Sizzling Monterey Chicken Recipe: A Juicy Dinner Delight

Succulent chicken breasts nestled with crispy bacon make monterey chicken a mouthwatering dinner sensation.

This crowd-pleasing dish delivers serious flavor in every single bite.

Melted cheese cascades over perfectly seasoned chicken, creating an irresistible combination.

Weeknight meals rarely look this delicious and come together so effortlessly.

The blend of smoky bacon, tender chicken, and gooey monterey jack cheese creates a symphony of tastes.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through rich, comforting flavors.

You won’t be able to resist this hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Monterey Chicken Recipe Flavor Boosters

• Boost Flavor Instantly: Combine sweet BBQ sauce, smoky bacon, and melty Monterey Jack cheese for an explosion of tastes that transforms ordinary chicken into a gourmet experience.
• Master Quick Cooking: Simple grilling or baking method makes this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels, delivering restaurant-quality results with minimal kitchen effort.
• Customize Your Meal: Versatile dish allows easy side pairing and modifications, perfect for adapting to different dietary preferences or family members' tastes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner: Packed with familiar ingredients that appeal to both kids and adults, this chicken recipe guarantees smiles around the dinner table and satisfies multiple palates.

What You Need For Monterey Chicken Magic

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the base of this delicious dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Helps to keep the chicken moist and prevents sticking during cooking.
• BBQ Sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy glaze to the chicken for extra flavor.

• Bacon: Crispy and salty protein that adds a rich, smoky dimension to the dish.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Creamy cheese that melts beautifully and provides a mild, smooth flavor.
• Tomatoes: Fresh and juicy topping that brings a bright, colorful element to the chicken.
• Green Onions: Adds a mild, fresh onion flavor and provides a pop of green color as a garnish.

Steps To Perfect Monterey Chicken At Home

Step 1: Fire Up the Heat

Crank your grill or oven to medium-high heat.

Give your chicken breasts a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper, making sure every inch gets seasoned.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, coating it evenly.

Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until it’s perfectly cooked through.

If using an oven, bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.

Step 3: Slather with Sauce

During the final 5 minutes of cooking, brush a layer of tangy BBQ sauce over each chicken breast, creating a mouthwatering glaze.

Step 4: Cheese and Bacon Topping

• Crumbled bacon
• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Close the grill lid or cover with foil in the oven, allowing the cheese to melt into gooey deliciousness.

Step 5: Add Fresh Garnish

• Diced fresh tomatoes
• Chopped green onions

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your Monterey Chicken alongside your favorite side dish while it’s hot and steaming.

Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Monterey Chicken Pro Tips For Success

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy exterior and prevent steaming.
• Let cheese melt completely by keeping the lid closed, creating a gooey, irresistible topping.
• Cook bacon separately and crumble for maximum crispiness and even distribution.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Marinate chicken in BBQ sauce for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance overall taste profile.

Ideas For New Monterey Chicken Variations

• Low-Carb Monterey Chicken: Replace BBQ sauce with sugar-free barbecue sauce and serve over cauliflower rice or mixed greens to reduce carbohydrate intake.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced jalapeños, swap Monterey Jack for pepper jack cheese, and use chipotle BBQ sauce for a zesty kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure BBQ sauce is gluten-free certified, use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, and verify all ingredients are gluten-free.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Substitute BBQ sauce with olive oil and herbs, top with feta cheese, and garnish with kalamata olives and fresh basil.

Plating Monterey Chicken With Finesse

• Family Feast Pairing: Complement the Monterey Chicken with creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad for a balanced, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
• Picnic Perfect Plate: Pack this chicken in lunch containers with quinoa and roasted vegetables for a delightful outdoor dining experience that's both portable and delicious.
• Dinner Party Delight: Slice the chicken and arrange on a large platter with extra garnishes, allowing guests to create their own personalized portions with vibrant flavor combinations.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining chicken into tasty wraps or salad topping by chopping and mixing with additional cheese and fresh herbs for a quick next-day lunch.

How To Store Monterey Chicken Properly

• Store leftover Monterey chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• What makes Monterey chicken different from other chicken recipes?

The combination of BBQ sauce, bacon, and Monterey Jack cheese creates a unique flavor profile that sets this dish apart from traditional grilled chicken.

• Can I use a different type of cheese if I don't have Monterey Jack?

Yes, you can substitute with cheddar, provolone, or Swiss cheese for a similar melty texture and complementary flavor.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can grill the chicken ahead of time and reheat it, keeping the bacon and cheese fresh when you’re ready to serve.

• How can I ensure the chicken stays juicy and doesn't dry out?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, and avoid overcooking by monitoring the cooking time carefully.

Monterey Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Monterey chicken combines juicy grilled chicken breasts with crispy bacon and melted cheese, creating a mouthwatering Southern California classic. Savory flavors and simple ingredients make this dish a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies comfort food cravings you’ll definitely enjoy.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 slices of cooked bacon

Cheese and Toppings:

• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a blend of Jack and Cheddar)
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)

Seasonings and Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil (for searing)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat grill or oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Lightly coat chicken with olive oil, ensuring even coverage.
3. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or bake in oven for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. During final cooking stage, liberally brush BBQ sauce over each chicken breast, creating a glossy, caramelized exterior.
5. Sprinkle crumbled bacon across the surface of each chicken breast, followed by a generous layer of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
6. Cover grill or oven with lid or foil, allowing cheese to melt completely and become slightly bubbly.
7. Remove chicken from heat and immediately garnish with freshly chopped tomatoes and thinly sliced green onions.
8. Transfer to serving plates and accompany with complementary side dishes while still piping hot.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and easier preparation.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy exterior and better sauce adherence.
• Try low-sodium BBQ sauce for a healthier version of the dish.
• Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives for lighter dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg