Description
This Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla recipe is a quick and delicious homemade take on the classic fast-food favorite. Featuring tender shredded chicken, a blend of Mexican cheeses, and a flavorful creamy sauce with smoky and spicy notes, all sandwiched in warm, buttery flour tortillas. Cooked on the stovetop to golden perfection, this quesadilla is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Quesadilla
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) until well combined. This flavorful sauce will add a creamy and smoky kick to the quesadilla.
- Spread the sauce on tortillas: Evenly spread the prepared sauce on one side of each flour tortilla, ensuring full coverage to infuse flavor into every bite.
- Assemble the quesadillas: On one half of each sauced tortilla, layer the shredded chicken followed by the shredded Mexican blend cheese. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling to create a semicircle shape, sealing the ingredients inside.
- Heat skillet and melt butter: Place a skillet over medium heat and add the tablespoon of butter. Allow it to melt fully but not burn, providing a rich base for cooking the quesadillas.
- Cook the quesadillas: Carefully place one assembled quesadilla in the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside has melted thoroughly. Flip gently to prevent tearing.
- Repeat and serve: Remove the cooked quesadilla and keep warm. Repeat the cooking process with the second quesadilla. Once both are done, slice each into wedges and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as salsa or guacamole, for an added burst of flavor.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken breast leftover or freshly grilled chicken for best results.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
- For a crispier quesadilla, press down lightly with a spatula while cooking.
- Serve with sides like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream for extra flavor.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.