoons pickled jalapeño juice (from jarred jalapeños)
- 1 teaspoon diced pickled jalapeños
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
Optional Add-Ins:
- Cookout Quesadilla Sauce Copycat (add hot sauce for extra heat)
- Air Fryer Chicken Quesadillas (for extra crunch)
- Breakfast Quesadilla Sauce (add scrambled eggs & bacon!)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, pickled jalapeño juice, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, salt, paprika, and ground cumin.
- Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the quesadilla.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- If using fresh chicken, season and grill it, then shred or slice it thinly.
- If using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, simply shred it and warm it up in a skillet.
Step 3: Assemble the Quesadilla
- Lay one flour tortilla flat on a clean surface.
- Spread 2-3 tablespoons of the Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce evenly over the tortilla.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over one half of the tortilla.
- Add the shredded chicken evenly over the cheese.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the chicken.
- Fold the tortilla in half to create a half-moon shape.
Step 4: Cook the Quesadilla
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Place the quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the skillet and let it cool slightly before slicing into triangles.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the quesadilla with cooking spray.
- Place in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Remove from the air fryer, let it cool slightly, then slice and serve.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Quesadilla Taco Bell Recipe is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with:
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Salsa or Pico de Gallo
- Extra Quesadilla Sauce for dipping
- Mexican rice or beans for a full meal
Variations & Customizations
Make it Spicy:
- Add hot sauce to the sauce mix.
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes inside the quesadilla.
- Use spicy shredded cheese blend.
Make it a Breakfast Quesadilla:
- Swap chicken for scrambled eggs & bacon.
- Use Breakfast Quesadilla Sauce with extra cumin and paprika.
- Try a sausage and egg combo for a heartier meal.
Make it Vegetarian:
- Use grilled mushrooms, black beans, or sautéed bell peppers instead of chicken.
- Swap regular cheese for a vegan cheese alternative.
Make it Gluten-Free:
- Use gluten-free tortillas.
Meal Prep & Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap in plastic wrap and store for up to 2 months.
- Reheat:
- Skillet: Warm over medium heat for 2 minutes per side.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat for 30-45 seconds (less crispy).
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 22g
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: Yes! Try pepper jack, mozzarella, or Colby jack for a different flavor.
Q: Can I make this without mayonnaise?
A: Yes! Substitute it with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a healthier option.
Q: How do I make the quesadilla crispier?
A: Use butter instead of oil, cook on medium heat, and don’t overload with fillings.
Q: Can I make this quesadilla in advance?
A: Yes! Prepare it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and reheat when ready.
Final Thoughts
This Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Recipe is the ultimate way to recreate the fast-food favorite at home. With gooey melted cheese, tender chicken, and the famous Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you prefer a classic version, an air fryer chicken quesadilla, or a Cookout Quesadilla Sauce Copycat, this recipe has all the flavors you love with the convenience of a homemade meal.
Give it a try and let us know how it turned out! Tag your quesadilla creations and share them with friends who love Taco Bell!
More Recipes to Try:
- Air Fryer Crunchwrap Supreme
- Spicy Chicken Taquitos
- Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce
- Copycat Chipotle Chicken Burrito
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