This delicious recipe is one of my favorite Taco Bell menu items. With this recipe, you don't have to run to your closest Taco Bell location; you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own home. 

Whether you're looking for a quick dinner or a great appetizer for game day, this Taco Bell recipe is for you. 

Try adding Taco Bell Baja Sauce in substitute for the chipotle sauce for a little twist on the Taco Bell Melt.

Chicken Chipotle Melt Variations

Different Protein: for a little change, try adding seasoned beef, grilled chicken, or refried beans to your melt. 

Extra Kick: if you want a little more spice, add pureed jalapeño or a splash of Cholula Hot Sauce into your marinade. 

Healthier Option: try using whole grain or keto tortillas in substitution for your flour tortillas. 

What Should I Serve with My Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melt?

You can serve this delicious dish with many different sides, but I like to serve mine with loaded nachos, pico de gallo, or spicy fiesta potatoes. You can also serve them with a side salad, chipotle rice, or a bed of nacho chips. Don't forget to add ranch, sour cream, or nacho cheese sauce on the side to dip your melt-in! 

What Do I Need to Make the Marinade for Taco Bell's Chipotle Chicken Melt?

Chicken Breasts: I prefer to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe as I find they marinate and cook the best. However, you can also use chicken thighs. 

Chili Powder: adds an earthy flavor while also adding a good amount of spice to your marinade. If you don't want a lot of heat, add less. If you want more spice, add more. 

Paprika: has both a sweet and peppery taste that pairs well with the spice of the chili powder. You can use smoked paprika if you prefer more of a smokey flavor. 

Cumin: also adds a bit of sweetness as well as a bit of a nutty flavor to your marinade.

Coriander: is going to give you the citrusy, yet somewhat sweet, flavor that goes great with the chipotle sauce. 

Garlic: adds a pungent punch to your chicken.

Worcestershire Sauce: is a vinegar-based sauce that has a vinegary, sweet, and a bit of an umami flavor.

Apple Cider Vinegar: is a bit sour with a faint taste of sweet cooked apples.

Salt and Pepper: enhances the flavor of your chicken.

Oil: to help the seasonings in coating the chicken and also allow the chicken to develop a nice sear when it cooks.

Homemade Taco Bell Chipotle Sauce - You can make a large batch of this and use it in this recipe as well as in other delicious dishes you make throughout the week!

For Assembling:

Flour Tortillas: is the vessel for all of these delicious Taco Bell flavors; you will need 6-inch or 7-inch soft tortillas.

Cheddar Cheese: you're welcome to use freshly shredded or pre-shredded in a bag; you can also use a three-cheese blend as well.

Cilantro: This is completely optional but gives your melt a fresh, authentic flavor. This is 100% optional.

Cooking Spray: This is used to keep your tortillas from sticking to the pan. I like to use olive oil spray.

How to Make a Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melt

Making the Chicken: 

1. In a large bowl, add the pieces of chicken as well as the marinade ingredients and mix well. Cover with plastic film and store in the fridge for 2-4 hours to allow the chicken to absorb those flavors. 
2. Once the chicken is done marinating, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and grill undisturbed for 3-4 minutes then flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes. We want the chicken's internal temperature to be above 165F.

Making the Chipotle Sauce:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust the spiciness by adding more chipotle peppers or adobo sauce if desired.
3. Transfer the chipotle sauce to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.

Assembling the Wrap:

1. Lay out the flour tortillas in a skillet over low heat. 
2. Spread about 1 tablespoon of chipotle sauce on the tortilla then add 1/4 of the amount of cheese and 1/4 of the amount of chicken. Cook until the cheese has melted. 
3. Carefully transfer that tortilla onto a cutting board and roll it into a wrap. Repeat with the rest of the tortillas. Enjoy as is or with an extra side of chipotle sauce.

Is The New Chicken Chipotle Melt Spicy?

Taco Bell Melt has a very bold flavor that some might consider spicy. I think that it has a mild heat with a small kick at the end. If you want more spice, feel free to add more sauce or pick up Taco Bell Fire Sauce at the store!

Can You Use Leftover Chicken?

Of course! This is a great recipe to use leftover chicken in, especially rotisserie chicken. Just add in your leftover chicken as normal. 

How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Chipotle Melts? 

To Store: I recommend separating your chicken from your other ingredients. Keep your chicken in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge. Keep your leftover chipotle in the sauce for up to about ten days. You can also tightly wrap it up in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. 

To Freeze: Let your cooked and marinated chicken cool until room temperature, and then place it in the freezer for up to about three months. 

To Reheat: Reheat your chicken in a skillet for the best flavor. If you're looking for a quick meal, you can microwave it for one minute and then in ten-second increments. Then cook as normal. 

Easy Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melt Copycat Recipe