Why hit the drive-thru when you can make this cheesy, spicy goodness at home? This copycat Taco Bell chicken quesadilla recipe is packed with tender chicken, gooey cheese, and a creamy, zesty sauce th…
Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Copycat Recipe
Introduction
Are you craving the deliciousness of a Taco Bell chicken quesadilla but don’t want to hit the drive-thru? Well, you’re in luck! This copycat recipe lets you enjoy that cheesy, spicy goodness right at home. Making quesadillas is not only easy but also a fun activity that you can do with family or friends. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a meal that tastes just as good as what you would get at a fast-food restaurant.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This chicken quesadilla recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend party. You will love how quick and simple it is to make. The recipe is packed with tender chicken, gooey cheese, and a creamy, zesty sauce that will make your taste buds dance. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite toppings. Whether you prefer it mild or spicy, you can easily adjust the flavor to suit your preferences. Enjoy your cheesy bliss without the wait or the price tag of the drive-thru!
How to Prepare Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla
Making your own chicken quesadilla is straightforward. Follow the ingredients list and step-by-step instructions below, and you’ll be enjoying your delicious meal in no time!
Ingredients:
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a cheese blend)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons taco sauce or salsa
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Optional: sliced jalapeños, bell peppers, or onions for extra flavor
- Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken: If you don’t have cooked chicken, you can quickly prepare chicken breasts by boiling or grilling them. Once cooked, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream and taco sauce (or salsa). This will be your zesty sauce that adds flavor to the quesadilla.
Assemble the Quesadilla: Take one flour tortilla and spread half of the zesty sauce on one side. Then, layer half of the cooked chicken on top. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the chicken. If you’d like, add jalapeños, bell peppers, or onions at this point for an extra kick.
Top it Off: Place the second tortilla over the filled tortilla to create a sandwich-style quesadilla.
Cook the Quesadilla: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the quesadilla in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted.
Slice and Serve: Once cooked, remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it cool for a minute. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the quesadilla into wedges. Drizzle with the remaining zesty sauce and garnish with cilantro if desired.
How to Serve Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla
Serve your delicious chicken quesadilla warm. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with sides for a complete meal. Some great side options include:
- Chips and Salsa: Perfect for dipping and adds a crunchy texture.
- Guacamole: A creamy, rich addition that complements the flavors beautifully.
- Mexican Rice or Beans: These sides can make your meal more filling and nutritious.
Feel free to serve additional zesty sauce or salsa on the side so everyone can add more flavor to their quesadillas.
How to Store Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla
If you happen to have leftovers (which is not very likely!), storing them is easy. Here’s how to keep your quesadillas fresh:
- Cool Down: Allow the quesadillas to cool to room temperature.
- Wrap: Wrap each quesadilla in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Refrigerate: Place the wrapped quesadillas in an airtight container or a resealable bag. They can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips for Preparing Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla
- Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect if you have leftover chicken from a previous meal. It saves time and reduces waste!
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you want your quesadilla to be spicier, consider adding more taco sauce or some chopped jalapeños.
- Cook in Batches: If you’re making quesadillas for a crowd, use two skillets to cook them at the same time for efficiency.
- Experiment with Cheeses: While cheddar cheese is the classic choice, you can also experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheese blend for more flavor.
Variation
Feel free to customize your quesadillas! Here are some ideas for variations:
- Vegetarian Quesadilla: Skip the chicken and fill your quesadillas with a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers, along with cheese.
- Beef or Pork Quesadilla: Substitute the chicken for shredded beef or pulled pork for a different twist.
- Breakfast Quesadilla: Add scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage to make a delicious breakfast version of the quesadilla.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, you can use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option. Just keep in mind that they may break more easily, so handle them gently when cooking.How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free cheese products and substitute the sour cream for a dairy-free sour cream alternative.What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt works as a great alternative and adds a nice tangy flavor.Can I freeze the quesadillas?
Yes, you can freeze assembled quesadillas before cooking. Just wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer. When ready, cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.How can I ensure my quesadilla stays crispy?
Make sure to use enough oil in the skillet and allow it to heat up properly before adding the quesadilla. Cooking them over medium heat will help keep them crispy without burning.
Conclusion
You don’t have to rely on fast-food takeout to enjoy a tasty chicken quesadilla. This easy recipe allows you to make your own at home with simple ingredients and just a little bit of time. Once you try this copycat Taco Bell chicken quesadilla recipe, you’ll be hooked! Enjoy the cheesy, spicy goodness with your family or a group of friends, and don’t forget to customize it to suit your tastes. Happy cooking!
