Monterey Chicken Recipe

Picture this: a sizzling skillet of Monterey Chicken emerges from the oven, and I can already tell this dish is going to be my new culinary obsession. Packed with tangy barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, and a melty duo of cheeses, it’s the perfect comfort food adventure waiting to unfold. Grab a plate and let’s dive in!

Monterey Chicken is a savory dish packed with flavor that’s always a hit at the dinner table. I enjoy employing boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are seasoned with garlic powder, olive oil, salt, and black pepper as the base.

They are topped with a swoon-worthy combination of barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, and a cheese duo of Monterey Jack and cheddar, each bite a delightful fusion of smoky and creamy flavors. I often finish it with a sprinkle of fresh green onions for that added crunch.

This dish is a wonderful balance of protein and dairy, and if you’re feeling ambitious, toss some fresh tomatoes on there for an added Appalachian twist.

Monterey Chicken Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Low-fat protein source, versatile and filling.
• Barbecue Sauce: Adds tangy sweetness, rich in flavor.
• Bacon: Crispy texture, savory taste, adds richness.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Creamy, mild, melts beautifully.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, tangy, offers robust flavor.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat, enhances flavors.
• Garlic Powder: Aromatic, boosts savory depth.
• Green Onions: Fresh, slightly pungent, color enhancement.

Monterey Chicken Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes (optional)

How to Make this Monterey Chicken Recipe

1. Set your oven to 375 °F (190 °C) to reach the correct preheated state.

2. Flavor the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on either side.

3. Warm olive oil in a big oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken breast halves into the skillet and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

4. Take the skillet away from the heat. Over the chicken breasts, pour barbecue sauce, guaranteeing an even coat all around.

5. Crumble bacon and spread it evenly over each piece of chicken breast.

6. Mix Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese in a bowl, then sprinkle the cheese mixture generously over the chicken and bacon.

7. Put the skillet in the oven that’s been preheated to 400 degrees F. Bake the chicken and sauce in the skillet for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F) and the cheeses are melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. (If you like, you can use the broiler for the last couple of minutes to get that golden crust on top.)

8. Take the skillet out of the oven with care and allow the chicken to rest for several minutes.

9. Top the Monterey Chicken with minced green onions or chives and, if you decide to use them, diced tomatoes.

10. Make sure the Monterey Chicken is nice and hot when you serve it. Then, enjoy it with your favorite side dishes.

Monterey Chicken Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Oven-safe skillet
3. Stovetop
4. Mixing bowl
5. Tongs or spatula
6. Meat thermometer
7. Measuring spoons
8. Measuring cup
9. Knife
10. Cutting board

FAQ

• Can I use a different cheese if I don’t have Monterey Jack?Certainly! You can use either Mozzarella or Colby Jack cheese in place of Monterey Jack for a texture and flavor that melts similarly and also tastes great. Here are your options:

  1. Mozzarella
  2. Colby Jack

  Both are very viable substitutes!

• What type of barbecue sauce should I use?Select your preferred barbecue sauce—be it sweet, smoky, or spicy—that matches your flavor profile.
• How can I ensure the chicken breasts cook evenly?Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to help them cook evenly and prevent them from drying out.
• Is there a recommended alternative to bacon?For an option that’s lighter, you can use turkey bacon. Or you can skip it altogether for a bacon-free version.
• Can I prepare this dish in advance?Indeed, the bacon can be cooked and the chicken can be prepped a day in advance. Just put it together and pop it in the oven when it’s time to eat.
• What sides pair well with Monterey Chicken?Accompany it with smooth spuds, a vibrant salad, or crisp, tender veggies for a plate that’s a real meal.
• How can I make this recipe spicier?For an extra kick, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce.

Monterey Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can use honey mustard sauce in place of barbecue sauce for a different flavor.
If you like a spicy kick, swap Pepper Jack cheese for Monterey Jack cheese.
Instead of traditional bacon, use turkey bacon or a vegetarian bacon alternative for a lighter, healthier option.
To make a more healthful selection, substitute avocado oil for olive oil.
When garlic powder is unavailable, fresh garlic that has been minced can serve as an excellent substitute.

Pro Tips

1. Marinate for More Flavor If you have the time, marinate the chicken breasts in the barbecue sauce with a little olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. This will enhance the flavor and keep the chicken juicy.

2. Bacon Texture For even crispier bacon that holds up well under the cheese, bake the bacon in the oven first until crispy before crumbling it over the chicken. This can add a nice crunch to your dish.

3. Cheese Blend For a more complex flavor, consider adding a third cheese to your mix, such as smoked gouda or mozzarella, to complement the Monterey Jack and cheddar.

4. Resting Period Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes after baking; this allows the juices to redistribute for a more tender bite and ensures the cheese sets up a bit so it doesn’t slide off when serving.

5. Herb Garnish In addition to the green onions or chives, you might sprinkle fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley right before serving to add a fresh, vibrant note to the finished dish.