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