Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Recipe: Easy 15-Minute Copycat Version
A hot, cheesy quesadilla from Taco Bell hits the spot when you want quick comfort food.
The secret to making an authentic copycat Taco Bell chicken quesadilla lies in their special creamy sauce made with sour cream, mayonnaise, and Mexican spices.
The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to put together. You’ll need tortillas, seasoned chicken, shredded cheese (a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack works best), and that signature sauce.
This copycat recipe lets you control the ingredients and portions while saving money. You can make a big batch for your family or meal prep them for quick lunches throughout the week. The result is a crispy, melty quesadilla that tastes just like the Taco Bell version you love.
Why You Will Love this Recipe
This quesadilla recipe gives you the same great Taco Bell taste right in your kitchen, saving you money and late-night drive-thru trips.
You can make these quesadillas in just 15 minutes using simple ingredients from your local grocery store. Most items are probably already in your pantry.
The creamy jalapeño sauce is the star of this recipe. It adds the perfect balance of tang and spice that makes Taco Bell’s version so popular.
You can easily adjust the spice level and ingredients to match your preferences. Add extra cheese, switch up the sauce heat, or try different seasonings on the chicken.
Perfect for:
- Quick weeknight dinners
- Family meals
- Game day snacks
- Lunch meal prep
The recipe steps are simple and straightforward. You’ll only need basic cooking skills to create restaurant-quality quesadillas at home.
Each quesadilla comes out with a perfectly crispy tortilla, melted cheese, and tender chicken. The sauce brings all the flavors together into one satisfying meal.
Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make a copycat Taco Bell chicken quesadilla:
For the Creamy Jalapeño Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon diced jalapeños
- 1 teaspoon jalapeño juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Quesadilla:
- 1 chicken breast
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup mixed cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese
- Cooking oil spray
The cheese blend is crucial for getting that classic Taco Bell taste. If you can’t find a pre-mixed blend, use 1/2 cup of each cheese type.
Make sure your chicken breast is fresh and boneless. You’ll season it with basic taco spices before cooking.
The flour tortillas should be burrito-sized (10-inch diameter) to match the restaurant version.
Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
The Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla is a popular menu item you can make at home in about 30 minutes. This copycat recipe creates a cheesy, creamy quesadilla filled with seasoned chicken and a signature jalapeño sauce.
Making a perfect Taco Bell-style chicken quesadilla requires specific ingredients, precise timing, and the right cooking techniques. The signature creamy jalapeño sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken create that authentic taste you know and love.
Step 1: Make the Creamy Jalapeño Sauce
Mix 1/4 cup sour cream and 1/4 cup mayonnaise in a small bowl.
Add 1 tablespoon taco seasoning and 1 teaspoon chili powder.
Stir in 1 finely diced jalapeño pepper (remove seeds for less heat).
Note: Let the sauce rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to blend flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season 2 chicken breasts with 2 tablespoons taco seasoning.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then dice into small pieces.
Step 3: Prepare the Workstation
Place a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
Gather your ingredients: flour tortillas, shredded cheese blend, and prepared sauce.
Have a clean cutting board and spatula ready.
Step 4: Assemble the Quesadilla
Spread 2-3 tablespoons of jalapeño sauce on one side of a flour tortilla.
Add 1/2 cup shredded cheese blend on half of the tortilla.
Place 1/3 cup seasoned chicken pieces over the cheese.
Sprinkle another 1/4 cup cheese on top of the chicken.
Step 5: Cook and Serve
Fold the empty tortilla half over the filled side.
Cook in the preheated skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Press gently with spatula to help seal the edges.
Cut into triangles while hot and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
A Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla contains 520 calories per serving. This represents about 26% of your daily calorie needs based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
The fat content is 26 grams, with 8 grams being saturated fat. The quesadilla provides 41 grams of carbohydrates and 26 grams of protein.
Key Nutritional Values:
- Calories: 520
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 1,410mg
The macronutrient breakdown shows that fat makes up 47% of the calories, while carbs contribute 33% and protein accounts for 21%.
If you’re watching your sodium intake, note that one quesadilla contains more than half of your recommended daily sodium allowance.
For those counting calories, you can reduce the total by asking for less cheese or sauce. You might also consider splitting the quesadilla with someone else.
This menu item isn’t suitable for those following gluten-free or dairy-free diets due to its flour tortilla and cheese content.
Pairing Suggestions with Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla
Your quesadilla experience gets even better with the right side dishes and drinks. Mexican rice adds a filling complement to the cheesy goodness, while refried beans bring extra protein and texture.
Fresh sides work great too. Try crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, or a simple side salad to add some crunch and balance to your meal. Guacamole and sour cream make perfect dipping options.
Classic Drink Pairings:
- Ice-cold Mexican Coca-Cola
- Horchata
- Jarrito sodas
- Frozen margarita (for adults)
- Iced tea
Quick Side Dish Ideas:
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Tortilla chips with salsa
- Fresh guacamole
- Mexican street corn
- Black bean soup
Want something light? A simple cucumber and lime salad adds freshness without overwhelming the quesadilla’s flavors.
For extra zest, serve lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten up the rich, cheesy flavors of your quesadilla.
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