Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite low-carb comfort food: Keto Chicken Quesadilla! This genius dish takes all the creamy, cheesy, and smoky flavors of a classic quesadilla and wraps them up in a keto-friendly package, making it utterly irresistible yet totally guilt-free. Whether you need a speedy weeknight meal, crave-worthy lunch, or shareable snack for movie night, the combination of juicy shredded chicken with melty cheese and just the right hint of spice is sure to satisfy. Best of all, it’s quick to whip up, endlessly customizable, and so satisfying you won’t even notice it’s low in carbs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple ingredients for this Keto Chicken Quesadilla, but every one is essential for building layers of flavor, texture, and gooey cheesiness. These staples come together effortlessly, proving that low-carb recipes can still deliver maximum flavor and satisfaction!
- Low-carb tortillas or cheese wraps: These are the foundation for your quesadilla, providing the perfect vessel without the carbs of traditional tortillas. Choose your favorite store-bought version or try a cheese-based wrap for extra richness.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie or leftover chicken works wonders here, giving you major flavor with minimal effort. Shred it finely for the best, melty texture.
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Your classic quesadilla cheese combo brings all the gooey, stretchy goodness you crave. You can even blend the two for more depth.
- Cream cheese: Just a couple spoonfuls make the filling ultra-creamy and help bind everything together.
- Garlic powder: This pantry staple adds quick, savory depth without any prep work.
- Chili powder: The secret to a hint of warmth and a true Tex-Mex kick—don’t skip it!
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste for perfectly balanced flavors.
- Butter or olive oil: For crisping up your quesadilla to golden perfection while adding a whisper of rich flavor.
- Optional toppings (sour cream, avocado, salsa, chopped cilantro): Finish off your Keto Chicken Quesadilla with a flourish! Mix and match your favorites for a burst of color, freshness, or creamy coolness.
How to Make Keto Chicken Quesadilla
Step 1: Mix the Filling
Start by creating that dreamy, creamy filling! In a medium bowl, combine your shredded chicken, shredded cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Give everything a thorough mix until you have a thick, cheesy mixture packed with flavor. Don’t be afraid to get in there with a fork or your hands—the more evenly mixed, the better your quesadilla will taste.
Step 2: Fill and Fold
Lay one of your low-carb tortillas flat on a cutting board. Spread the chicken and cheese mixture over one half of the tortilla, spreading it right to the edge for even bites in every slice. Fold the tortilla over the filling to form a half-moon shape, gently pressing down so the filling sticks together. This ensures your Keto Chicken Quesadilla holds its shape and gets crispy on the outside while staying melty inside.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Set a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter or olive oil. Once the pan is hot, carefully lay your folded quesadilla into the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side, pressing gently with a spatula to encourage even crisping. Flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes on the other side, or until the tortilla is deeply golden and the cheese is oozy. You may need to adjust the heat so nothing burns, but don’t rush—this step locks in that fantastic texture and flavor!
Step 4: Slice and Serve
When your Keto Chicken Quesadilla is done, let it rest on a board for a minute or two. This helps the cheese set just a bit and keeps things tidy. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice it into wedges, then pile onto plates and add your favorite keto-friendly toppings. Now comes the best part—dig in and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
How to Serve Keto Chicken Quesadilla
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of the perfect garnish! Try topping your Keto Chicken Quesadilla with a dollop of cool sour cream, slices of buttery avocado, fresh cilantro, or a spoonful of zesty salsa. These finishing touches not only add freshness and a pop of color but also balance the richness of the filling, making the whole meal feel extra special.
Side Dishes
While the Keto Chicken Quesadilla certainly holds its own, it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in lime vinaigrette or some lightly sautéed peppers and onions. For a real Tex-Mex feast, add a side of cauliflower “rice” or spicy roasted broccoli. These sides complete your meal without weighing you down or knocking you out of ketosis!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your keto quesadilla into a party platter by cutting it into finger-friendly triangles and arranging them with small bowls of dipping sauces: think guacamole, chipotle mayo, or pico de gallo. Or, layer slices on a wooden board alongside fresh-cut veggies for a beautiful, fuss-free lunch spread. If you’re hosting, mix and match different fillings and let everyone grab their favorites for a fun, interactive dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have extra Keto Chicken Quesadilla? Lucky you! Let slices cool completely, then stash them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to 3 days and taste just as delicious when you’re ready for round two.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap individual quesadilla slices tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag or container. The Keto Chicken Quesadilla freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. When hunger strikes, you’ll have an instant homemade meal on hand—just be sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat your leftover Keto Chicken Quesadilla straight from the fridge in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat until hot and melty inside. In a pinch, the microwave works too, but you’ll miss out on that signature crispy exterior. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw first for best texture.
FAQs
Can I make Keto Chicken Quesadilla with different meats?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in cooked shredded beef, pulled pork, or even rotisserie turkey for a fun twist. The cheesy filling works with almost any protein, and the method remains exactly the same.
Which low-carb tortillas are best for this recipe?
Look for tortillas that are specifically labeled as keto or low net-carb, and check the ingredient list for fiber to offset the carbs. If you’re a cheese lover, cheese wraps made from baked mozzarella or cheddar are a fantastic grain-free alternative.
How can I add extra vegetables without upping the carbs?
Diced sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or a smidge of chopped green onions are great additions. Just make sure to cook off any excess moisture so your quesadilla stays nice and crisp.
Is this Keto Chicken Quesadilla good for meal prep?
Yes! It keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully in a skillet, making it the ultimate grab-and-go meal for busy weekdays. Just keep toppings separate until serving for best texture.
Can I make this dairy free?
While dairy is key to traditional quesadillas, you can use dairy-free cheese alternatives and substitute coconut cream cheese for the filling. Make sure your low-carb wraps are also dairy free, and check your seasonings for added dairy.
Final Thoughts
Give this Keto Chicken Quesadilla a try the next time you’re craving something cheesy, hearty, and low-carb. You’ll be amazed at how satisfying, flavorful, and easy it is to make—and don’t be surprised if it becomes a go-to favorite in your weekly meal rotation!
Print
Keto Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delicious Keto Chicken Quesadilla that’s perfect for a low-carb meal. This cheesy, flavorful dish is easy to make and great for anyone following a ketogenic diet.
Ingredients
Low-Carb Tortillas:
2 large low-carb tortillas or cheese wraps
Chicken Filling:
1 cup cooked shredded chicken, 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, 2 tablespoons cream cheese, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon chili powder, salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
sour cream, avocado, salsa, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken Filling: Mix shredded chicken, cheeses, spices, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well combined.
- Assemble Quesadilla: Spread chicken mixture on half of a tortilla and fold it over, creating a half-moon shape.
- Cook Quesadilla: Heat butter or oil in a skillet, cook quesadilla for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cheese melts.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, slice into wedges, and serve with optional toppings.
Notes
- Customize with sautéed peppers or onions for added flavor.
- Perfect for meal prep; reheat in a skillet for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ quesadilla
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
