How Many Carbs Are in a Chicken and Cheese Quesadilla?

AvatarByTonya Taylor Dairy Recipes & Swaps

If you’re watching your carbohydrate intake but still crave something warm, cheesy, and satisfying, a chicken and cheese quesadilla might just be the perfect meal to consider. This popular dish combines tender chicken, melted cheese, and a crispy tortilla, creating a flavorful experience that’s hard to resist. But for those mindful of their nutrition, especially carbs, understanding what’s inside this tasty treat is key to making informed choices.

Navigating the carb content in a chicken and cheese quesadilla can be surprisingly complex. Factors such as the type of tortilla, portion size, and additional ingredients all play a role in determining the total carbohydrate count. Whether you’re managing diabetes, following a low-carb diet, or simply curious about your meal’s nutritional profile, gaining insight into these variables can help you enjoy your quesadilla without guilt.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the typical carbohydrate content found in chicken and cheese quesadillas, discuss how different preparations can affect this number, and offer tips for customizing your quesadilla to better fit your dietary goals. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how this beloved dish fits into your nutritional plan.

Carbohydrate Content in Common Ingredients

Understanding the carbohydrate content in a chicken and cheese quesadilla begins with analyzing its primary components: the tortilla, chicken, and cheese. Each ingredient contributes differently to the total carb count, making it essential to break down their nutritional profiles individually.

Tortillas, typically made from flour or corn, are the main source of carbohydrates in quesadillas. Flour tortillas generally contain more carbs compared to corn tortillas due to their wheat content. For example, a standard 8-inch flour tortilla can contain between 25 to 30 grams of carbohydrates, while a similar-sized corn tortilla usually has around 15 to 20 grams.

Chicken, being a protein source, contains negligible carbohydrates. Skinless, grilled chicken breast has virtually zero carbs, making it an excellent choice for those monitoring their carbohydrate intake.

Cheese contributes minimal carbohydrates as well. Most cheeses contain less than 1 gram of carbs per ounce, primarily from lactose. However, the type of cheese can slightly influence this number; for instance, processed cheese might have a slightly higher carb count than natural varieties like cheddar or mozzarella.

Additional ingredients such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole can add varying amounts of carbohydrates, depending on their composition and quantity used.

Typical Carbohydrate Range in a Chicken and Cheese Quesadilla

The total carbohydrate content of a chicken and cheese quesadilla depends heavily on the size of the tortilla and the quantity of fillings used. Below is a breakdown of carbohydrate estimates based on a typical serving size:

Ingredient Amount Carbohydrates (g) Notes
Flour Tortilla 1 (8-inch) 25-30 Primary carb source
Corn Tortilla 1 (8-inch) 15-20 Lower carb alternative
Grilled Chicken 3 oz 0-1 Minimal carbs
Cheddar Cheese 1 oz 0.4-0.7 Low carb
Salsa (optional) 2 tbsp 2-4 Depends on sugar content
Sour Cream (optional) 2 tbsp 1-2 Low carb

Considering these values, a typical chicken and cheese quesadilla made with one flour tortilla, 3 ounces of chicken, and one ounce of cheese will contain approximately 26 to 32 grams of carbohydrates. Using a corn tortilla can reduce this number by about 10 grams.

Factors Affecting Carbohydrate Levels

Several factors can influence the carbohydrate content in a chicken and cheese quesadilla beyond the basic ingredients:

  • Tortilla Size and Type: Larger tortillas significantly increase carbohydrate content. Opting for whole wheat or low-carb tortillas can also impact the total carbs.
  • Additional Fillings: Ingredients such as beans, vegetables, or refried beans will add carbohydrates, sometimes substantially.
  • Cooking Methods: Some recipes may include breading on chicken or additional sauces with sugars, increasing carbs.
  • Portion Sizes: Larger portions or multiple quesadillas will multiply the carbohydrate intake accordingly.

Low-Carb Alternatives and Modifications

For individuals seeking to reduce their carbohydrate intake while still enjoying a chicken and cheese quesadilla, several modifications can be made:

  • Use low-carb or almond flour tortillas that often contain fewer than 10 grams of carbs per serving.
  • Substitute traditional tortillas with lettuce wraps or collard greens for a near-zero carb alternative.
  • Increase the proportion of protein and cheese to make the meal more satiating without adding carbs.
  • Avoid high-carb toppings such as sugary salsas or refried beans; instead, use fresh vegetables or guacamole which are lower in carbohydrates.

These adjustments can help tailor the quesadilla to various dietary needs, including ketogenic or low-carb diets, without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Carbohydrate Content in a Chicken and Cheese Quesadilla

The carbohydrate content in a chicken and cheese quesadilla primarily depends on the type and quantity of the tortilla, as well as any additional ingredients or sauces used. Generally, the quesadilla consists of a flour tortilla filled with cooked chicken and melted cheese, both of which contribute minimal carbohydrates compared to the tortilla itself.

On average, a standard chicken and cheese quesadilla contains between 30 to 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving. This estimate assumes the use of a typical 10-inch flour tortilla and standard cheese portions, without added high-carb ingredients such as beans, rice, or sugary sauces.

Carbohydrate Breakdown by Ingredient

Ingredient Typical Serving Size Carbohydrates (g) Notes
Flour Tortilla 1 (10-inch) 30 – 35 Main source of carbohydrates
Cooked Chicken Breast 3 oz (85 g) 0 Protein source, negligible carbs
Cheddar Cheese 1 oz (28 g) 0.5 – 1 Minimal carbs from lactose
Optional Additions (e.g., salsa, sour cream) Varies Varies May add small amounts of carbs

Factors Influencing Carbohydrate Content

  • Type of Tortilla: Flour tortillas are typically higher in carbohydrates than corn tortillas. For example, a 10-inch corn tortilla contains approximately 20 grams of carbs, which can reduce the total carb count if substituted.
  • Tortilla Size: Larger tortillas contain more carbohydrates. Using smaller tortillas or low-carb tortillas can significantly lower the overall carbohydrate content.
  • Additional Fillings: Ingredients such as beans, rice, or vegetables can increase the carbohydrate content substantially.
  • Sauces and Condiments: Some salsas or dressings include added sugars that may increase carbs.

Estimating Carbs for Custom Quesadillas

To accurately calculate the carbohydrate content for a specific chicken and cheese quesadilla, consider the following approach:

  1. Identify the type and weight of the tortilla used.
  2. Calculate the carbohydrate content from the tortilla package or nutritional database.
  3. Add minimal carbs from the cheese and chicken, which are usually less than 1–2 grams combined.
  4. Include any additional ingredients or sauces and their corresponding carbohydrate values.

For individuals tracking carbohydrate intake for dietary reasons such as diabetes management or ketogenic diets, using nutritional labels and food scales will provide the most precise information.

Expert Nutritional Insights on Carbohydrate Content in Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas

Dr. Emily Sanchez (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). The carbohydrate content in a chicken and cheese quesadilla primarily depends on the type and amount of tortilla used. A standard flour tortilla typically contains around 20 to 25 grams of carbs, while the fillings—chicken and cheese—contribute minimal carbohydrates. Therefore, an average quesadilla usually contains approximately 25 to 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Michael Turner (Certified Clinical Nutritionist and Food Analyst). When calculating carbs in a chicken and cheese quesadilla, it is essential to consider additional ingredients such as sauces or vegetables that may be included. The carbohydrate count can vary, but a typical serving with a flour tortilla and standard cheese and chicken portions ranges from 28 to 35 grams of carbohydrates. Choosing whole wheat or low-carb tortillas can significantly reduce this number.

Dr. Laura Kim (Food Science Professor and Culinary Nutrition Expert). From a food science perspective, the carbohydrate content in chicken and cheese quesadillas is largely influenced by the tortilla’s composition. Flour tortillas are higher in carbs compared to corn tortillas, which contain fewer carbohydrates. Additionally, portion size plays a crucial role; a larger quesadilla will naturally have more carbs. On average, a medium-sized quesadilla contains roughly 30 grams of carbohydrates, making it a moderate-carb meal option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many carbohydrates are in a typical chicken and cheese quesadilla?
A standard chicken and cheese quesadilla contains approximately 30 to 40 grams of carbohydrates, depending on the size and type of tortilla used.

Do the type of tortilla affect the carb content in a chicken and cheese quesadilla?
Yes, flour tortillas generally have higher carbohydrate content than corn tortillas, which can reduce the overall carbs in the quesadilla if used.

Can I reduce the carbohydrate content in a chicken and cheese quesadilla?
Yes, using low-carb or whole wheat tortillas and limiting additional high-carb ingredients like sauces or beans can lower the carbohydrate content.

How do added ingredients like salsa or sour cream impact the carb count?
Salsa typically adds minimal carbohydrates, while sour cream contains very few carbs; however, sweetened or flavored sauces can significantly increase the carb content.

Is the carbohydrate content in a chicken and cheese quesadilla suitable for low-carb diets?
Traditional quesadillas may be too high in carbs for strict low-carb diets, but modifications such as using low-carb tortillas can make them more compatible.

Does the cheese or chicken contribute significantly to the carbohydrate content?
No, both chicken and cheese are primarily protein and fat sources and contribute negligible carbohydrates to the quesadilla.
In summary, the carbohydrate content in a chicken and cheese quesadilla primarily depends on the type and quantity of the tortilla used, as well as any additional ingredients or sauces included. Typically, a standard flour tortilla contains around 20 to 30 grams of carbohydrates, while the chicken and cheese contribute minimal carbs, making the tortilla the main source of carbohydrates in this dish.

It is important to consider portion size and ingredient variations when assessing the carbohydrate count, especially for individuals monitoring their carb intake for dietary or health reasons. Opting for whole wheat or low-carb tortillas can significantly reduce the overall carbohydrate content, while adding vegetables or using alternative wraps may also alter the nutritional profile.

Ultimately, understanding the carbohydrate content in a chicken and cheese quesadilla allows for better dietary planning and informed choices. Being mindful of ingredient selection and portion control can help maintain balanced nutrition without compromising flavor or satisfaction.

Author Profile

Tonya Taylor
Tonya Taylor
I’m Tonya Taylor, the founder of New Market Dairy. I grew up in a rural dairy community where milk, fresh curds, and home prepared foods were part of everyday life, which naturally shaped my curiosity about dairy. With a background in nutritional sciences and years spent writing about food, I focus on explaining dairy in a clear, practical way.

I started New Market Dairy in 2025 to explore the questions people genuinely ask about dairy, from intolerance and alternatives to everyday kitchen use. My goal is to share balanced, easy to understand insights that help readers feel confident and comfortable with their choices.