15-Minute Microwave Chicken Quesadilla
A quick microwave version of Taco Bell's signature chicken quesadilla featuring tender shredded chicken, melted colby jack cheese, and a creamy Tex-Mex sauce made with sour cream, mayo, and pickled jalapeno brine. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or late-night snacks when you want that restaurant taste without the drive-through wait. The microwave method delivers melted cheese in under two minutes.
Ingredients
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Tex-Mex seasoning
- 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeno brine
- 8 flour tortillas, burrito-size
- 4 cups colby jack cheese, freshly gratedMexican blend cheese1:1vegetarian
same melting properties
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
Instructions
- 1
Whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, Tex Mex seasoning, and jalapeno brine in a small bowl to make the quesadilla sauce
- 2
Place one flour tortilla on a microwave-safe plate and sprinkle with grated cheese and shredded chicken
- 3
Drizzle with desired amount of quesadilla sauce and top with second flour tortilla
- 4
Wrap lightly in paper towels and microwave on high power for initial 60 seconds
- 5
Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until cheese completely melts
- 6
Serve immediately while hot
Tips
Start with 1/4 cup of sauce per quesadilla and adjust to taste for optimal flavor balance
Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and texture
Paper towel wrapping prevents tortillas from drying out during microwave cooking
Good to Know
Refrigerate assembled quesadillas up to 1 day before microwaving
Sauce can be made 3 days ahead and refrigerated
Serve immediately while cheese is melted and tortillas are warm
Common Mistakes
Don't skip paper towel wrapping to avoid dried out tortillas
Use microwave-safe plates to avoid cracking
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this in a skillet instead of microwave?
Yes, cook in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until cheese melts and tortillas are golden brown.
How long will leftover sauce keep?
The quesadilla sauce will keep refrigerated for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Can I freeze assembled quesadillas?
Yes, wrap individually and freeze up to 2 months. Microwave from frozen adding 30-60 seconds to cooking time.