No need for the drive-thru, you can make my copycat Taco Bell chicken quesadilla recipe in no time. This recipe is easy to make with just a few ingredients. You won’t believe how close this tastes to the fast food chain!

I have to admit, I love a trip to Taco Bell. I’ve been through their drive-thru more than I like to admit. One of my favorite items on their menu is the chicken quesadilla. It’s simple, flavorful, and delicious.

This chicken quesadilla recipe was one of my first copycat recipes that I experimented making and now we make it all of the time.

The key to this recipe is the creamy jalapeno sauce that works perfectly with the chicken and melted cheese, yum!

If you enjoy Taco Bell like me, check out these copycat recipes for their nacho cheese sauce, bean burrito, and cheesy roll-ups.

Why you will love this recipe

• Fast – This quesadilla can be made in about 15 minutes from start to finish.
• Easy – A great way to use leftover chicken. You only need a few simple ingredients.
• Customizable – This recipe is easily customizable to your taste.

Taco Bell quesadilla ingredients

• Chicken – You will need cooked, shredded, chopped chicken, or grilled chicken. I like using rotisserie chicken to make it easy.
• Cheese – A blend of Monterey Jack or Colby Jack works nicely. You could also use a Mexican cheese blend. Prepackaged shredded cheese or shredding your own both work great. I do find shredding your own cheese makes for a more ooey gooey melted cheese.
• Quesadilla sauce – Sometimes referred to as creamy jalapeno sauce, this easy copycat Taco Bell quesadilla sauce is a mixture of mayo, sour cream, diced pickled jalapenos and spices. It really sets this quesadilla apart from others. This is a great Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce copycat recipe that can be made in minutes.
• Flour Tortillas – This is the base for your quesadilla. You can use small or large tortillas depending on how big you would like to make your quesadilla.

How to make taco bell chicken quesadilla

You can scroll to the bottom for the full, printable recipe and video.

Step one: Start by making the quesadilla sauce. Mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, salt, diced pickled jalapenos, jalapeno brine, garlic powder, paprika and cumin.

Step two: Spread a thin layer of sauce on a tortilla.

Step three: Lightly spray the pan with cooking spray. Place the prepared tortilla in a large skillet, heated over medium-low heat.

Step four: Sprinkle on shredded cheese and then chicken. Add a little extra shredded cheese and then top with another tortilla.

Step five: Cook for 3-4minutes, carefully flip the quesadilla over, cover with a lid and cook another 3-4 minutes.

Step six: Carefully remove from pan and cut.

Heather’s recipe tips

• Do you have to cover the pan with a lid? You don’t have to but I find it helps to melt the cheese faster.
• Make sure not to turn up the heat too high. It can burn the tortilla without melting the cheese.
• Use a pizza cutter to easily slice these into triangles.
• For extra melty, gooey, delicious cheese, use freshly shredded rather than prepackaged.

What to serve with quesadillas?

These copycat Taco Bell chicken quesadillas are delicious on their own but pair well with many different side dishes and can be topped with a variety of condiments like sour cream, guacamole and salsa. We also like to dip them in left over quesadilla sauce.

Here are a few other suggestions for what to serve with quesadillas:

• Pico de Gallo – Delicious mixture of tomatoes and onions to serve on top of the quesadillas.
• Sweet corn cake – This is a copycat recipe of Chi-Chi’s sweet corn cakes.
• Spanish rice – A flavorful red rice that comes together in one pot.
• Restaurant style black beans – Black beans cooked to perfection with onions and spices.
• Refried beans – Super easy way to elevate canned refried beans.

Recipe variations

Steak – Make this steak quesadillas using leftover steak, or shaved steak.

Beef – Cooked ground beef also works well in these quesadillas. Try this easy taco meat in place of chicken.

Pork – I love making this recipe with leftover pulled pork. Swap it out with the chicken for a tasty meal.

Veggie – Used some fajita veggies instead of chicken for a nice vegetarian version.

How to store leftover chicken quesadillas

Store: Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last up to 3 days.

Reheat: They can be reheated in the air fryer, in the microwave, or on the stove.

Common questions

More Favorite Copycat Recipes

• Wingstop ranch
• Wingstop Louisiana spice rub
• Boom Boom sauce
• Chick-Fil-A sauce
• Chick-Fil-A Polynesian sauce
• Arby’s horsey sauce

If you made this recipe, please let me know how you like it in the comments below. You can follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more recipe inspiration.