Gators Dockside Chicken Quesadillas: Keto-Friendly Or Not?

Gator's Dockside is a popular chain of seafood restaurants in the southeastern United States. Their menu includes a variety of items, such as wings, ribs, and seafood, and they are particularly known for their chicken quesadillas. With the rise in popularity of the keto diet, a common question arises: are Gator's Dockside chicken quesadillas keto-friendly? The answer is yes! Each quesadilla contains just eight grams of carbs, making them suitable for a low-carbohydrate diet. In this paragraph, we will explore the keto-friendliness of these quesadillas and provide insights into their nutritional content and how they fit into a keto lifestyle.

Keto-friendly tortillas

Tortillas are a staple in many cuisines, but traditional flour and corn tortillas are not suitable for a keto diet due to their high carbohydrate content. However, there are several keto-friendly alternatives that can be purchased or made at home with a few simple ingredients.

Store-Bought Keto Tortillas

Mr. Tortilla is a popular brand that offers low-carb, keto-friendly tortillas with only 1 net carb and 15 calories per tortilla. They are made with almond flour and a few other ingredients, and each tortilla has just over 1 net carb.

Homemade Keto Tortilla Recipes

If you prefer to make your own tortillas, there are several recipes available online that use alternative ingredients to create a keto-friendly version. Here is a simple recipe with some tips to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (112g) blanched almond flour
• 1 tbsp (8g) xanthan gum
• 1/2 tsp (2g) baking powder
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 tbsp warm water
• Oil for frying (avocado or olive oil is recommended)

Instructions:

• Combine all the ingredients in a food processor and process until a ball of dough forms. You can also mix the ingredients by hand, but a food processor will yield better results.
• Remove the dough from the processor and cover it with plastic wrap.
• Knead the dough for a minute or two with your hands, then let it rest for about 15 minutes. This step helps activate the xanthan gum and gives the tortillas their flexibility.
• Unwrap the dough and divide it into 4-6 equal-sized smaller balls.
• Use a tortilla press or a rolling pin to flatten each ball into a circle about 1/8-inch thick. If using a rolling pin, place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. It is important not to use too much oil, as it will make the tortillas crispy.
• Cook each tortilla for 30-60 seconds on each side, until golden brown spots appear. Do not overcook, or they will become stiff and lose their flexibility.
• Tortillas are only pliable when warm, so if they cool down, simply reheat them in the microwave or oven for a few seconds.

These keto tortillas can be filled with your favorite ingredients, such as shredded chicken, carne asada, lamb kofta, shrimp fajitas, or even used for breakfast burritos. They can also be cut into triangles and toasted in the oven to make delicious keto tortilla chips.

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these homemade keto tortillas can last for up to two weeks. They can also be frozen for later use.

Chicken quesadilla nutrition

Chicken quesadillas are a popular food item, and their nutritional value depends on the ingredients used and the method of preparation. Chicken quesadillas can be made in a variety of ways, but they typically include a flour tortilla, chicken, cheese, and other toppings or fillings.

The nutritional content of a chicken quesadilla can vary depending on the specific ingredients and amounts used. However, on average, a chicken quesadilla made with a flour tortilla, chicken, and cheese can contain approximately 490 to 510 calories. The macronutrient breakdown typically includes carbohydrates, protein, and fat. For example, a chicken and cheese quesadilla from Wawa contains 490 calories, with 30% carbs, 44% fat, and 27% protein.

Chicken quesadillas can be a good source of protein, providing up to 61% of the Daily Value. They can also provide calcium and iron. For instance, the Wawa chicken quesadilla provides 29% of the Daily Value of calcium and 50% of iron.

When it comes to making chicken quesadillas keto-friendly, the key is to use low-carb tortillas or wraps. Traditional tortillas are high in carbohydrates and not considered keto-friendly. However, there are alternative options available, such as keto-friendly tortillas made with low-carb flour or almond flour crepes, which have a lower carb count. Additionally, the fillings and toppings can be customized to include more vegetables and low-carb options.

Preparing chicken quesadillas at home allows for greater control over the nutritional content. For example, a keto-friendly chicken quesadilla recipe may include chicken thighs, avocado oil, taco seasoning, green pepper, green onions, and keto-friendly pizza crusts or tortillas. This particular recipe has approximately 406 calories per serving, with 5.2 grams of carbohydrates.

Keto-friendly fillings

When making keto-friendly quesadillas, it's important to remember that tortillas are typically high in carbs and therefore not suitable for a keto diet. However, there are many keto-friendly alternatives available, such as low-carb tortillas made from almond flour or other grain-free options.

Once you have your keto-friendly tortilla, it's time to get creative with your fillings! Here are some ideas for keto-friendly fillings to satisfy your Mexican food cravings:

• Protein: Chicken is a popular choice for quesadillas and can be cooked in a variety of ways. You can use boneless and skinless chicken thighs, or go for a rotisserie chicken to save time. Other protein options include ground beef, sliced steak, refried beans, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Cheese: Shredded cheese is a must for quesadillas, and you can choose from a variety of options such as cheddar, Mexican three-cheese blend, pepper jack, or Colby-jack.
• Vegetables: Onions, bell peppers, and green onions are classic quesadilla vegetables. You can also add mushrooms, tomatoes, avocado, or spinach for extra flavour and nutrition.
• Seasonings: Taco seasoning is a great way to add extra flavour to your quesadillas. You can also experiment with other seasonings like chili powder, salt, and pepper.
• Sauces: Sour cream, guacamole, and keto-friendly salsa are perfect for dipping your quesadillas or spreading inside before cooking.

Remember, when assembling your quesadillas, it's important not to overstuff them, as this can make them difficult to cook evenly and may cause the fillings to spill out. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations of fillings to find your favourite keto-friendly quesadilla creation!

Keto-friendly dipping sauces

Gator's Dockside Chicken Quesadillas are keto-friendly, with only eight grams of carbs per quesadilla.

Keto Chick-Fil-A Sauce

This sauce is creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet. It is perfect for dipping chicken tenders or spreading on a chicken sandwich. To make it keto-friendly, use sugar-free BBQ sauce and keto honey, along with mayonnaise and yellow mustard. You can also add a dash of liquid smoke for a smokier flavor.

Keto Zesty Dipping Sauce

This sauce is a little smoky, a little spicy, and very tasty. It goes well with chicken tenders, fish sticks, raw veggies, and more. The ingredients include mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, horseradish, garlic salt, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. You can adjust the spice level to your preference.

Spicy Mayo Sauce

This sauce is a simple combination of mayonnaise and sriracha, with optional add-ins like lime juice, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, and garlic powder. It is great for sushi rolls, poke bowls, burgers, fries, and veggies. The thickness of the sauce will depend on the type of mayonnaise used.

Customising the quesadilla

The beauty of quesadillas is that they are so versatile and can be customised to suit your taste preferences and dietary requirements. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Tortillas: The base of your quesadilla, tortillas come in many varieties. For a keto-friendly option, use low-carb tortillas made with almond flour or other low-carb flour alternatives. You can also make your own keto wraps, although this requires more time and effort.

Protein: Chicken is a popular choice for quesadillas, but you can also use ground beef, sofritas, sliced steak, or even refried beans. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked chicken or your favourite instant pot shredded chicken recipe.

Cheese: A good melting cheese is key to a delicious quesadilla. Try a Mexican three-cheese blend, or go for cheddar, pepper jack, or Colby-jack.

Seasoning: Taco seasoning adds a punch of flavour to your quesadilla. You can use a store-bought blend or make your own homemade keto-friendly version.

Vegetables: Onions and bell peppers are classic quesadilla vegetables, but you can also add mushrooms, tomatoes, avocado, or spinach. Sauté your veggies before adding them to your quesadilla for extra flavour.

Dips and sauces: Sour cream, guacamole, and keto salsa are perfect for dipping your quesadilla or adding extra flavour.

Customising tips: Avoid overstuffing your quesadilla to prevent the fillings from spilling out. Stick to no more than 1/2 cup of protein and cheese per quesadilla. Additionally, don't cook your quesadilla over high heat, as this can cause the tortilla to burn before the cheese has melted.

Frequently asked questions