In a medium bowl, combine chicken, cheese, salsa and cilantro; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Working one at a time, spread refried beans on half of the tortilla; top with chicken mixture, folding over to seal. Repeat with remaining tortillas to make 16 quesadillas.
Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium low heat. Working in batches, add quesadillas to the skillet in a single layer and cook until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side; keep warm in oven up to 30 minutes. Repeat with remaining canola oil and quesadillas.
Serve immediately with desired toppings.
Notes
Use flour tortillas. While corn tortillas can certainly be used, flour tortillas is generally preferred for flexibility and ease of handling without splitting.
Cook in batches. This is key to avoid overcrowding the pan, ensuring a crispy texture, even cooking, easy flipping and fully melted cheese throughout.
Keep warm in a low oven. The mini quesadillas can be transferred to a baking sheet and kept warm in a low oven at 200°F while additional quesadillas are cooked or until you are ready to serve.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer. For best results with leftovers, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 5-8 minutes, or in the air fryer at 350°F until warmed though and crisp, about 10 minutes, flipping halfway.