Description

Recreate your fast-food favorite at home with this Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Copycat recipe! Packed with juicy chicken, melty cheese, and a zesty homemade quesadilla sauce, it’s quick, delicious, and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise if preferred)
1 1/2 tablespoon pickled jalapeños, minced
1 1/2 tablespoon pickled jalapeño juice/brine
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (plus more for seasoning chicken)
1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more for seasoning chicken)
1/2 teaspoon pepper (plus more for seasoning chicken)
1 lb chicken breast or thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 flour tortillas (taco-sized)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

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Instructions

In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt, pickled jalapeños, jalapeño juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to make the Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté chicken until cooked through and golden.
Chop or shred the cooked chicken and toss it with ½ to ⅔ of the quesadilla sauce. Reserve the remaining sauce for dipping.
In a large skillet sprayed with nonstick spray, place one tortilla down.
Sprinkle ¼ of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the tortilla.
Spread half of the chicken mixture over the cheese.
Sprinkle another ¼ of the shredded cheese over the chicken, then top with a second tortilla.
Cook for about 2 minutes per side, until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients to make the second quesadilla.
Slice into wedges and serve with the reserved sauce.

Notes

Substitute rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version.
You can adjust the spice level by adding more jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Add sautéed onions or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.