5 Ordering Tips For The Best Chipotle Quesadilla

When you think of Chipotle, you probably imagine the Mexican chain's larger-than-life burritos or overflowing burrito bowls. But Chipotle also makes delicious hand-crafted quesadillas, complete with melty cheese, perfectly toasted tortillas, and fillings of your choice. So whether you prefer your quesadilla plain or smothered in salsa and sour cream, Chipotle offers several ways to amp up this order and make it even tastier.

Not sure where to start? Don't fret: We've compiled five ordering tips for getting the best Chipotle quesadilla, covering anything from protein to sauces. These tricks make quesadillas more flavorful and vibrant and transform them into heartier, more filling meals. Each tip won't cost much extra, either, so both your taste buds and your wallet will be happy.

So the next time quesadilla cravings call, pull up Chipotle's website or app and keep these tips in mind. Who knows, you might just find your new go-to order at the popular Mexican grill.

Think twice before pulling up to the restaurant and ordering a quesadilla in person. Quesadillas are digital-only orders at Chipotle, meaning you can only order them online. The chain made this switch in 2021 to reduce "operational friction," according to a Chipotle news release. It might seem inconvenient at first, but it's actually meant to cut down on long lines. According to Redditors, some Chipotle locations put their quesadilla presses in the back of the kitchen, forcing staff to step away from the serving line to complete orders. Others say the longer prep time leads to backed-up lines, too.

So, if you want a quesadilla, order it on the Chipotle app or website. This gives you time to think about what you want on your order, and saves both you and Chipotle staff the stress of long lines and backed-up orders. When your meal is ready, you can pick it up in the designated mobile order area of the restaurant.

Next, order two proteins on your quesadilla instead of one. On Chipotle's website, it states you can "choose up to two" protein or veggie options on your quesadilla. The ordering system will automatically split it into half portions of each. Choose from proteins like the pollo asado chicken with lime and cilantro, chicken, steak, beef barbacoa, carnitas, and sofritas (plant-based protein).

Combining two proteins will elevate the taste and texture of your quesadilla. For example, the soft shredded pork carnitas will pair well with cubed steak or chicken. Plus, their seasonings will mesh to become a symphony of delicious flavors. While the carnitas is typically seasoned with bay leaves, juniper berries, and black pepper, the chicken has cumin, garlic, oregano, and chipotle chili.

Just note that getting two different proteins will change the price. Depending on location, the most expensive options are typically the steak and barbacoa, and the least expensive are the sofritas and chicken.

Veggie lovers, listen up. If you like the fajita veggies at Chipotle, you can actually add them to your quesadilla, too. After selecting your protein options online, select the fajita veggies, which are offered as an optional add-in. The restaurant's fajita veggie blend — seasoned green bell pepper and red onion slices — offers the perfect amount of crunch and refreshing flavor to the meal. The juice from the peppers cuts through some of the richness in the meat and cheese, too. 

Adding vegetables is the perfect way to balance out your quesadilla. If you're a vegetarian, they're also a great replacement for meat. But the best part is that they're free to include. So you don't have to worry about being charged extra for more of this tasty filling. All you will have to worry about, though, is keeping your quesadilla intact when you take a bite.

A quesadilla would not be complete without dipping sauces. In fact, a complementary dipping sauce is one of our favorite tips for making the ultimate quesadilla. But instead of getting just one salsa or side of guac at Chipotle, try mixing and matching multiple sauces. First, order a few sauces as part of the three included sides that come with quesadilla meals. Offerings include Fresh Tomato or Roasted Chili-Corn Salsa, Green or Red Tomatillo Chili Salsa, sour cream, or the Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette (which is served on the side). Then, order an optional sauce add-on, like the new Cilantro Lime Sauce, Queso Blanco, or guacamole — served on the side for less than $3. 

By the time you get up to three included sauces and one (or several!) add-ons, you have an array of dipping opportunities at your fingertips. Try mixing spicier salsas with cool, refreshing dollops of sour cream. Or spread chunky guacamole on top of your quesadilla, then dip it in rich, creamy Queso Blanco for double the cheesy flavor.

Not a sauce fan? No problem. Instead of getting sauce for your included sides, opt for rice and beans. You can choose from white or brown rice and black or pinto beans, or try our favorite Chipotle bean option, which is both. Adding beans and rice into your quesadilla makes it more filling and provides a savory, comforting flavor. Plus, their soft texture is a nice contrast to the crispy exterior of the toasted tortilla.

The reason Chipotle employees don't put beans directly in quesadillas, according to staff who post on Reddit, is because their liquid can mess up the quesadilla press. So some offer suggestions for making a DIY bean quesadilla. Here's what one commented: "Recommendation: get a side black bean, open the quesadilla, pour the beans in. Ask them to drain them super well when asking for the side."