Cheesy Chicken & Spiced Black Beans with Cilantro, Smoky Red Pepper Crema & Garlic Bread

Step 1

• Adjust rack to middle position (top and middle positions for 4 servings) and preheat oven to 425 degrees. Wash and dry all produce. • Pick cilantro leaves from stems; roughly tear leaves. Quarter lime.

Step 2

• In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine tomato paste, ¼ cup water (½ cup for 4 servings), and 1 TBSP butter (2 TBSP for 4). Microwave until butter is melted, 45 seconds. • Stir to combine, then stir in beans and their liquid, half the cilantro leaves, half the Southwest Spice, ¾ tsp garlic powder (1½ tsp for 4), juice from half the lime, ½ tsp salt (1 tsp for 4), and pepper. (You’ll use the rest of the Southwest Spice and garlic powder later.)

Step 3

• Pat chicken* dry with paper towels. Drizzle each piece with oil, then season all over with remaining Southwest Spice, salt, and pepper; rub to coat.

Step 4

• Place aluminum trays on a baking sheet. • Divide bean mixture between trays and place chicken on top. • Bake on middle rack for 10 minutes. (For 4 servings, divide trays between two baking sheets; bake on top and middle racks, swapping rack positions halfway through baking.) • After 10 minutes, sprinkle chicken with Monterey Jack. Return to oven until chicken is cooked through and cheese has melted, 10-15 minutes more.

Step 5

• While chicken and beans bake, place 2 TBSP butter (4 TBSP for 4 servings) in a small microwave-safe bowl; microwave until softened, 5-10 seconds. Stir in remaining garlic powder and a pinch of salt. • Halve baguette and spread garlic butter onto cut sides. When chicken and beans have 5 minutes left, add baguette halves cut sides up to baking sheet. Toast until golden brown.

Step 6

• Squeeze juice from remaining lime wedges over cheesy chicken and beans. Dollop with smoky red pepper crema and sprinkle with remaining cilantro leaves. Serve with garlic bread on the side. TIP: Halve bread on a diagonal first if desired.