Archive

Archive for January 19, 2012

Recipe Exploration: Cheesy Bacon, Chicken, and Avocado Quesadillas

January 19, 2012 Leave a comment
Name: Cheesy Bacon, Chicken, and Avocado Quesadillas
By:Renee (from kevinandamanda.com)

Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 10

Servings: 8 (half a quesadilla is a serving)

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium-sized flour tortilla shells
  • 1 lb chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup scallions, diced
  • 8 strips of bacon, cooked & crumbled
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 3 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 tbsp butter

Directions:

  1. Arrange bacon on a cooling rack (like for cookies) and set it on top of sheet pan. If you don’t have a cooling rack, you can just put the bacon straight on the sheet pan. Or in a 9×13 baking dish. Either way will work. Place bacon in a cold oven, turn heat to 400, and cook 15 mins per side.
  2. Add 1/2 tbsp bacon drippings to a skillet over medium heat. Add the scallions and saute about 2-3 mins until softened. Add the chicken in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5 mins or until chicken is golden and cooked through, flipping just once during cooking. Remove the chicken and scallions to a plate and rinse out the skillet.
  3. Add about 1/2 tbsp butter to the skillet over medium heat. When foamy, add a tortilla and swirl it around to get it nice and buttery. Layer one side of the tortilla with chicken, bacon, avocado, and a little cheese. Use tongs to flip the other half of the tortilla over and press down. Cook the tortilla for about 1-2 mins on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Repeat with the rest of the tortillas, adding a little more butter for each tortilla as needed. Eat & enjoy!

Notes:

  • I used the bacon pieces used for salads and made them crispy in the microwave.  Was a lot easier.  But if you don’t have extra bacon grease handy, it’s good to make the bacon yourself.

Recipe Exploration: Cajun Chicken Pasta

January 19, 2012 Leave a comment
Name: Cajun Chicken Pasta
By: Renee (modified from All Recipes.com)

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 15 min

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces linguine pasta
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 4 fresh baby bella mushrooms, sliced (optional)
  • 4 stalks of green onion, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese


Directions:

  1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add linguini pasta, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente; drain.
  2. Meanwhile, place chicken and Cajun seasoning in a bowl, and toss to coat.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, saute chicken in butter until no longer pink and juices run clear, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add green and red bell peppers, sliced mushrooms and green onions; cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce heat, and stir in heavy cream. Season the sauce with basil, lemon pepper, salt, garlic powder and ground black pepper, and heat through.  Add more Cajun Seasoning if desired.
  4. In a large bowl, toss linguini with sauce. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.  If sauce is too thin, let the bowl sit until sauce thickens.


Notes:

  • Can also use rotisserie chicken cut up into pieces.  That works out well!
  • If sauce is consistently too thin even after sitting, you can add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with or water to thicken.
%d bloggers like this: