Monterey Chicken is a savory, cheesy, and mouthwatering dish that is sure to become a family favorite! This recipe features tender chicken breasts smothered in BBQ sauce, topped with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and fresh tomatoes. It's a great way to elevate your chicken dinner and is perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Read on for everything you need to know about preparing the perfect Monterey Chicken, including tips, variations, and more!
What is Monterey Chicken?
Monterey Chicken is a Tex-Mex inspired dish typically made with grilled or baked chicken breasts, BBQ sauce, cheese, and bacon. The combination of tangy BBQ sauce, gooey melted cheese, and crispy bacon creates a delicious medley of flavors that make this dish truly irresistible. With just a few simple ingredients and some easy-to-follow steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients List for Monterey Chicken
To make this Monterey Chicken recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite variety)
- 4 slices of cooked bacon (crispy)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a blend of cheeses like cheddar)
- ¼ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Ingredients List for Monterey Chicken Toppings
- ½ cup sour cream or ranch dressing (optional, for serving)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
- Additional BBQ sauce for drizzling
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this Monterey Chicken recipe is its versatility. Here are some common substitutions and variations you can try:
- Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, boneless chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts.
- Cheese Options: While Monterey Jack cheese is traditional, you can also use cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for a meat alternative like tofu or portobello mushrooms to make a vegetarian version.
- BBQ Sauce: For a unique flavor, use a different BBQ sauce flavor such as honey BBQ, smoky, or spicy BBQ.
- Add Heat: Want to spice it up? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparing Monterey Chicken is simple, but following the steps carefully will ensure a tasty result. Here’s how to make it:
- Prep the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. The goal is not to cook them through at this point, but to create a nice sear on the outside.
- Add BBQ Sauce: Remove the skillet from the heat. Brush the BBQ sauce generously over each chicken breast.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Add Bacon and Cheese: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and top each breast with a slice of crispy bacon and a generous handful of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Melt the Cheese: Return the skillet to the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top with Fresh Ingredients: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the diced tomatoes and green onions over the chicken for a fresh burst of flavor.
How to Cook Monterey Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
For a successful Monterey Chicken, follow these detailed steps:
- Preparation: Begin by gathering all your ingredients and prepping them ahead of time. This includes cooking the bacon until it’s crispy, shredding the cheese, and dicing the tomatoes.
- Searing the Chicken: Heat a skillet and sear the chicken breasts until both sides are golden brown. This helps lock in the juices and gives the chicken a delicious crust.
- Baking: Transfer the skillet to the oven to bake. This ensures the chicken is cooked through while maintaining its tenderness. Keep an eye on the internal temperature for best results.
- Topping with Bacon and Cheese: After the chicken is baked, it’s time to add the bacon and cheese. These additions turn your chicken into Monterey Chicken magic!
- Finishing Touches: Broil the chicken just long enough to melt the cheese. Adding the fresh tomatoes and green onions at the end keeps the dish from becoming too heavy and balances the richness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for when making Monterey Chicken:
- Overcooking the Chicken: Keep an eye on the internal temperature of the chicken to avoid drying it out. Once it hits 165°F (75°C), it’s done.
- Not Searing the Chicken: Skipping the searing step can leave you with bland, pale chicken. Searing adds flavor and texture.
- Forgetting Fresh Toppings: The fresh tomatoes and green onions help balance the richness of the bacon and cheese, so don’t leave them out!
Serving and Presentation Tips
Monterey Chicken is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Here are some tips to make sure your dish looks as great as it tastes:
- Plating the Chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts neatly on the plate, ensuring the bacon and melted cheese are visible on top.
- Garnish: Add fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of green color. Drizzle extra BBQ sauce on the plate for a restaurant-style look.
- Side Dishes: Monterey Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
How to Serve Monterey Chicken
Monterey Chicken is best served hot and fresh from the oven. Here are a few ways to serve it:
- With Rice: Serve your Monterey Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice for a complete meal.
- With Potatoes: Mashed, roasted, or baked potatoes are excellent side dishes that complement the flavors.
- With Veggies: Add a side of sautéed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
Presentation Ideas for Monterey Chicken
Make your Monterey Chicken look as amazing as it tastes with these presentation ideas:
- Individual Plates: Serve each chicken breast individually, drizzled with extra BBQ sauce and topped with fresh herbs.
- Family-Style: Arrange all the chicken breasts on a large serving platter, with tomatoes and green onions sprinkled over the top. Serve it alongside bowls of side dishes for a communal dining experience.
- BBQ Party: Serve Monterey Chicken at your next BBQ party! You can slice the chicken into strips and serve it alongside mini slider buns for a fun, bite-sized version of this dish.
Monterey Chicken Recipe Tips
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This is key to ensuring your chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out.
- Pre-Cook the Bacon: Crispy bacon is a must! Make sure to cook your bacon fully before adding it to the chicken.
- Broil Carefully: When broiling the cheese, keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. The goal is a bubbly, melted topping, not charred cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts. Just be mindful of cooking times, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken by searing it and adding the BBQ sauce. However, wait to add the bacon and cheese until you're ready to bake and serve.
3. What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
Any BBQ sauce will work! Pick your favorite flavor, whether it’s smoky, sweet, or spicy.
4. Can I freeze Monterey Chicken?
Yes! Once cooked, allow the chicken to cool completely before freezing. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
Conclusion
Monterey Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make recipe that combines the smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce, the richness of cheese, and the savory crunch of bacon. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to fit your family’s tastes and preferences. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to be a hit! Try it today and impress your loved ones with this hearty, flavorful meal. Enjoy!
PrintMonterey Chicken Recipe
Monterey Chicken is a delicious dish made with grilled chicken breasts, smothered in BBQ sauce, bacon, and melted cheese. It's a perfect blend of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors. Serve it with a side of vegetables or potatoes for a complete meal. This easy-to-make chicken recipe is ideal for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, highlighting key ingredients like cheese, bacon, and barbecue sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 4 slices cooked bacon
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup diced green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for grilling
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then brush with olive oil.
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
- Brush BBQ sauce over the chicken, top with cooked bacon slices and shredded cheese.
- Close the grill lid for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Garnish with diced green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- You can bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F for 25 minutes if you prefer.
- Use smoked or thick-cut bacon for a more intense flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 920mg
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