Safe-food upgrade
One pan, two quesadillas, and nobody has to argue about the filling.
A plain cheese quesadilla is the version a wary kid trusts, so half stays exactly that.
The other half gets chicken and beans, which makes it filling enough to count before a game.
Ingredients
Set up quesadilla protein upgrade for makes 2 quesadillas, then keep the timing close to about 15 minutes.
- 4 flour tortillas (8-inch)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, for dipping
- 1/4 cup salsa (optional, for the dip)
How to Make It
The easiest version of quesadilla protein upgrade gets cooked before the household starts asking questions.
- Lay two tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat and sprinkle cheese over each.
- Add the chicken and beans to one half, keeping the other half cheese-only for a picky eater.
- Top with the second tortillas and cook about 2 minutes per side until golden and the cheese melts.
- Cut into wedges and serve with Greek yogurt, stirred with salsa if you like, for dipping.
Make It Work for Picky Kids
A plain cheese quesadilla is the trusted version, so add protein to only part of it at first.
- Keep one quesadilla cheese-only and load the other with chicken and beans
- Serve the yogurt dip plain so it is not too tangy for a cautious kid
- Add just the chicken first and bring in the beans another night
Pack or Store
Quesadillas pack well and stay good for a short ride to practice.
- Wrap the wedges in foil to keep them warm on the way to practice
- Pack the yogurt dip in a separate leakproof cup
- Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days and crisp them in a dry skillet to reheat
- Serve with: a piece of fruit, carrot sticks
Parent Tip
Use a dry skillet, not oil, so the tortilla crisps without getting greasy.
Make It Fit Tonight
Small Tweaks That Help This Dinner Land
Bean and cheese only
Skip the chicken for a quick vegetarian quesadilla.
Breakfast version
Fill with scrambled egg and cheese for a morning meal.
BBQ chicken
Toss the chicken in barbecue sauce before filling for a smoky flavor.
Spinach and chicken
Add a handful of chopped spinach to sneak in greens.
Pizza quesadilla
Use mozzarella, pepperoni, and a side of marinara for a pizza spin.
Plan The Next Step
Browse more upgrades
See more ways to add protein to a snack a kid already loves.