Description
Bubbling cheese, golden-crisp tortillas, and a smoky chicken and black bean filling make this High Protein Quesadilla feel like your favorite cheesy takeout, but it secretly eats like a balanced, high-protein meal. Lean chicken breast, black beans, Greek yogurt, and high-protein tortillas come together in about 30 minutes for a quick dinner that actually keeps you full. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep lunches, or a hearty, healthy snack when you’re craving bold Tex-Mex flavor. This easy recipe fits right into your rotation of quick breakfast ideas, easy dinner recipes, high protein lunch options, and satisfying food ideas for the whole family.
Ingredients
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast diced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup canned black beans rinsed and drained
0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded part skim mozzarella cheese
8 high protein flour tortillas 8 inch
Cooking spray or additional olive oil for the pan
Instructions
1. Season the diced cooked chicken breast and rinsed black beans with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl, tossing until everything is evenly coated.
2. In a separate small bowl whisk together the Greek yogurt and lime juice until smooth, then stir in a spoonful of the spice mixture to create a creamy high protein sauce.
3. Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, add the seasoned chicken and black beans, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until warmed through and lightly sizzling.
4. Remove the warm chicken and bean mixture from the pan, transfer it back to the bowl, and fold in the Greek yogurt sauce and chopped cilantro until everything is well combined.
5. Wipe out the skillet if needed, return it to medium heat, and lightly coat the surface with cooking spray or a thin drizzle of olive oil.
6. Place one tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle with a small handful of cheddar and mozzarella, spoon an even layer of the chicken and bean filling over the cheese, then top with another small handful of cheese and a second tortilla.
7. Cook the quesadilla for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bottom tortilla is crisp and deep golden brown.
8. Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed, until the second side is golden and the cheese inside is fully melted.
9. Transfer the cooked quesadilla to a cutting board and let it rest for 1 to 2 minutes, then slice into wedges and repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
10. Serve warm with extra cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, avocado, or an extra spoonful of Greek yogurt if you like.
Notes
Using leftover or rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even faster—just dice it and warm it with the spices before assembling the quesadillas.
For the crispiest tortillas, keep the heat at medium and give each side time to brown slowly so the cheese melts completely without burning the outside.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: 85
Keywords: high protein quesadilla, chicken quesadilla, easy dinner, healthy snack, high protein dinner, quick dinner recipe, meal prep lunch