It’s official: This Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Recipe tastes just as good as everyone’s favorite fast-food version. It features juicy chicken seasoned with a decadent blend of Tex-Mex spices.
The quesadilla is topped with two types of cheese, creating an unrivaled creamy texture. The cherry on top is our Copycat Taco Bell Chipotle Sauce Recipe, which gives the dish the perfect hint of heat. We love how light this meal is, but if you want a heavier dinner, use two whole tortillas instead of one.
This recipe is the ultimate family dinner, especially for those “we have food at home” nights. It would also make the ideal Cinco de Mayo meal or hangover cure. With a combination of gooey cheese, crisp tortilla, and rich meat, you can’t lose! Give this recipe a shot, and let us know what you think.
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Yo Quiero Taco Bell
Impress any fast food fanatic with some little-known facts about Taco Bell’s Quesadilla.
- Taco Bell uses a signature chipotle sauce to top their quesadillas, making them one-of-a-kind.
- It’s no secret that Taco Bell’s quesadillas have the cheese factor. This is due to a blend of three creamy cheeses.
- We consider TB’s Chicken Quesadillas a staple item, but they were initially a promo feature in 2001. They were an instant hit and became a permanent item later that year.
- Taco Bell offers customers a variety of quesadilla upgrades, such as sour cream, jalapenos, and lettuce! Feel free to customize your Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Recipe to your liking.
- If you like the chicken quesadilla, you’ll love their steak version! Feel free to recreate it at home using this recipe sans poultry.
Cost Benefits of Making Our Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Recipe
Taco Bell’s Quesadilla will cost eaters a hefty $5.19…not including any upgrades or sides! In comparison, you can make our Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Recipe for just $2.39 a serving. Keep in mind that this cost may differ based on locale.
Here’s how that breaks down:
- Chicken breast or tenders: $4.00
- Salt: $0.01
- Cayenne pepper: $0.05
- Chili powder: $0.05
- Cumin: $0.05
- Smoked paprika: $0.10
- Flour tortillas: $2.00
- Shredded Cheddar cheese: $2.00
- Sliced American cheese: $0.80
- Taco Bell Chipotle Sauce $.50
Total cost ($9.56) divided by 4 servings = $2.39 per serving
Not to mention the skills you gain from learning how to make fast food in your own kitchen.
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How to Make Our Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Recipe
Here’s how to make an exact replica of Taco Bell’s Quesadilla Recipe.
Step One: Prep the Chicken
Cut the breasts or tenders into thin strips to prepare the chicken and place them in a large bowl. Season with salt, cayenne pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika.
Alternatively, you can use rotisserie chicken with the same seasoning blend.
Step Two: Cook the Meat
Pour a dash of oil into a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Once the oil is heated, add the seasoned meat and saute until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step Three: Assemble the Quesadillas
Clean the pan if needed, and add another dash of oil. To assemble the Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Recipe, lay a tortilla in the pan. Add a slice of American cheese to half the tortilla, topped with about ½ cup of seasoned chicken.
Add a handful of shredded cheese and a heavy drizzle of Taco Bell Chipotle Sauce over the meat, folding the tortilla to cover the filling. We recommend saving some Chipotle Sauce for dipping delight!
Step Four: Cook and Serve
Cook the quesadilla until golden brown on both sides, then flip to repeat the process. At this point, your cheese should be melted and gooey. Remove the Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Recipe from the skillet and repeat with the remaining ingredients.
This recipe makes 4 quesadillas, depending on how thick you make them! If desired, cut your quesadilla into wedges, making it easier to dip. Serve warm with additional Taco Bell Chipotle Sauce for extra flavor. Enjoy!
What to Serve With Copycat Taco Bell Quesadillas
Our Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Recipe is great on its own, but you can always add a side of tortilla chips or even a small salad. If you’re feeling fancy, create a buffet of toppings like guacamole, queso, shredded lettuce, diced tomato, jalapenos, and pico de gallo.
Storing Leftover Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Recipe
You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days or freeze them for up to four months. This recipe is an excellent make-ahead freezer meal that’s packed full of protein. The texture of the quesadilla may be a little different, depending on whether you used homemade chipotle sauce or bought Taco Bell’s version.
Taco Bell Quesadilla Recipe
Get ready to make Taco Bell's famous quesadilla at home with our easy-to-follow recipe. This guide shows you how to blend the perfect mix of cheeses and seasonings for that signature creamy jalapeño sauce. Whether for a quick lunch or a fun dinner, these quesadillas are a hit. Grab your ingredients, and let's create a delicious meal that brings the Taco Bell experience into your kitchen. Enjoy crafting this cheesy, spicy delight with friends and family!
FOR THE SAUCE:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp. juice from jar of pickled jalapeños
- 3 tbsp. minced pickled jalapeños
- 2 tsp. garlic powder
- 2 tsp. cumin
- 2 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne
- Kosher salt
FOR THE ASSEMBLY:
- 8 medium flour tortillas
- 4 c. shredded chicken (buy a rotisserie for best results and flavor)
- 2 c. shredded Monterey Jack
- 12 slices American or cheddar cheese
Start by creating the special sauce. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of pickled jalapeño juice, 1 tablespoon of finely minced pickled jalapeños, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Add a little kosher salt to taste. This sauce is key for that authentic Taco Bell flavor.
Prepare your chicken next. Take 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken and place it in another medium bowl. Toss the chicken with half of the prepared quesadilla sauce, ensuring it's well-coated. The remaining sauce will be used for dipping later.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lay down one large flour tortilla. On half of the tortilla, arrange 2 slices of American cheese (for that creamy melt) and top with ½ cup of the seasoned chicken. Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken for extra cheesiness and flavor. Fold the tortilla over to cover the filling.
Cook the quesadilla until the bottom is golden brown and crispy, about 2 minutes, then carefully flip it over. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes or until the second side is golden brown and the cheese inside has fully melted. The combination of cheeses and the creamy sauce inside should be gooey and delicious.
Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and repeat the process with the remaining ingredients. This recipe should make about 4 quesadillas, depending on the size of your tortillas.
Once cooked, cut each quesadilla into wedges. This makes them easier to handle and perfect for dipping. Serve them warm, with the remaining quesadilla sauce on the side for that extra kick of flavor.
Enjoy your homemade Taco Bell-inspired quesadillas with friends and family or as a treat for yourself. They're perfect for a quick dinner or a snack any time of the day.