These Taco Bell chicken quesadillas are filled with tender, seasoned chicken, gooey melted cheese, and a creamy jalapeño sauce with just the right amount of heat. This simple copycat recipe allows you to enjoy all of those same bold flavors at home — no drive-thru required!
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Ingredients and Substitutions
This basic dish calls for only a few ingredients. Here are the major items you'll need:
- Taco bell Quesadilla Sauce – This is the secret ingredient that makes these quesadillas sing. This creamy, tangy and slightly spicy sauce elevates every bite to taste just like the fast-food version.
- Flour Tortilla - The base to the quesadilla that turns from soft to crispy when grilled. It binds all the ingredients together, while imparting a hint of chewiness.
- Cooked Chicken – Protein-rich filling that turns the quesadilla into a filling and delicious dish. Shredded or diced, the chicken absorbs the flavors of the sauce and cheese, so every bite is delicious.
- Cheese — The ooey gooey component that holds it all together. A well-balanced variety of cheeses gives it the proper stretch along with a rich, creamy flavor to offset the spice of the sauce and the savoriness of the chicken.
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling — Keep the cooked chicken slightly warm and set aside for ease of assembly.
- Assemble the Quesadilla – Lay a flour tortilla on a surface. On one portion of the tortilla, spread a thick layer of cheese.
- Top with Chicken and Sauce – Lay the cooked chicken evenly over the cheese, then drizzle quesadilla sauce over the chicken for extra flavor.
- Fold and Cook – Fold the tortilla in half over the filling, and press down gently. Heat a skillet to medium; lightly grease it with butter or oil. Sear the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on either side, until golden brown and the cheese is properly melted.
- Slice and Serve — Transfer to the skillet, allow to cool briefly, then cut into wedges. Serve warm with more quesadilla sauce for dipping!
Variations
Although this chicken quesadilla recipe is just excellent, you could tweak it in a few ways if you'd like:
- Spicy Quesadilla – Add sliced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
- BBQ Chicken Quesadilla – Substitute the quesadilla sauce for BBQ sauce and cheddar cheese.
- Buffalo Quesadilla — Coat chicken in buffalo sauce and sub the quesadilla sauce for ranch.
- Ground Beef - Use seasoned ground beef instead of chicken (cooked with taco seasonings for added flavor).
- Veggie Quesadilla – Mix sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for more flavor.
- Chipotle Quesadilla — Substitute chipotle mayo for quesadilla sauce and add black beans or corn.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chicken quesadilla Taco Bell-style with sour cream, guacamole or salsa on the side for dipping. Serve it alongside Mexican rice, refried beans or fresh corn salad for a full meal!
Pro Tips
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese — Don’t buy pre-shredded cheese; it comes with anti-caking agents that stop it from melting smoothly, so shred your own for the ultimate gooiest texture.
- Don’t Overdo It – Overfilling your quesadilla makes flipping difficult and can lead to a mess. Keep it balanced!
- Cook on Medium Heat — High heat will get the tortilla browned before the cheese is melted, so cook on medium for that perfect crispy, golden-brown finish.
- Press While Cooking – Press gently with a spatula to get the cheese to bind it all together.
- Let It Rest Before Slicing — After cooking, give it a minute so the cheese firm up a little to avoid a messy cut.
- Apply Butter or Oil for a Tinsel of Crispiness — A bit of grease in the pan gives a tasty, gilded crunch to the tortilla.
Frequently Asked Questions
Leftover Taco Bell chicken quesidillas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side or air fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to ensure they stay crispy. Do not microwave tortilla, as it will make it soggy.
For quesadillas, use a melty, flavorful cheese, such as Monterey Jack, cheddar or a Mexican blend. Oaxaca cheese is a nice authentic option that has a stretchy, gooey quality, while mozzarella is a good choice in terms of mixing up your other cheeses. For maximum flavor and melt, mix two cheeses, such as sharp cheddar and creamy Monterey Jack.
Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken quesadillas tightly wrapped with plastic wrap or foil and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When reheating, be sure to warm them in a skillet or an air fryer, so they come back crisp — never an oven, which makes them soften, or a microwave, which makes them soggy.
Taco Bell creamy jalapeño sauce is mildly spicy to medium spicy, and it has a creamy texture that helps balance the heat. It gives a very mild kick and isn't too spicy, so it's excellent for those who like it spicy, but not over the top.
Storage and Reheating
- Make-Ahead: The quesadilla filling can be made ahead. Store, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble right before you cook for the best texture.
- Storage: Leftover quesadillas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Sear in a skillet over medium heat for several minutes per side to keep it crispy, or heat in an air fryer at 350 °F for 3 to 4 minutes. Do not microwave — this should make the tortilla come out soggy.
If you tried this Copycat Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla or any other recipe on my website, please feel free to leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. And remember to tag me on Instagram!
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Recipe
Copycat Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla (10 Minutes!)
INGREDIENTS
- 2 flour tortillas
- 1 ½ cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup diced grilled chicken
- ½ cup taco bell quesadilla sauce
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the Filling — Keep the cooked chicken slightly warm and set aside for ease of assembly.
- Assemble the Quesadilla – Lay a flour tortilla on a surface. On one portion of the tortilla, spread a thick layer of cheese.
- Top with Chicken and Sauce – Lay the cooked chicken evenly over the cheese, then drizzle quesadilla sauce over the chicken for extra flavor.
- Fold and Cook – Fold the tortilla in half over the filling, and press down gently. Heat a skillet to medium; lightly grease it with butter or oil. Sear the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on either side, until golden brown and the cheese is properly melted.
- Slice and Serve — Transfer to the skillet, allow to cool briefly, then cut into wedges. Serve warm with more quesadilla sauce for dipping!
NOTES
- Make-Ahead: The quesadilla filling can be made ahead. Store, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble right before you cook for the best texture.
- Storage: Leftover quesadillas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Sear in a skillet over medium heat for several minutes per side to keep it crispy, or heat in an air fryer at 350 °F for 3 to 4 minutes. Do not microwave — this should make the tortilla come out soggy.
Kylie Fisher says
I absolutely love these Taco Bell chicken quesadillas! They are so easy to make and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The homemade sauce really takes them to another level, making every bite deliciously creamy.
Isla Diaz says
These quesadillas are perfect for busy weeknights! I appreciate how straightforward the instructions are, and the kids love helping out in the kitchen. Plus, that quesadilla sauce? Absolutely irresistible!
Piper Davis says
I'm all about those quick meals that still pack a punch in flavor. These quesadillas fit the bill perfectly! The blend of cheeses and that creamy jalapeño sauce makes this dish something I can't resist making often.
Blair Turner says
'Quick' and 'delicious' are my two favorite words when it comes to cooking! These chicken quesadillas check both boxes effortlessly. That creamy jalapeño sauce will definitely become a staple in my kitchen now.
Olivia Clark says
'Make-your-own' meals are always fun, especially with something as tasty as these quesadillas! Everyone in my house loves them, and I love how easy they are to whip up during hectic evenings after work.
Bianca Howard says
Honestly, who can resist a good quesadilla? This recipe makes it so simple and satisfying. I love how versatile it is; you can add whatever fillings you fancy. It's definitely going on my weekly meal plan!
Dana Morris says
This recipe is a game-changer! I never thought I could replicate Taco Bell's chicken quesadillas at home. The customizable ingredients allow me to cater to everyone's taste, making it a fun family cooking experience!
Sara Ross says
What a fantastic way to recreate a fast-food favorite at home! The combination of grilled chicken and melty cheese is just heavenly. I'm excited to try different variations with leftover veggies from last night's dinner!
Keira Perry says
I’m thrilled with how easy this recipe is! It’s perfect for both busy nights or casual family gatherings. The option to customize each quesadilla means everyone gets exactly what they want—such a win-win!