1 Quesadilla Cajun Chicken Breast Quesadilla has a calorie count of 959, making it a hearty and filling meal. If you're someone who loves spicy food, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

In addition to its satisfying flavor, this quesadilla is also packed with nutrients that are essential for good health. By understanding the macronutrient profile of this dish, you can make informed choices about how to incorporate it into your diet.

In this article, we'll explore some tips for preparing and serving this dish, along with the nutritional benefits and drawbacks of adding it to your meal plan.

Calories and Macronutrients

One serving of this quesadilla contains 959 calories, which is a significant portion of your daily calorie needs for many people. In addition to its high calorie content, this dish also contains a significant amount of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. The macronutrient breakdown of this dish is as follows: 50g of fat, 68g of carbohydrates, and 68g of protein. While this meal is high in all three macronutrients, it is especially rich in protein, which is important for building and repairing muscle tissue. To make this dish more nutritionally balanced, you could consider serving it with a side of vegetables or a salad to boost its fiber and micronutrient content.

Fiber and Sugar Content

While this quesadilla is a good source of protein and healthy fats, it is relatively low in fiber and high in sugar. One serving contains 10g of sugar, which is equivalent to 2.5 teaspoons. Due to its low fiber content, this dish may not keep you feeling full for very long. To increase the fiber content of this dish, you could consider adding some fiber-rich vegetables or beans to the filling. Additionally, using a lower-sugar salsa or omitting the salsa altogether could help to reduce the sugar content of this dish.

Vitamins and Minerals

While this quesadilla is not particularly high in vitamins or minerals, it does contain some important nutrients that are essential for good health. For example, the chicken breast used in this recipe is a good source of protein, vitamin B6, and niacin. The cheese provides a dose of calcium, while the peppers and onions used in the filling are a source of vitamin C and potassium. To maximize the nutritional benefits of this dish, you could consider adding some additional vegetables to the filling. For example, spinach or kale would provide a source of iron and vitamin K, while mushrooms would increase the dish's vitamin D content.

Cholesterol and Sodium

This dish is relatively high in both cholesterol and sodium, which are two nutrients that can increase your risk of heart disease if consumed in excess. One serving contains 230mg of cholesterol and 1740mg of sodium. To reduce the cholesterol content of this dish, you could consider using a reduced-fat cheese or omitting the cheese altogether. To reduce the sodium content, you could use a low-sodium salsa and season the chicken and vegetables with herbs and spices instead of salt.

Ingredients List

To make this dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp cajun seasoning
• Salsa, for serving (optional)

Preparation Method

To make this dish, follow these steps:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced chicken and cajun seasoning to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the tortilla.
5. Add half of the chicken and vegetable mixture on top of the cheese, then top with the remaining cheese.
6. Place the second tortilla on top of the cheese and press down lightly.
7. Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown.
8. Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and cut into wedges.
9. Serve with salsa, if desired.

Texture and Flavor

This quesadilla has a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful filling. The cajun seasoning lends a spicy kick to the dish, while the melted cheese adds richness and creaminess. Overall, this dish has a satisfying texture and flavor profile that is sure to please anyone who enjoys comfort food. Whether you're serving it as a main course or as an appetizer, this quesadilla is a crowd-pleaser.

Possible Variations

This dish is highly customizable, and there are many possible variations you could consider. For example, you could:

• Use a different protein source, such as ground beef or tofu
• Add additional vegetables to the filling, such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini
• Use a different type of cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco
• Experiment with different seasonings to change the flavor profile of the dish

Health Benefits

This quesadilla provides a high amount of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. Additionally, it contains some important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, niacin, and calcium. While this dish is relatively high in calories, it can still be a healthy part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. By pairing it with a side of vegetables or a salad, you can increase its nutritional value and make it a more well-rounded meal.

Potential Drawbacks

This quesadilla is relatively high in both calories and sodium, which are two nutrients that should be consumed in moderation for optimal health. Additionally, it contains a moderate amount of sugar and is low in fiber, which means it may not keep you feeling full for very long. If you're trying to manage your calorie intake or reduce your sodium consumption, you may want to consider some alternatives to this dish. Additionally, if you're looking for a meal that is high in fiber or low in sugar, this dish may not be the best choice.