Margarita Chicken Quesadilla with Margarita Guacamole
Jalapenos are the most popular chile peppers in the US. This is probably due to the availability and versatility of the chile. Jalapenos have a balanced combination of flavor and heat.
The demand for these have caused breeders to develop a broad range of varieties. You can now get jalapenos with various heat level and sizes. These can be used in salsas, stuffed, or eaten straight with cheeseburgers (my personal favorite).
Ingredients:
Margarita Chicken:
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or tenders
1/4 cup tequila
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lime juice
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Jalapeño, minced (remove the seeds for less heat)
zest of 1 lime
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
Margarita Guacamole:
3 avocados, mashed
1/2 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/4 fresh cilantro, chopped
1 Jalapeño, seeded and diced (I left half of my seeds in)
zest of 1 lime
juice of 1 lime
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
1-3 tablespoons tequila (I used 1)
salt, to taste
To Make the Quesadilla:
8 whole wheat flour tortillas
1 cup cooked white or brown rice
4 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, freshly grated
4 ounces pepperjack cheese, freshly grated
1/2 cup pickled jalapeños (optional)
olive oil for toasting
Instructions:
Serving Size: 4
Whisk the tequila, olive oil, lime juice, orange juice and honey in a bowl. Add the garlic, jalapeño, lime zest, cumin, salt and pepper. Whisk to combine. Add chicken to a ziplock bag or baking dish and pour marinade ingredients over top. Marinate (in the fridge) for 2-24 hours, flipping chicken a few times. When you’re ready to prepare the quesadillas, preheat the grill to medium high heat and grill the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side or until cooked through. Allow to cool five minutes and then chop into bit size pieces or shred with a fork. Set aside.
While the chicken is cooling make the margarita guacamole. Mash the avocados (I left mine pretty chunky, but go as chunky or smooth as you want) in a medium size bowl. Add the tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, jalapeño, lime zest, lime juice, orange juice and tequila. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper.
Heat an electric griddle or skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of olive oil. Place 4 tortillas down, covering each with a bit of both cheeses, then evenly distribute the margarita guacamole over top (I saved some of the guacamole for dipping). Then evenly distribute the rice, then add the diced chicken. Add the pickled jalapeños and sprinkle with a little more of both cheeses. Place the tortilla on the griddle or skillet, then cover with the other tortilla. Cook until the bottom is crispy and golden brown, then gently flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until crispy and golden. Cut into fourths and serve with the remaining Margarita Guacamole.
From halfbakedharvest.com