Our house is aflutter this week. Pete pinned on a new rank, finished with one job, and moved to a new unit. We’re both having trouble believing we’re “old enough” for his new position – it seems like only a few years ago his friends gave me the “welcome to the Air Force” with a sabre arch. We’ve looked at each other in amazement many times. We are so blessed.
In the Air Force, when one gets promoted they hold a pin-on ceremony and afterwards friends and family congregate to celebrate. Naturally, I wanted to honor Pete with a feast for everyone – Chicken and Black Bean Quesadillas Bar, Fresh Guacamole and Salsa, Mixed Green Salad, Blue Chips and Margarita Cheesecake.
It was a great time to hang out with friends and to reflect on our many years as an Air Force Family. As a pilot, when it’s your last time to fly in a squadron, they have what’s called a “fini-flight”. Friends and family come out to the flight line and spray the pilot with water and champagne when he steps out of the plane. It’s great fun and the kids love drenching dad.
My cookbook features this chicken and black bean quesadilla recipe – Pete’s absolute favorite meal. When I leave town, I make sure to have plenty of the ingredients readily available since he’ll live off them for days (maybe weeks). They’re great for parties because you can assemble them the day before, then throw them on the skillet or grill right before. I’ve also been known to eat some for breakfast. They’re pretty much the perfect meal.
Quesadilla photograph from Deliciously Organic © Helene Dujardin – Posted with permission.
Serves 6-8
The black bean spread will keep in the fridge for about two weeks and is perfect for late-night nachos.
Save RecipeIngredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, about 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1?4 cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 recipe black refried beans
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 8 ounces Cheddar cheese, grated, about 1 cup
- 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, grated, about 1 cup
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) cilantro, chopped
- 8 gluten free or grain-free tortillas
Instructions
- Place chicken in a large bowl. Add the lime juice, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper then toss until the chicken is well coated. Marinate at room temperature for 1 hour. Grill or broil chicken for 4 minutes on each side, or until a thermometer reads 160°F (70°C) when inserted into thickest part of the breast. Tent with foil.
- Shred the chicken when cool enough to handle. (Shredded chicken can be prepared a day or two in advance and kept in the refrigerator, or store the cooked and shredded breasts in a covered container in the freezer for up to 3 months.)
- Place beans, lime juice, garlic powder and salt into a medium bowl and stir until combined. Toss cheeses, lime juice and cilantro in large bowl.
- Place 4 of the tortillas on a flat work surface. Spread a thin layer of beans on each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese and top with shredded chicken. Make sure not to put the cheese too close to the outside of the tortillas to prevent it from oozing out. Complete the assembly by placing a tortilla on top of each quesadilla.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place 1 quesadilla in the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 1 minute. Flip quesadilla and cook until bottom is golden brown and cheese is melted. Serve alone or with some salsa or a generous dollop of guacamole.
- Grill the quesadillas over medium heat for 2 minutes per side.
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