Chicken Quesadillas

Ingredients

• 1/2Rotisserie chicken$5.50
• 6Tortillas$2.10
• 6 ozMonterey jack$3.40
• 1 tbspVegetable oil$0.08
• 1 cupSalsa$2.80
• Total for 4 servings$13.88

Most of the cost is rotisserie chicken ($5.50) and monterey jack ($3.40). With oil, spices and staples already at home, the shop drops to about $8.90. Prices are estimated for the amount used, at average US grocery prices (November 2026).

Steps

1. Shred the rotisserie chicken meat and grate the Monterey jack.
2. Lay the tortillas flat on a clean surface and spread the shredded rotisserie chicken and Monterey jack evenly over one half of each tortilla, then fold the other half over into half-moons.
3. Heat 1/2 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until the oil shimmers.
4. Add 2 folded quesadillas to the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the undersides are crisp and golden brown.
5. Carefully flip the quesadillas and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the second side is golden brown and the Monterey jack is fully melted and bubbling at the edges, then transfer to a cutting board.
6. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet over medium heat and cook the remaining 4 quesadillas in two successive batches of two, 5 to 7 minutes per batch until crisp and heated through to at least 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the cooked quesadillas rest for 2 minutes to let the cheese firm up slightly, then cut each folded quesadilla into wedges.
8. Arrange the warm quesadilla wedges on serving plates and serve accompanied by the salsa.