Is a Chicken Quesadilla High in Carbs? What You Need to Know

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to USDA data, a standard chicken quesadilla can contain over 38 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from the tortilla. The key to understanding its carb impact lies in its primary components, which begs the question: is a chicken quesadilla high in carbs?

Quick Summary

The carb count of a chicken quesadilla is largely determined by the type of tortilla used, not the chicken or cheese. Options exist to reduce carbs significantly by making simple ingredient substitutions.

Key Points

Main Carb Source: The tortilla, especially a large flour tortilla, is the primary source of carbohydrates in a standard chicken quesadilla.
Traditional vs. Low-Carb: Traditional flour tortillas contribute the most carbs, while switching to almond flour, coconut flour, or other low-carb tortillas can drastically reduce the carb count.
Protein and Fat: Chicken and cheese are low-carb components, providing protein and fat to the dish.
High in Calories: Many quesadillas are calorically dense due to high fat from the cheese and preparation method, though a low-carb version can help manage this.
Ingredient Swaps Matter: The total carb content varies widely depending on the type of tortilla and additional ingredients. Simple swaps can make it suitable for low-carb or keto diets.
Zero-Carb Alternatives: For a strict keto diet, alternatives like lettuce wraps or melted cheese wraps can replace the tortilla entirely.

The Breakdown of Quesadilla Carbs

To understand the carbohydrate load, it's essential to look at each component individually.

The Tortilla: The Primary Carb Source

The tortilla is the foundational component of a quesadilla and contributes the vast majority of its carbohydrates. An 8-inch flour tortilla alone can contain around 25 grams of carbs. Since many quesadilla recipes use two tortillas, the carb count from this single ingredient can quickly exceed 50 grams before adding any filling. While often seen as a healthier alternative, corn tortillas are also a source of carbohydrates, with a 6-inch variety containing about 15 grams. While lower than flour, this still adds up, especially for those on a restrictive low-carb diet.

Chicken: A Carb-Free Protein

The good news for carb-counters is that chicken is a zero-carb, protein-rich filling. A 3.5-ounce serving of cooked chicken breast contains 0 grams of carbohydrates. In fact, chicken is a lean protein source that helps you feel full and satisfied, making it an excellent choice for a balanced meal. Seasoning the chicken with spices like cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder also adds flavor without adding carbs.

Cheese: Minimal Carbs, High Flavor

Most hard and semi-hard cheeses, like cheddar and Monterey Jack commonly used in quesadillas, are very low in carbohydrates. For example, a one-ounce slice of cheddar cheese contains less than one gram of carbs. Cheese adds creamy texture and savory flavor with a negligible impact on the overall carb count. However, it is high in fat and calories, so portion control is important.

Other Fillings: What to Watch Out For

While some additions are low in carbs, others can increase the total. Onions and bell peppers add fiber and vitamins with minimal carbs. On the other hand, a side of rice or a sugary dipping sauce can quickly add hidden carbohydrates. Stick to low-carb toppings like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Comparison: Traditional vs. Low-Carb Quesadilla

Here is a side-by-side comparison of a standard chicken quesadilla and a low-carb alternative.


Ingredient	Traditional Quesadilla (per serving)	Low-Carb Alternative (per serving)
Tortilla	Two 8-inch flour tortillas (approx. 50g carbs)	Two almond flour or low-carb tortillas (approx. 8g net carbs)
Chicken	1 cup cooked, shredded (0g carbs)	1 cup cooked, shredded (0g carbs)
Cheese	1 cup shredded cheddar (approx. 1.5g carbs)	1 cup shredded cheddar (approx. 1.5g carbs)
Salsa/Toppings	Standard salsa and sour cream	Keto-friendly salsa and sour cream (check sugar content)
Estimated Total Carbs	52+ grams	10+ grams

Making a Low-Carb Chicken Quesadilla

If you're watching your carb intake, you don't have to give up quesadillas entirely. Here are some easy and delicious ways to reduce the carbohydrate content significantly:

Swap the Tortilla: Choose from a wide range of low-carb tortillas available in most grocery stores. Popular options include those made from almond flour, coconut flour, or specific low-carb wheat blends.
Use Leafy Greens as a Wrap: For a zero-carb option, use large leaves of iceberg lettuce, romaine, or collard greens as a wrap. Simply stuff the leaves with your chicken and cheese mixture.
Make a Cheese-Based Tortilla: You can create a tortilla-like wrap by melting cheese on parchment paper until it becomes crispy. This provides a zero-carb, high-protein shell that works perfectly for a keto-friendly quesadilla.
Increase the Veggies: Boost the fiber and nutrient content by sautéing low-carb vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or zucchini with your chicken.

Beyond Carbs: Nutritional Considerations

While focusing on carbohydrates is important for some diets, it's also worth noting the other nutritional aspects of a quesadilla. The high protein and fat content in many versions mean they are quite calorically dense. For instance, some restaurant or homemade quesadillas can contain well over 800 calories. A balanced perspective considers all macronutrients, not just carbs. Choosing leaner chicken breast and controlling the amount of cheese can help manage total calories while keeping protein high. You can find more nutritional data on poultry from the National Chicken Council.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a traditional chicken quesadilla, typically made with large flour tortillas, is undeniably high in carbs. However, it's a dish with a lot of flexibility. By substituting the high-carb tortilla with readily available low-carb alternatives, or even creative wrap options like lettuce or cheese, you can enjoy a delicious meal with significantly fewer carbohydrates. The fillings—chicken and cheese—are naturally low in carbs, making them excellent choices for a satisfying meal. Ultimately, the carb content of your chicken quesadilla is up to you and your ingredient choices.

[Authoritative Link]: The National Chicken Council - https://www.nationalchickencouncil.org/policy/nutrition-health/

Frequently Asked Questions

A typical chicken quesadilla made with large flour tortillas can have upwards of 50-90 grams of carbohydrates, with the tortilla being the largest contributor.

The primary ingredient responsible for the high carbohydrate content in a chicken quesadilla is the tortilla, particularly a standard flour tortilla.

Corn tortillas contain fewer carbs than flour tortillas but are not low-carb enough for very strict diets like keto. They are a moderate-carb option.

Excellent low-carb and keto-friendly alternatives to traditional tortillas include large lettuce or cabbage leaves, almond flour tortillas, coconut flour tortillas, or even cheese-based wraps.

No, both chicken breast and most cheeses are naturally very low in carbohydrates. Chicken contains zero carbs, and cheese has only trace amounts.

To reduce carbs, use a low-carb tortilla alternative, load up on low-carb vegetables like bell peppers and onions, and choose keto-friendly sauces and toppings.

A traditional chicken quesadilla is too high in carbs for a keto diet, but you can make a keto-friendly version by swapping the flour tortilla for a low-carb alternative or a cheese-based wrap.