Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla: Calories & Nutrition
Per serving (184g (6.5 oz)). Source: Taco Bell Nutrition Information, March 2026.
The Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla features seasoned grilled chicken, a creamy jalapeño sauce, and a three-cheese blend (mozzarella, cheddar, pepper jack) griddled inside a flour tortilla until melty and crispy. At 490 calories, it sits in the middle of Taco Bell's calorie range. The standout element is the creamy jalapeño sauce, a signature Taco Bell ingredient that adds both flavor and calories. The 26g of protein comes from the combination of chicken and cheese. The fat content (23g) is largely from the cheese blend and the griddling process. The quesadilla is folded in half (unlike a burrito) and cut into thirds for serving.
Full Nutrition Breakdown
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 490 | 25% |
| Protein | 26g | 52% |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 16% |
| Fat | 23g | 29% |
| Fiber | 4g | 14% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Sodium | 1240mg | 54% |
% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA reference).
What's in a Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla?
Calorie and macro contribution of each ingredient.
| Ingredient | Cal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flour Tortilla (large) | 180 | 4g | 30g | 5g |
| Seasoned Grilled Chicken | 100 | 15g | 1g | 4g |
| Three-Cheese Blend | 120 | 7g | 1g | 10g |
| Creamy Jalapeño Sauce | 70 | 0g | 2g | 7g |
| Griddling Oil/Butter | 40 | 0g | 3g | 2g |
Daily Intake
25% of a 2,000-calorie diet. 1510 calories remaining.
Burn Off 490 Cal
Estimates for a 70 kg (154 lb) person. See all activities
Make It at Home: Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
A homemade version of the Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla with similar nutrition and flavor.
Ingredients
- •2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 450g / 1 lb total)
- •1 tsp ground cumin
- •1/2 tsp chili powder
- •1/2 tsp garlic powder
- •1/2 tsp onion powder
- •1/4 tsp paprika
- •Salt and pepper to taste
- •2 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
- •1 cup shredded three-cheese blend (mozzarella, cheddar, pepper jack)
- •3 tbsp mayonnaise (for jalapeño sauce)
- •1 tbsp pickled jalapeño juice (for sauce)
- •1 tsp minced pickled jalapeños (for sauce)
- •1/2 tsp ground cumin (for sauce)
- •1/4 tsp garlic powder (for sauce)
- •1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (for sauce)
- •1/4 tsp paprika (for sauce)
- •1 tsp butter or oil (for griddling)
Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken breasts with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 74C (165F). Let rest for 5 minutes, then dice into small pieces.
- 2
Make the creamy jalapeño sauce by mixing 3 tbsp mayo, 1 tbsp pickled jalapeño juice, 1 tsp minced pickled jalapeños, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne, 1/4 tsp paprika, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- 3
Place a large flour tortilla on a dry skillet over medium heat. Spread half of the jalapeño sauce on one half of the tortilla.
- 4
Add half of the shredded three-cheese blend and half of the diced chicken on the sauced side of the tortilla.
- 5
Fold the tortilla in half to cover the fillings. Press gently with a spatula. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the tortilla is golden and the cheese is fully melted. Add a small amount of butter to the skillet for extra crispiness.
- 6
Repeat with the second tortilla and remaining ingredients.
- 7
Cut each quesadilla into thirds and serve immediately.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in a Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla?
A Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla contains 490 calories, with 26g of protein, 44g of carbohydrates, and 23g of fat. It also has 1,240mg of sodium, which is about 54% of the daily recommended limit. Adding extra cheese or sauce will increase the calorie count further.
What is the creamy jalapeño sauce at Taco Bell?
It is a signature sauce made from a blend of jalapeño peppers, soybean oil, and spices. It has a creamy, mildly spicy flavor and is used on several Taco Bell items including the Chicken Quesadilla and the Quesarito. You can approximate it at home by mixing mayonnaise with pickled jalapeños, cumin, and cayenne pepper. The sauce accounts for about 70 calories per quesadilla serving.
Is the Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla good for protein?
At 26g of protein for 490 calories, the protein-to-calorie ratio is moderate at about 0.053g per calorie. It provides a decent amount of protein from both the grilled chicken and the three-cheese blend. For better protein density at Taco Bell, consider the Power Menu Bowl (470 cal, 26g protein) which delivers the same protein with fewer calories and more fiber.
How can I reduce the calories in a Taco Bell quesadilla?
Order it without the creamy jalapeño sauce to save about 70 calories, bringing the total to roughly 420 calories. You can also request light cheese to cut additional fat and calories. Another option is the regular Cheese Quesadilla (470 cal), which has fewer calories but also less protein since it lacks the grilled chicken. Pairing a modified quesadilla with a side of black beans adds fiber and protein without many extra calories.
Track Your Own Chicken Quesadilla
Restaurant portions vary. Snap a photo of your actual chicken quesadilla and CaloBurner will calculate the exact calories and macros for your serving.
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