These crispy low calorie chicken quesadillas are perfect if you’re trying to lose weight but still want healthy proper comfort food. This chicken quesadilla recipe is high in protein, full of flavour and far lighter than a takeaway version.

If you’re looking for a weight loss friendly quesadilla recipe that is crispy and cheesy then this is the one. These healthy quesadillas are made with seasoned chicken thigh, peppers, onions, lime and melted cheese inside a low carb tortilla wrap which makes them a tasty and healthier alternative to regular quesadillas.

This chicken quesadilla recipe proves that you can eat real low-calorie comfort food without sacrificing flavour. You still get the crispy tortilla and melted cheese, just with smarter ingredient choices that keep calories lower and protein higher.

How to Keep Quesadillas Low-calorie

Using chicken thigh keeps the filling juicy without needing lots of oil. Carb balance wraps significantly reduce the calories compared to regular tortillas and a small amount of cheese still gives you that classic cheesy quesadilla taste without overloading it.

What to Serve with Weight Loss Quesadillas

To keep these quesadillas low calories, I serve them with fresh salsa, Greek yoghurt instead of sour cream or hot sauce which generally tends to be low calorie for most brands.

Why You’ll Love this Healthy Low-calorie Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

Family-friendly and meal-prep friendly.
Crispy, golden tortilla with a gooey, melty cheese centre.
Juicy, perfectly spiced chicken packed with flavour.
Sweet peppers and onions add freshness.
Made lighter with carb balance wraps.
High in protein to keep you full for longer.
Perfect for anyone in a calorie deficit.
Quick and easy to make on busy days.
Uses everyday, affordable ingredients.
Comfort food vibes without the calorie overload.

Ingredients for Crispy Low Calorie Chicken Quesadillas

For the full list of ingredients and measurements, scroll to the recipe card below.

Chicken – I use boneless chicken thigh for more flavour.
Seasonings – to season the chicken use salt, black pepper, paprika, ancho chilli flakes, garlic powder and onion powder.
Oil – use any cooking oil such as olive oil or avocado oil.
Onion – I use a brown onion but red onion works well too.
Bell peppers – for convenience, I use frozen mixed bell peppers but you can use fresh bell peppers if you prefer.
Coriander – use fresh or dried coriander.
Oregano – use fresh or dried oregano.
Lime juice – use fresh squeezed or bottled lime juice.
Tortilla wraps – to keep the calories down, I use low carb tortilla wraps.
Cheese – use grated mozzarella or mild cheddar.

How to Make Crispy Low Calorie Chicken Quesadillas

Season the chicken

Firstly, season the chicken thigh with the following seasonings: salt, black pepper, paprika, ancho chilli flakes, garlic powder and onion powder. These seasonings will give the quesadillas plenty of flavour.

Cook the onions and mixed peppers

Cook the sliced onions and mixed peppers on a low - medium heat until softened then remove from the pan. The onions and peppers are great for adding vegetables to the quesadillas to make them more balanced.

Cook the chicken

Cook the chicken until cooked through and slightly golden (around 10 minutes) then add in the coriander, oregano and the lime juice. You can use fresh or dried herbs. Add the onions and peppers back into the pan with the chicken then combine and remove from the heat.

Assemble the quesadilla

Heat the quesadilla in a pan then turn the tortilla over and add some cheese to one half. Top with half of the chicken and mixed peppers then add more cheese on top of the chicken. Fold the tortilla over and cook until golden and crispy on both sides and the cheese has melted then repeat with the other tortilla. You can cover the pan with a lid to help the cheese melt faster.

Recipe Tips

These healthy chicken quesadillas reheat well in a dry pan, oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness which makes them perfect for meal prep.

Storage

Store cooked quesadillas in the fridge for 3 – 4 days. Allow them to completely cool then add them to an airtight container.

Nutrition

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Crispy Low Calorie Chicken Quesadillas

Cheesy crispy low calorie quesadillas that are perfect for weight loss. Made with juicy chicken thighs, bell peppers and lime to make the ultimate comfort food.

Prep Time5

Cook Time16

Total Time21

Author: Andrea

Yield: 2 servings

Calories: 375kcal

Ingredients

1 medium boneless chicken thigh chopped into small pieces
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ tap paprika
½ teaspoon ancho chilli flakes
¾ teaspoon garlic granules/powder
¾ teaspoon onion granules/powder
2 teaspoon oil for cooking
1 small brown onion
60g frozen sliced mixed bell peppers
1 sprig coriander/cilantro chopped
1 sprig oregano chopped
1 teaspoon lime juice
2 low carb tortilla wraps
60g grated hard mozzarella or mild cheddar

Instructions

Add the chopped chicken thigh to a bowl and season with salt, black pepper, paprika, ancho chilli flakes, garlic powder and onion powder then set aside.
Place a frying pan on a medium heat then add 1 teaspoon oil. Add the sliced onions and mixed peppers to the pan and cook for 4 – 5 minutes until softened. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
To the same pan, add 1 teaspoon of oil then add in the chicken and cook for 8 - 10 minutes until cooked through and slightly golden. Add in the coriander and oregano then add the lime juice and stir through. Add the onions and peppers back into the pan and combine. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Place a low carb tortilla into a pan on medium heat for 2 minutes. Turn the tortilla over and add 15g cheese to one half. Top with half of the chicken and pepper mix and then sprinkle 15g cheese on top of the chicken.
Fold the tortilla over and cook for another 2 - 3 minutes until golden and crispy on both sides and the cheese has melted. Repeat with the other tortilla then slice and serve.