Keto Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
Prepare to make your new go-to weeknight favorite: Keto Chicken Quesadilla! This irresistible take on a classic Mexican-inspired comfort food combines savory, seasoned chicken with gooey, melty cheese, all wrapped in crispy golden low-carb tortillas. Whether you’re following a keto plan or simply craving a cheesy, satisfying meal that won’t let you down, this dish delivers flavor, texture, and pure joy with every bite. It’s quick, reliable, totally customizable, and totally indulgent—without any of the carb guilt.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity fool you; each ingredient in your Keto Chicken Quesadilla brings its own magic to the table! These kitchen staples blend together for a flavor-packed bite, while keeping things light, cheesy, and ever so satisfying.
- Low-carb tortillas: The perfect golden wrap, sturdy enough to hold everything together while keeping carbs at bay.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for ultimate convenience and juicy, flavorful protein.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and glorious melt for that unmistakable quesadilla pull.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and balances the sharpness of cheddar with mild creaminess.
- Cream cheese (softened): Binds the chicken filling, making every bite rich and luscious.
- Butter: Ensures a beautifully crisp and golden crust with a hint of richness.
- Chili powder: Brings subtle warmth and that classic Tex-Mex flair.
- Cumin: Adds earthy, aromatic notes that deepen the entire flavor profile.
- Garlic powder: Boosts savory appeal with an irresistible garlicky undertone.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for rounding out all the flavors; don’t be shy.
- Optional toppings (sour cream, salsa, guacamole): For serving, because great quesadillas deserve great dips.
How to Make Keto Chicken Quesadilla
Step 1: Mix Up the Chicken Filling
In a medium bowl, toss together your shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix until everything’s creamy, well combined, and the spices coat each piece of chicken. This extra layer of flavor is what makes the Keto Chicken Quesadilla miles better than any plain old chicken and cheese.
Step 2: Prep Your Skillet
Set your skillet over a medium heat and let the butter fully melt. The butter isn’t just for cooking—it infuses the tortilla with a golden crisp and whisper of richness that really takes this dish over the top.
Step 3: Layer and Assemble
Once your skillet is hot, lay one low-carb tortilla down flat. Evenly sprinkle half of each shredded cheese right onto the tortilla—this ensures that every bite of Keto Chicken Quesadilla is as melty as the last! Dollop and spread the seasoned chicken mixture over the cheese, then add the rest of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack. Cap it all off with the second tortilla.
Step 4: Toast and Melt
Let the quesadilla cook for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side. Press gently with a spatula for extra crispiness. When golden, flip carefully so the other side gets the same toasty treatment. By the end, you’ll have a perfectly melty middle and a golden, crunchy exterior!
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once the cheeses are gooey and the tortilla’s deeply golden, slip the quesadilla from the skillet onto a cutting board. Let it rest a moment, then slice into wedges. Serve right away while it’s piping hot, with optional sour cream, fresh salsa, or guacamole for dunking.
How to Serve Keto Chicken Quesadilla
Garnishes
Finish your Keto Chicken Quesadilla with a bright dollop of sour cream, a scoop of homemade guacamole, or a fresh salsa to bring out the layers of flavor. Fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of chopped scallions also add a beautiful (and tasty!) final flourish.
Side Dishes
Pair this quesadilla with a simple leafy green salad, lightly dressed for crunch and freshness, or serve alongside roasted veggies for a heartier meal. Cauliflower rice or zesty slaw are wonderful keto-friendly sides that round out your plate without overshadowing the main attraction.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the Keto Chicken Quesadilla into strips for dippable “quesadilla fries,” or serve on a rustic wooden board, stacked, with a trio of colorful dips. For parties or game day spreads, slice into bite-sized wedges and spear with toothpicks for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extra Keto Chicken Quesadilla, simply let the slices cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days—just remember, quesadillas are always best enjoyed fresh if you can!
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual quesadilla slices tightly in parchment paper, then seal in a zip-top freezer bag. Frozen quesadillas make a fantastic quick meal—just be sure to use them within 1 to 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat until the cheese is gooey and the tortilla regains its crispness. A toaster oven also works well. Microwaving is quick, but you might sacrifice some crunch, so stick with the skillet when you can!
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses in my Keto Chicken Quesadilla?
Absolutely! While cheddar and Monterey Jack melt perfectly and offer lots of flavor, you can swap in mozzarella, pepper jack, or any cheese you love. Just be sure it melts well for the best results.
How do I make it spicier?
If you love a little heat, try stirring in diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, or a splash of hot sauce with your chicken mixture. You can also scatter pickled jalapeños into the layers before cooking!
What’s the best way to keep the tortilla crispy?
Press gently with a spatula while cooking and don’t overcrowd the pan; plenty of airflow helps crisp things up. Letting the quesadilla rest a minute before slicing also helps keep the filling from making the crust soggy.
Can I make this with steak or veggies instead of chicken?
Definitely! Steak strips, sautéed mushrooms, or a roasted veggie mix all work deliciously in place of chicken, making your Keto Chicken Quesadilla vegetarian or steakhouse-inspired, depending on your mood.
What low-carb tortillas do you recommend?
Many grocery stores now carry keto-friendly tortillas made from almond flour, coconut flour, or even cheese. Choose one that holds up well to heat and doesn’t break apart—Mission Carb Balance and homemade almond flour tortillas are both great picks.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a crave-worthy meal that’s quick, comforting, and keto-approved, the Keto Chicken Quesadilla is about to become your kitchen MVP. Bursting with creamy, cheesy, and deeply savory flavors, this recipe is pure joy on a plate—so gather your ingredients and enjoy every deliciously low-carb bite!
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Keto Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delicious low-carb treat with this Keto Chicken Quesadilla recipe. Packed with flavor and gooey cheese, it’s a perfect option for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Tortilla:
- 2 large low-carb tortillas
Chicken Filling:
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Guacamole
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix shredded chicken with cream cheese, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Cook Quesadilla: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter. Place one tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle with half the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, spread chicken mixture evenly over the cheese, then top with remaining cheese and the second tortilla. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until tortilla is golden and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Remove from skillet and cut into wedges. Serve warm with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, press quesadilla gently with a spatula while cooking.
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Jalapeños or diced green chiles can be added for heat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, Low-Carb
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 quesadilla
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
