How many carbs are in a Qdoba chicken quesadilla?

December 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition tracker Eat This Much, a standard Qdoba chicken quesadilla contains approximately 55 grams of carbohydrates. However, this number can vary significantly depending on customization, such as the type of tortilla used and the addition of ingredients like sour cream, guacamole, or queso. Understanding the base nutritional information is key to managing your dietary intake while enjoying a meal at Qdoba.

Quick Summary

A standard Qdoba chicken quesadilla has around 55 grams of carbs, primarily from the flour tortilla. Customizing your order with alternative tortillas or omitting certain add-ons can significantly reduce the overall carbohydrate count.

Key Points

Carb Source: The vast majority of carbs in a standard Qdoba chicken quesadilla come from the large flour tortilla.
Standard Count: A basic chicken quesadilla contains around 55 grams of carbohydrates.
Customization Matters: Add-ons like queso, guacamole, and sour cream can increase the total carb count.
Low-Carb Alternative: Ordering a chicken protein bowl is an effective way to reduce carbs by eliminating the tortilla, rice, and beans.
Official Source: For precise nutritional information, always consult the official Qdoba website or in-store guide.
Veggies are Your Friend: Adding fajita vegetables is a low-carb way to increase fiber and nutrients without adding many carbs.
Avoid the Chips: For those watching their carb intake, skipping the side of tortilla chips is a must.

Understanding the Carb Count

The carbohydrate content of a Qdoba chicken quesadilla is not a fixed number. The total count depends heavily on the ingredients you choose. A basic quesadilla includes a large flour tortilla, grilled chicken, and shredded cheese. The majority of the carbohydrates come from the flour tortilla, a high-carb component.

Adding other ingredients can further increase the carb count. For example, opting for a whole-wheat tortilla might slightly alter the fiber and net carb count, while adding various salsas and sauces introduces more carbohydrates and sugars. To accurately track your macros, it's essential to consider every component of your meal.

The Breakdown of a Basic Qdoba Chicken Quesadilla

Let's analyze the core components of a simple chicken quesadilla to understand where the carbs originate. The fundamental combination is the flour tortilla, grilled chicken, and a three-cheese blend. The tortilla is the most significant source of carbohydrates, and its composition of refined flour means the carbs are digested relatively quickly.

Flour Tortilla: The primary source of carbs. A standard large tortilla can contain a substantial amount of carbohydrates, impacting the total macro profile of the dish. A plain quesadilla on a flour tortilla can have around 55 grams of carbs.
Grilled Chicken: This adds a high-protein, zero-carb component to the quesadilla. The preparation method is simple and doesn't add any significant carbohydrate content.
Three-Cheese Blend: Primarily a source of fat and protein, with minimal carbohydrates. The cheese is a crucial part of the flavor and texture but does not contribute heavily to the carb count.

Low-Carb Alternatives and Customizations

For those seeking to reduce their carbohydrate intake, Qdoba offers several customization options. By making smart choices, you can still enjoy a flavorful meal without a high carb load. The biggest impact comes from altering the tortilla and the additional fillings.

Here are some low-carb modification tips:

Choose a bowl over a quesadilla: A bowl allows you to completely eliminate the high-carb tortilla. You can build a custom bowl with grilled chicken, fajita veggies, cheese, and salsa, and skip the rice and beans to keep carbs low. The Qdoba Chicken Protein Bowl, for instance, has a lower carb count than a quesadilla.
Watch the sauces: Add-ons like queso can contain hidden carbs. While the standard 3-cheese queso is not excessively high in carbs, specialty varieties or other sauces can increase the total. Opt for salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for flavor with fewer carbs.
Focus on the protein and veggies: Load up on grilled chicken and fajita vegetables. The fajita veggies, consisting of bell peppers and onions, are a low-carb way to add flavor and texture. This approach shifts the meal's focus from a carb-heavy entree to a protein- and veggie-rich one.
Be mindful of the side dishes: Side dishes like tortilla chips are high in carbs. Avoid them to keep your total meal's carb count in check.

Comparison Table: Qdoba Chicken Quesadilla vs. Low-Carb Options


Item	Carbs (g)	Protein (g)	Fat (g)	Notes
Standard Chicken Quesadilla	55	61	53	Includes flour tortilla, grilled chicken, and cheese.
Chicken Protein Bowl	48	44	29	Served without tortilla or rice. Customize with low-carb toppings.
Kids' Quesadilla	25	11	12	A smaller, lower-carb portion. Good for a carb-conscious snack.
Custom Chicken & Fajita Veggie Bowl	~15-20*	~60*	~30*	Custom creation with no rice or beans. *Estimated values.

Note: The carb count for a custom bowl is an estimate and depends on the specific ingredients added. The values for the other items are based on approximate data from nutrition trackers. Always check the official Qdoba nutrition information for the most accurate details.

Making Your Choice at Qdoba

When ordering a chicken quesadilla at Qdoba, the carbohydrate content is primarily influenced by the tortilla. A standard flour tortilla makes this dish a moderate-to-high carb meal. However, Qdoba's build-your-own menu format allows for significant customization to fit various dietary needs, including low-carb diets. For instance, swapping a quesadilla for a bowl and choosing lower-carb ingredients is a very effective strategy. For those on a very strict low-carb or ketogenic diet, careful consideration of all ingredients, including sauces and add-ons, is necessary. The official Qdoba nutrition calculator is the best tool for precise macro tracking.

Conclusion

In summary, a basic Qdoba chicken quesadilla contains approximately 55 grams of carbohydrates due to its flour tortilla base. The total carb count can increase further with added ingredients like queso or sour cream. For those on a low-carb diet, the most effective strategy is to opt for a custom bowl with grilled chicken, cheese, and vegetables, and avoid the tortilla, rice, and beans entirely. By understanding the nutritional composition of each ingredient, you can make informed choices and enjoy a delicious meal that aligns with your dietary goals. The customizable nature of Qdoba's menu provides the flexibility needed to manage carb intake successfully.

Disclaimer: This article provides general nutritional guidance based on available information. For the most accurate and up-to-date nutritional data, always refer to the official Qdoba nutrition and allergen guide provided on their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a Qdoba kids' quesadilla contains significantly fewer carbs, with approximately 25 grams of total carbohydrates, due to its smaller size and portioning.

No, a standard Qdoba quesadilla is not gluten-free, as the flour tortilla contains wheat. For gluten-free options, you should order a bowl and ensure no cross-contact during preparation.

To reduce carbs, you can skip the flour tortilla entirely and order a chicken protein bowl, focusing on grilled chicken, cheese, fajita veggies, and salsas.

Yes, additional fillings will affect the total carb count. For example, adding rice or beans to a quesadilla would increase the carbohydrate load, while sticking to cheese, chicken, and vegetables keeps it lower.

Net carbs depend on the total carbs minus fiber. While a plain quesadilla with a flour tortilla may have limited fiber, options like a whole wheat tortilla or adding fajita veggies can increase the fiber and lower the net carb count.

Based on search results, Qdoba's quesadillas are typically made with a standard flour tortilla. However, some locations may offer a whole wheat tortilla, which provides more fiber but is not necessarily a low-carb alternative. The best low-carb option is to use no tortilla at all by ordering a bowl.

While the specific carb count for Qdoba's 3-Cheese Queso is not uniformly listed in the search results, it contains some carbohydrates. It is generally a better low-carb option than rice or beans, but it's important to be mindful of portion size if counting macros.