If you’re craving a restaurant-quality dish at home, look no further than this Monterey chicken recipe!
Between the juicy chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and melty cheeses, it’s quickly become one of my favorite dinners.
The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. And since it’s so quick, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Monterey Chicken
Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: It’s perfect for gatherings and family dinners, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.
Simple Preparation: This recipe is easy to follow, with straightforward steps and everyday ingredients, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
Versatile Pairings: It pairs wonderfully with various side dishes, from roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes to salad and sweet potato fries.
Gourmet Touch: The blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses adds a gourmet twist, elevating the dish beyond typical chicken recipes.
Ingredients
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean, they’re the perfect canvas for bold flavors.
- Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, and Pepper: This savory seasoning blend infuses the chicken with a mouthwatering taste.
- Olive Oil: The cooking medium that ensures a golden-brown sear on the chicken.
- Barbecue Sauce: A tangy, sweet, and slightly smoky sauce that coats the chicken in finger-licking goodness.
- Shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar Cheese: A dynamic duo of cheeses that melt into a gooey, flavorful topping.
- Bacon: Crispy, salty bits that add an irresistible crunch to every bite.
- Tomato: Fresh, juicy diced tomatoes that brighten up the dish with a pop of color and acidity.
- Green Onions and/or Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of sliced green onions lends a mild, fresh onion flavor and vibrant green garnish. Use chopped fresh parsley if you prefer.
How to Make Monterey Chicken
This recipe is inspired by a classic from Chili’s.
It features tender chicken breasts seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices. That’s topped with zingy BBQ sauce, melty cheeses, crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and green onions.
It’s a mouthwatering combination that’ll have your taste buds singing.
While Chili’s version is tasty, making it yourself allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize it to your liking.
Plus, the aroma of this dish baking in the oven will have everyone in your house eagerly awaiting dinnertime.
Here’s how it’s made:
1. SEASON: Pound the chicken to even thickness, then season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. COOK: Sear the chicken in an oven-safe skillet. Flip it halfway through cooking and brush it with BBQ sauce.
3. BROIL: Flip the cooked chicken and brush the bottom side with more BBQ sauce. Top with the cheese and broil until melty.
4. SERVE: Rest the chicken, then top it with crumbled bacon, tomatoes, and onions. Enjoy!
Tips For the Best Monterey Chicken
If you’re looking for a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful meal that’s sure to become a new favorite, try this Monterey chicken.
I promise you won’t be disappointed! Especially if you read these tips first.
- Flatten the chicken. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for quicker and more uniform cooking.
- Season generously. Be sure to get every inch of the chicken so it’s as flavorful as possible.
- Cook the bacon first. Cook the bacon in the skillet, then cook the chicken in the leftover grease.
- Use an oven-safe skillet. Cook the chicken in an oven-safe skillet to easily transfer from stovetop to oven. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken to a baking dish before broiling.
- Monitor the temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Generous BBQ sauce. Brush a generous amount of barbecue sauce on the chicken for a rich flavor. Choose whatever brand and flavor you prefer.
- Cheese combination. For a blend of creamy and sharp flavors, use Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese. For something more mild, use cheddar and mozzarella.
- Grill Option. Consider grilling the chicken for a smoky flavor and charred texture.
- Variations. Add jalapeños, use a spicy barbecue sauce for a kick, or use Mexican seasoning for a different flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestions. Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. Pair with rice or quinoa for a hearty meal, or go for homemade rolls or garlic bread on the side.
How to Store
Since the chicken is covered in melty cheese, bacon, and tomatoes, it’s best to enjoy it right away.
But if you have to store it for later, be sure to remove the toppings.
To Store: Refrigerate leftover Monterey chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
To Freeze: Allow the cooked Monterey Chicken to cool completely. Wrap each piece (without the toppings) tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, place in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To Reheat: Place leftover Monterey chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes with extra BBQ sauce and cheese. Finish with more bacon, tomatoes, and onions.
More Chicken Dinners We Can’t Get Enough Of
Mexican Chicken Salad
Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken
Tandoori Chicken Wings
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Monterey Chicken
4
servings10
minutes15
minutes607
kcalMonterey chicken combines juicy chicken with tangy barbecue sauce, melty cheese, smoky bacon, and fresh toppings for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup barbecue sauce
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 large tomato, diced
1/4 cup sliced green onions
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts between two layers of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness. Pat dry, then season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Warm the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes. Flip the chicken and brush the tops with barbecue sauce. Cook the second side for 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- After flipping the chicken the first time, preheat the broiler to medium-high.
- Flip the cooked chicken one more time and brush generously with more barbecue sauce. Divide the cheese between each chicken breast.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the skillet from the oven and let rest for a few minutes.
- Serve hot with the crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, and green onions on top. Enjoy!
Notes
- Flatten the chicken. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for quicker and more uniform cooking.
- Cook the bacon first. Cook the bacon in the skillet, then cook the chicken in the leftover grease.
- Use an oven-safe skillet. Cook the chicken in an oven-safe skillet to easily transfer from stovetop to oven. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken to a baking dish before broiling.
Tastes fantastic! Always looking for something new for the humble chicken breast, the flavors are great.