If you’re craving a dish that’s packed with flavor, cheesy goodness, and a hint of smoky sweetness, then Monterey Chicken is the recipe for you. With tender chicken breasts topped with barbecue sauce, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh tomatoes, this dish has all the elements of comfort food while still being easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Ready to learn how to make this crowd-pleaser at home? Keep reading for the full Monterey Chicken recipe, along with tips, variations, and more!
What is Monterey Chicken?
Monterey Chicken is a mouthwatering combination of grilled or seared chicken breasts topped with a generous layer of barbecue sauce, melted Monterey Jack cheese (or your favorite cheese), crispy bacon, and fresh tomatoes. It’s a flavor-packed dish that hits all the right notes—savory, cheesy, smoky, and slightly sweet. While often served in restaurants like Chili's, it’s simple enough to recreate at home and offers plenty of room for variations based on your personal taste.
This dish is perfect for a family dinner, casual gatherings, or any time you want to elevate your usual chicken recipe with a bit of flair. The combination of barbecue sauce and cheese makes it an instant hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients List for Monterey Chicken
Let’s start by gathering the ingredients you’ll need for this savory dish. Most of these ingredients are likely already in your kitchen or easy to find at your local grocery store.
Chicken and Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing the chicken)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
Toppings:
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite brand or make homemade)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled or cut into pieces
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Substitutions and Variations
There are plenty of ways to tweak this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:
- Cheese Variations: While Monterey Jack cheese is traditionally used in this dish, feel free to switch it up with cheddar, Colby Jack, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even a Mexican cheese blend.
- Bacon Substitutes: Turkey bacon can be used for a lighter option, or you can omit the bacon entirely if you prefer a meatless topping.
- Barbecue Sauce: If you want to avoid store-bought sauces, try making your own barbecue sauce. You can also opt for different types like honey BBQ, smoky BBQ, or even a spicy variety for an extra layer of flavor.
- Grilled Chicken Option: Instead of searing the chicken on the stovetop, you can grill the chicken for an added smoky flavor that complements the barbecue sauce and bacon perfectly.
- Add Vegetables: Try adding sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers to the top of your chicken for extra flavor and nutrients.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the process of making Monterey Chicken. Don’t worry—it’s simpler than it sounds, and the result is well worth it!
Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. This seasoning mix adds a rich flavor base that will complement the barbecue sauce and toppings.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan. Sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
While the chicken is searing, cook your bacon in a separate pan or in the oven until crispy. Once the bacon is cooked, crumble it into small pieces or cut it into strips. Set aside.
Step 4: Add Barbecue Sauce
With the chicken still in the skillet, spoon about 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce over each chicken breast. Spread the sauce evenly to cover the chicken. Let the sauce warm up for a minute or two, so it gets a little sticky and adheres to the chicken.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bacon
Once the barbecue sauce is warmed, sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over each chicken breast. Immediately top the cheese with the crumbled bacon. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt completely, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Add Fresh Toppings
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the skillet from heat. Top the chicken with diced tomatoes and green onions. If you’re a fan of fresh herbs, sprinkle some chopped cilantro or parsley on top for added color and flavor.
Step 7: Serve
Your Monterey Chicken is now ready to serve! Transfer the chicken breasts to plates and spoon any extra melted cheese and barbecue sauce from the skillet over the top. Garnish with additional herbs if desired.
How to Cook Monterey Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
For a quick summary of the steps to making Monterey Chicken, follow this easy guide:
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Sear the chicken in olive oil until fully cooked and golden brown.
- Cook and crumble the bacon.
- Add barbecue sauce to the chicken breasts.
- Top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Cover the skillet and melt the cheese.
- Garnish with diced tomatoes, green onions, and herbs, then serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your Monterey Chicken comes out perfectly every time:
- Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked. Keep an eye on the internal temperature, and remove the chicken from the skillet as soon as it reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Using Too Much Sauce: While barbecue sauce is delicious, using too much can overwhelm the other flavors. Stick to about 2 tablespoons per chicken breast to keep the balance right.
- Not Melting the Cheese Fully: Make sure the cheese is completely melted and bubbly before serving. This step is key to getting that gooey, cheesy texture that makes Monterey Chicken so satisfying.
- Skipping the Fresh Toppings: The diced tomatoes and green onions add a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich cheese and barbecue sauce. Don’t skip this final touch!
Serving and Presentation Tips
The way you serve and present Monterey Chicken can elevate the meal and make it look just as impressive as it tastes. Here are a few ideas:
How to Serve Monterey Chicken
Monterey Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions to round out your meal:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the savory chicken and sauce perfectly.
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve the chicken over a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up all the flavors.
- Grilled Vegetables: Lighten up the meal with a side of grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers.
- Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chicken.
Presentation Ideas for Monterey Chicken
- Serve in a Cast Iron Skillet: Serve the chicken directly from the skillet to the table for a rustic, family-style presentation.
- Top with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Drizzle with Extra Barbecue Sauce: For extra flair, drizzle a little more barbecue sauce over the chicken before serving.
Monterey Chicken Recipe Tips
- Pound the Chicken for Even Cooking: To ensure your chicken cooks evenly, consider pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness before searing.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.
- Make it Spicy: If you love a bit of heat, try adding some sliced jalapeños or using a spicy barbecue sauce.
- Double the Cheese: For extra indulgence, don’t hesitate to add more cheese. A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack works great!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, boneless chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They are naturally juicier and offer a slightly richer flavor.
Q: Can I make Monterey Chicken ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the chicken and toppings ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and assemble the dish.
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of searing it?
A: Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Then, add the toppings and bake until the cheese melts.
Q: What other toppings can I add?
A: You can experiment with other toppings like avocado slices, jalapeños, or sautéed onions to add more flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Monterey Chicken is a simple yet flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With juicy chicken breasts, tangy barbecue sauce, gooey melted cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh tomatoes, it’s hard to go wrong. Whether you’re making it for a quick family dinner or serving it at a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it out today, and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors that Monterey Chicken has to offer!
PrintMonterey Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Monterey Chicken recipe is a flavorful combination of juicy, grilled chicken breasts topped with smoky BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. It’s a family-friendly dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners and can be served with a variety of sides, like mashed potatoes or veggies. The rich combination of bacon and cheese adds extra depth to this simple yet delicious chicken dish, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- BBQ sauce
- Bacon
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Green onions
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, sear the chicken on both sides until golden, then transfer to a baking dish.
- Brush BBQ sauce over each chicken breast.
- Top with cooked bacon strips and shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and cheese is melted.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve.
Notes
- You can use cheddar cheese as an alternative to Monterey Jack.
- For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken instead of searing it on the stovetop.
- Serve with baked potatoes, salad, or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
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