Yesterday I got the sweetest, "pretty please" text message from one of my closest friends, Chantel, requesting my chicken quesadilla recipe to make for their anniversary dinner. However, according to Josiah, we drove every street in Sioux Falls yesterday, so I didn't have time to get her the recipe in time for their special dinner, but I promised her I'd post it to my blog. And since we are in the prime of grilling season, there couldn't be a better recipe to share!
However, before I get to the recipe, please allow me a few moments to tell you about Chantel :) We became friends
after Josiah and her daughter, Gracie, went to preschool together for 2 years. It's so strange that we didn't become close until Gracie graduated from preschool but we've sure become extra close friends since then, as have Josiah and Gracie. Both being only children (so far), they have a unique and special bond.
Chantel is an amazing entrepreneur and artist! Chantel and her Mom, Pennie, are a mother/daughter team called
Art Moms, specializing in happy, bright original artwork that they sell at many stores/boutiques throughout the Midwest and at art shows. They also have an entire line of one of kind greeting cards! Their artwork can be found brightening up classrooms, day cares, churches, hospitals and Josiah's room! Please visit their
website to check out their products and maybe even order some :)
Before my other Sioux Falls friends met Chantel, I loved telling them that I knew one of the "Art Moms" --- ya know those people that draw happy, bright stick figure people, I'd say :) I still love to brag and embarrass her by explaining Chantel is an "Art Mom" when introducing her to acquaintances. In fact, I'm quite sure she'll be embarrassed I'm writing so many accolades about her on my blog!! But, nonetheless, I will continue....
Chantel is an extraordinary business woman, mom and wife! As a business woman she is constantly thinking about how to make their artwork more unique, marketable, and fun! She is such a big, innovative thinker. As a mom and wife she challenges me to not be such a perfectionist and just enjoy simple, everyday moments with Rob and Josiah. She always tells me to quit fussing and just relax! She pretty much is the complete the opposite of me...we laugh about this, but it's true. It's funny we can be so different but yet be such close friends. Indeed, she is a great friend that encourages me to dream big and be happy in my own skin :) She is also a great cook and features lots of recipes on her
blog.
Another reason I wanted to tell you about Chantel is because she has a KILLER (yet super easy) salsa recipe that pairs delightfully with these tacos/quesadillas. Everyone who tries it, LOVES IT! The secret ingredients are olives and cucumbers :) Here's a picture but you need to visit her blog to get her
salsa recipe. You are missing out if you don't!
Grilled Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
1/3 cup olive or vegetable oil
1/4 cup lime juice
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon of salt, optional
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 1/2 pounds)
Directions
In a large resealable plastic bag or shallow glass container, combine the ingredients and add the chicken. Turn to coat. Seal or cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight, turning occasionally. Drain and discard marinade. Grill chicken, uncovered, over medium heat for 5-7 minutes on each side until juices run clear. Cut into thin strips. Serve in tortillas or taco shells with desired toppings and Chantel's salsa recipe. Yield: 6 servings.
Since this recipe makes plenty of chicken for our small family of 3 we usually have leftover chicken and tortillas. Careful not to waste any food, one day I came up with the idea to make grilled quesadillas using our leftovers. They were a hit and Rob praised my resourcefulness :) In fact he and Josiah prefer the quesadillas over the tacos!
So here's how I make quesadillas using the prepared grilled chicken recipe above.
Becky's Grilled Chicken Quesadillas
Ingredients
Prepared Chicken cut into bite size pieces (using Grilled Chicken Taco recipe)
Flour tortillas
Choice of shredded cheese (I use Pepper Jack and Colby)
Choice of diced vegetables (I use green and/or red pepper, green onions, jalapenos, & tomatoes).
Directions
Spray bottom sides of tortilla with cooking spray to prevent them sticking to the grill. Place greased side down on cookie sheet and arrange chicken, cheese, and vegetables. Cover with another flour tortilla and spray top of tortilla with cooking spray. Repeat process until all your ingredients are used up. It's okay to stack quesadillas on top of it each other.
Transfer quesadillas from cookie sheet to medium low heated grill using a large grill spatula or if you use a cookie sheet with no sides, transferring is even easier. Grill quesadillas on each side for about 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted and quesadillas have nice grill marks on the outside.
To keep quesadillas warm until serving place them in a warm oven. Serve with Chantel's salsa recipe, sour cream and a side of spoon bread.
Spoon Bread/Corn Bread Pudding
(courtesy of Lois Heron)
Ingredients
1 box of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
2 eggs, beaten
16 oz. can of cream style corn
1/4 cup sugar
8 oz. sour cream
1 stick of butter, melted
Directions
Mix first five ingredients together in a medium bowl. Then fold in melted butter. Pour batter into 8X11 pan. Cook in 350 degree oven for 35-40 minutes. Serves 6-8 unless you make this for a boy named Josiah....then your out of luck....it only serves one :)
Ufta....that was a lot of explaining and recipes! But, I love the versatility of the grilled chicken taco recipe and I couldn't leave out the salsa or fabulous spoon bread recipe. Everything goes together so well :)
Enjoy and let me know how much your friends and family love all the recipes! I love feedback :)
