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Copycat Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla

A gooey, crispy, perfectly toasted homemade version of the famous fast-food chicken quesadilla, featuring the signature creamy jalapeño sauce.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 quesadillas
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican Inspired
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Creamy Jalapeño Sauce
  • 0.25 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.25 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp pickled jalapeños finely minced
  • 1 tbsp pickled jalapeño juice
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 0.25 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.25 tsp fine sea salt
Quesadillas
  • 4 large flour tortillas 10-inch burrito size
  • 2 cups cooked chicken finely diced or shredded
  • 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
  • 1.5 cups Monterey Jack cheese freshly grated
  • 1 tbsp butter or cooking spray for the pan

Equipment

  • Small mixing bowl
  • Large non-stick or cast-iron skillet
  • Spatula
  • Pizza cutter or sharp knife

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the creamy jalapeño sauce until smooth. For best results, let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before using.
  2. In a separate bowl, toss the freshly grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses together until evenly blended.
  3. Lay a large flour tortilla flat. Spread a generous tablespoon of the jalapeño sauce over the entire surface of the tortilla.
  4. On one half of the tortilla, sprinkle a handful of the cheese blend, top evenly with 1/2 cup of diced chicken, and add another small handful of cheese on top. Fold the empty half over to create a half-moon shape.
  5. Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add a tiny amount of butter or lightly mist with cooking spray.
  6. Carefully place the folded quesadilla in the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
  7. Use a spatula to carefully flip the quesadilla. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the second side is crispy and the cheese inside is completely melted.
  8. Remove from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for 1 minute before slicing into triangles. Serve warm with sour cream or extra sauce.

Notes

Always grate your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded bagged cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.