Chicken Quesadilla – Folded Tortilla with Grilled Chicken

A practical Mexican classic: a folded tortilla filled with grilled chicken, melted cheese and colorful peppers, cooked until golden. High in protein, quick and satisfying.

Total
35 min
Servings
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Calories · per serving
430 kcal
Ecem Akkaba

Written by

Ecem Akkaba · Dietitian

Dietitian, graduate of İstanbul Medipol University. She develops the recipes and nutrition values on FitZen.

Updated:

Chicken Quesadilla – Folded Tortilla with Grilled Chicken

In short

Chicken Quesadilla – Folded Tortilla with Grilled Chicken contains 430 calories per serving: 31 g protein, 30 g carbohydrate and 21 g fat. It takes 35 minutes in total and makes 4 servings.

About this recipe

The quesadilla takes its name from the Spanish word "queso," meaning cheese, and is one of the most beloved snacks and main dishes of Mexican cuisine. At its core it is a tortilla filled with cheese, folded, and toasted in a pan until the cheese melts.

In this version, spiced grilled chicken, sautéed colorful peppers and onion are added, enriching the dish in both flavor and nutrition. In Mexico it is usually served with salsa, guacamole or sour cream.

When made with a whole-wheat tortilla and little oil, the quesadilla becomes a balanced meal with high protein content. The chicken provides quality protein for muscle repair, while the peppers add vitamin C and fiber.

Method

  1. 1

    Season the chicken breasts by rubbing them with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.

  2. 2

    Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan and cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes until done on both sides, then slice into thin strips.

  3. 3

    Add the remaining olive oil to the same pan and sauté the peppers and onion for 4-5 minutes until softened.

  4. 4

    Sprinkle cheese over one half of a tortilla, arrange the chicken and vegetables on top, then add a little more cheese.

  5. 5

    Fold the tortilla in half, closing the empty side over the filling.

  6. 6

    Cook the folded quesadilla in a dry or lightly oiled pan until golden on both sides and the cheese has melted.

  7. 7

    Repeat the process for the remaining tortillas.

  8. 8

    Cut into triangular wedges and serve with fresh cilantro and salsa.

Tips

  • Cook over medium heat so the cheese holds the quesadilla together; high heat burns the outside before the inside melts.
  • For a healthier version, use whole-wheat tortillas and reduce the oil.
  • This recipe is great for using up leftover chicken; you can add already-cooked chicken directly.

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