High Protein Chicken Quesadilla
A crispy baked quesadilla loaded with rotisserie chicken, black beans, and melted cheese that delivers 42 grams of protein per serving in just 21 minutes.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
- Wide spatula
Ingredients
- 1 whole wheat tortilla large burrito-size; regular flour tortilla works as a substitute
- 0.75 tbsp olive oil for brushing the outside of the tortilla
- 0.5 cup Mexican cheese blend or cheese of choice; reduced-fat works too
- 3 oz cooked protein of choice rotisserie chicken, shrimp, lean ground turkey, lean ground beef, canned chicken, or tuna
- 3.25 tbsp black beans drained and rinsed
- 3.25 tbsp bell peppers chopped small
- 3.75 tbsp salsa any variety -- mild, medium, or chipotle all work
Instructions
- Cook your protein if it is not already cooked. For rotisserie chicken, shred 3 ounces. For ground turkey or beef, cook in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
- Chop the bell peppers into small, uniform pieces.
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (218 degrees C). Lightly coat a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the tortilla flat on the baking sheet. Add half of the cheese to one side of the tortilla only.
- Layer the cooked protein evenly over the cheese.
- Add the black beans, chopped bell peppers, and salsa over the protein.
- Top with the remaining cheese.
- Fold the tortilla in half and press down gently to keep the filling in place.
- Brush or coat the entire outside surface of the tortilla with olive oil.
- Bake for 7 to 8 minutes until the bottom is starting to turn golden.
- Carefully flip the quesadilla using a wide spatula. Brush the other side with a little more olive oil if desired.
- Bake for an additional 7 to 8 minutes until deeply golden brown and crispy on both sides.
- Remove from the oven, let rest for 1 minute, then slice in half and serve.
- AIR FRYER METHOD: Assemble the quesadilla as directed. Air fry at 350 degrees F (176 degrees C) for 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until crispy and golden. Slice and serve.
