If you’re a Taco Bell fan, you know the Chicken Quesadilla is one of the most crave-worthy menu items. But did you know you can recreate this cheesy, flavorful dish at home? Whether you’re trying to save money, avoid long lines, or simply love a good homemade meal, making Taco Bell-style chicken quesadillas is the perfect solution.
This blog post will walk you through how to make the perfect Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla, share tips and tricks for achieving that iconic taste, and even give you options for swaps and variations to suit your dietary preferences.
What Makes the Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla So Special?
The Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla is known for its bold, zesty flavor, thanks to the combination of seasoned chicken, creamy jalapeño ranch sauce, and a melt-in-your-mouth cheesy filling. With its soft flour tortilla, the quesadilla is both comforting and indulgent. Plus, it’s perfect for anyone who’s craving a quick meal that packs a punch.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or anyone looking to recreate their fast-food favorites in the comfort of their own kitchen. You’ll have full control over the ingredients, which means you can customize it exactly to your liking!
Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce
This easy sauce tastes just like the one from Taco Bell. You probably have most of these ingredients at home!
Ingredients:
- Mayonnaise
- Pickled Jalapeños
- Sugar
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Cayenne Pepper (for a little heat, optional)
- Garlic Powder
How to Make the Sauce:
- Chop the pickled jalapeños: You need to chop up the jalapeños into small pieces. You can use store-bought ones if you don’t have homemade.
- Mix everything together: In a small bowl, put the mayonnaise, chopped jalapeños, a little bit of the jalapeño juice, sugar, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy), and garlic powder. Stir it all together until it’s smooth.
That’s it! Now you have your own Taco Bell quesadilla sauce to enjoy.
Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla
Ready to make your own delicious chicken quesadilla at home? Let’s get started with some simple ingredients and steps that will have you enjoying a crispy, cheesy quesadilla in no time!
Ingredients:
- Chicken (cooked or raw)
- Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce
- Shredded Cheese (your choice)
- Flour Tortillas
- Nonstick Spray
Instructions:
- Mix the chicken: Take your chicken and mix it with about half of the Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce.
- Prepare the skillet: Spray a large skillet with nonstick spray. Place one tortilla in the skillet.
- Add cheese: Put half of the shredded cheese on top of the tortilla.
- Add chicken: Spread the chicken mixed with sauce over the cheese.

- Add more cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the chicken.
- Top with second tortilla: Place the second tortilla on top of everything and press it down gently.
- Cook the quesadilla: Cook for a couple of minutes on each side, until the cheese has melted and the quesadilla is as crispy as you like.
- Serve: Once done, remove the quesadilla from the skillet, let it cool slightly, and slice it into wedges.


Enjoy your homemade chicken quesadilla!
Quick tips for making the best chicken quesadilla
Here are a few helpful tips to make your chicken quesadilla even better:
Use Fresh Tortillas: They add better texture and flavor.
Customize the Cheese: Mix cheddar and mozzarella for a great melt.
Cook on Low Heat: This ensures the cheese melts evenly without burning the tortilla.
Press Down Gently: Lightly pressing while cooking helps get a crispy, golden quesadilla.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerate: Let the quesadillas cool completely and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can microwave them or crisp them up in a skillet.
Food and Drink Pairings
A Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla goes well with a variety of sides and beverages:
- Sides: Try a side of guacamole, sour cream, or salsa. Mexican street corn salad or chips with a side of queso are also great additions.
- Drinks: Pair your quesadilla with a refreshing margarita, iced tea, or a classic Mexican soda like Jarritos.
Variations and Substitutes
Here are a few ideas for customizing your Taco Bell-style Chicken Quesadilla:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for sautéed veggies like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian quesadilla.
- Extra Spicy: If you love heat, add some extra jalapeños or sprinkle cayenne pepper on the chicken before cooking.
- Different Cheeses: Mix it up with pepper jack cheese for added spice or try a Mexican cheese blend for a unique flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortillas to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

FAQs about Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla
Can I make this recipe spicier? Yes! You can add extra cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce to give your quesadilla an extra kick.
What kind of chicken should I use? You can use grilled, shredded, or even rotisserie chicken for convenience. Just make sure to mix it well with the Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce!
Can I use a different sauce? Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor, feel free to swap the Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce with your favorite ranch, buffalo, or barbecue sauce.
How can I make the quesadilla extra crispy? Cook the quesadilla on medium-low heat for a few extra minutes per side, and press down gently with a spatula to get a nice golden crust.
How do I store leftovers? If you have leftover quesadillas, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a skillet to keep them crispy.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make Taco Bell’s chicken quesadilla at home, it’s time to enjoy this cheesy, crispy delight whenever you want! Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends and family, this easy recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Give it a try and customize it to your taste—happy cooking!
Print
Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Copycat
- Total Time: 15 mins
Description
Looking to make a tasty chicken quesadilla at home? This simple recipe will give you a crispy, cheesy treat in no time! Let’s dive into the easy steps to create your perfect quesadilla.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain non-fat Greek Yogurt
- 1 ½ tablespoon pickled jalapenos minced
- 1 ½ tablespoon pickled jalapeno juice/brine
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes more for seasoning chicken
- ½ teaspoon salt more for seasoning chicken
- ½ teaspoon pepper more for seasoning chicken
- 1 lb chicken (breast or thighs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 flour tortillas taco sized
- ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
Instructions
- In a small bowl mix together first ten ingredients to make Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce.
- Season chicken with a little salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Saute chicken until cooked through.
- Mix chicken with ½ – ⅔ Taco Bell Quesadilla sauce. Reserve rest of sauce for dipping.
- In a large skillet, spray with nonstick, and add bottom tortilla.
- Top tortilla with ¼ of the shredded cheese.
- Add ½ of the chicken.
- Add another ¼ of shredded cheese.
- Top with second tortilla.
- Cook about two minutes per side or until cheese is melted and tortilla is desired crispiness.
- Repeat with second quesadilla.
- Slice into wedges and serve with sauce.
- Prep Time: 5minutes
- Cook Time: 10minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American, Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ServingS
Keywords: Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Copycat