Homemade Taco Bell Chicken Quesadillas

Homemade Taco Bell Chicken Quesadillas

Ingredients:

• For the Quesadilla:
  • 1 package of chicken fajita strips (cut in half)
  • 1 bag of “fiesta blend” cheese
  • Flour tortillas
• For the Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce:
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons pickled jalapeno juice (from a jar of pickled jalapenos)
  • 3 tablespoons pickled jalapenos (diced)
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic granules
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Quesadilla Sauce:
   • In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, pickled jalapeno juice, diced pickled jalapenos, paprika, ground cumin, garlic granules, onion powder, salt, and chili powder until well combined.
   • Set the sauce aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat a skillet over medium/high heat.
   • Cook the chicken fajita strips for a couple of minutes until heated through.
   • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a separate plate.
3. Assemble the Quesadilla:
   • Place a flour tortilla in the skillet over medium heat.
   • Fill half of the tortilla with a generous amount of the “fiesta blend” cheese.
   • Add some cooked chicken strips on top of the cheese.
   • Put some of the quesadilla sauce in a ziplock bag, cut a small corner off, and drizzle the sauce over the chicken and cheese.
4. Cook the Quesadilla:
   • Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling.
   • Cook each side of the quesadilla until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Serve:
   • Cut the quesadilla into wedges and serve hot with additional sauce, if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes

Kcal: 400 kcal per serving (approximate) | Servings: 4 quesadillas

Most Popular Questions and Their Answers

1. Can I use other types of cheese?
   • Yes, you can use any melty cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
   • Yes, the sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
3. What can I serve with these quesadillas?
   • Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
4. Can I use whole wheat tortillas?
   • Yes, whole wheat tortillas work just as well.
5. Can I grill the quesadillas?
   • Yes, you can cook them on a grill for a smoky flavor.
6. Can I add vegetables to the quesadilla?
   • Yes, you can add bell peppers, onions, or any other vegetables you like.
7. What’s a good side dish for these quesadillas?
   • Serve with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad.
8. Can I use leftover chicken?
   • Yes, leftover cooked chicken works great for this recipe.
9. How do I keep the quesadillas crispy?
   • Cook them over medium heat to ensure they get crispy without burning.
10. Can I freeze these quesadillas?
    • Yes, you can freeze them before cooking and then cook them from frozen.
11. Can I use a different type of meat?
    • Yes, you can use beef, pork, or even shrimp.
12. How can I make them spicier?
    • Add more diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
13. Can I make these dairy-free?
    • Use dairy-free cheese and substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives.
14. How long will the sauce last in the fridge?
    • The sauce will last up to a week in an airtight container.
15. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
    • Yes, Greek yogurt is a good substitute for sour cream.
16. What type of skillet is best?
    • A non-stick or cast-iron skillet works best for even cooking.
17. Can I cook these in the oven?
    • Yes, bake at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
18. Do I need to use pickled jalapenos?
    • Fresh jalapenos can be used, but pickled ones add a unique flavor.
19. Can I add beans to the quesadilla?
    • Yes, black beans or refried beans are a great addition.
20. How do I prevent the filling from spilling out?
    • Don’t overfill the quesadilla and press the edges down firmly when folding.

Achieving the Perfect Homemade Taco Bell Chicken Quesadillas: 30 Secrets to Master the Recipe

1. Use Fresh Ingredients:
   • Always use fresh chicken, cheese, and tortillas for the best flavor and texture.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
   • Marinate the chicken in lime juice and spices for at least an hour to enhance the flavor.
3. Cook Chicken Properly:
   • Sear the chicken on high heat for a few minutes to get a nice char and then finish cooking on medium heat to keep it juicy.
4. Shred the Cheese:
   • Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting and texture.
5. Warm Tortillas:
   • Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave before assembling to make them more pliable.
6. Evenly Distribute the Filling:
   • Spread the filling evenly across the tortilla to ensure every bite is flavorful.
7. Use a Blend of Cheeses:
   • Combine different cheeses like Monterey Jack, cheddar, and queso blanco for a richer flavor.
8. Make the Sauce Ahead:
   • Prepare the quesadilla sauce a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld.
9. Use a Non-Stick Skillet:
   • A non-stick skillet ensures easy flipping and even cooking.
10. Press Down While Cooking:
    • Use a spatula to press down the quesadilla while cooking for a crispier exterior.
11. Cook on Medium Heat:
    • Medium heat helps the cheese melt evenly without burning the tortilla.
12. Don’t Overfill:
    • Avoid overfilling the quesadilla to prevent spillage and ensure even cooking.
13. Flip Carefully:
    • Use a wide spatula and flip gently to keep the filling intact.
14. Let It Rest:
    • Let the quesadilla rest for a minute before cutting to keep the filling from oozing out.
15. Use a Pizza Cutter:
    • A pizza cutter makes slicing quesadillas quick and easy.
16. Serve Immediately:
    • Serve quesadillas hot off the skillet for the best taste and texture.
17. Garnish with Fresh Ingredients:
    • Add fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or jalapeno slices for a burst of freshness.
18. Pair with Dips:
    • Serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a complete experience.
19. Add Vegetables:
    • Include bell peppers, onions, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
20. Try Different Meats:
    • Experiment with beef, pork, or shrimp for variety.
21. Use Whole Wheat Tortillas:
    • For a healthier option, use whole wheat tortillas.
22. Make Mini Quesadillas:
    • Use smaller tortillas to create appetizer-sized quesadillas.
23. Add Crunch:
    • Include a handful of crushed tortilla chips inside the quesadilla for a crunchy texture.
24. Layer Flavors:
    • Add a sprinkle of taco seasoning or smoked paprika to the cheese for extra depth.
25. Use a Grill Pan:
    • A grill pan gives quesadillas beautiful grill marks and a smoky flavor.
26. Prep Ahead:
    • Prepare and refrigerate the filling ahead of time for a quick assembly.
27. Avoid Soggy Tortillas:
    • Pat the chicken dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
28. Try Different Sauces:
    • Experiment with different sauce recipes for variety.
29. Keep it Simple:
    • Sometimes, less is more. Stick to basic ingredients for a classic taste.
30. Enjoy the Process:
    • Have fun experimenting and adjusting the recipe to suit your taste!

By following these secrets, you’ll be able to master the perfect homemade Taco Bell chicken quesadillas, ensuring they’re flavorful, crispy, and satisfying every time.