Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Copycat

It sounds like you’re craving a Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Copycat! Here’s how you can make this easy, flavorful version at home.

Ingredients (continued):

• For the Quesadilla Sauce (as you’ve already listed):

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• For the Chicken and Quesadilla:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting the quesadillas)

Instructions:

1. Make the Quesadilla Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, taco seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir until well mixed. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

   • If you’re starting with chicken breasts, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is no longer pink in the center. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips or shredding it.
   • If using pre-cooked or shredded chicken, simply heat it in a skillet with a bit of olive oil for a few minutes until warm.

3. Assemble the Quesadillas:

   • Heat a separate large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
   • Spread the quesadilla sauce evenly over one side of each tortilla.
   • On top of the sauce, add a layer of shredded chicken, followed by a generous amount of cheese.
   • Place the second tortilla on top to form a sandwich.

4. Cook the Quesadillas:

   • Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet.
   • Carefully place the assembled quesadilla into the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing it gently with a spatula until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
   • Repeat with the remaining quesadillas, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.

5. Serve:

   • Once the quesadillas are cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a minute before cutting them into wedges.
   • Serve with extra sauce on the side, salsa, or guacamole for dipping!

Tips:

• Chicken Variation: You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
• Extra Spice: If you like it spicier, add extra cayenne pepper to the sauce or include some jalapeños inside the quesadilla.
• Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or a Mexican cheese mix for a more authentic flavor.

Now you can enjoy Taco Bell-style chicken quesadillas right at home! Let me know if you need more tweaks or ideas for this recipe.