If you’re on the hunt for a dish that feels like a warm hug and a celebration all at once, this Monterey Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy chicken breasts kissed with smoky bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, gooey melted cheese, and fresh bursts of tomato and scallion come together in an irresistible symphony of flavors. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve when friends drop by. Once you try this recipe, it’s going to become one of your absolute favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients is what makes this Monterey Chicken Recipe so delightful. Each element plays a key role from the smoky crunch of bacon, the savory garlic seasoning, to the creamy melt of cheese that brings it all together with love.
- Bacon (6 strips): Adds wonderful smokiness and a crispy texture that complements the tender chicken.
- Chicken breasts (2 large): The hearty foundation of the dish, sliced thin for quick cooking and hearty bites.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle seasoning that enhances the savory depth without overpowering.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential to bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and ingredients.
- BBQ sauce (1 cup): Your favorite brand or homemade sauce lends tangy sweetness and a little smoky punch.
- Mexican cheese blend or Monterey Jack (1 cup shredded): Melts perfectly to create that luscious, gooey topping everyone loves.
- Tomato (1 small-to-medium, chopped): Adds freshness and a bright splash of color to the dish.
- Scallions (1/3 cup, chopped): Give a mild onion flavor and crisp bite for contrast.
How to Make Monterey Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, adjusting the rack to the top third so you’re ready for the final broil. This step ensures your cheese topping gets perfectly golden and bubbly without overcooking the chicken.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
Using kitchen shears to cut the bacon into manageable pieces speeds things up. Cook the bacon in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat until beautifully crispy. Remove it to a paper towel-lined plate while leaving about two tablespoons of that flavorful bacon fat in the pan—this fat will lend an irresistible richness to the chicken as it cooks.
Step 3: Prepare and Sear the Chicken
Slice your chicken breasts lengthwise to create four thin cutlets, then season generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Turn the heat up to medium-high and sear the chicken in the skillet with bacon fat for about four minutes on each side until it develops a lovely golden crust. This step seals in all the juices and sets the stage for the next flavor layers.
Step 4: Build Your Layers
Take the skillet off the heat to avoid overcooking. Smother each chicken piece evenly with BBQ sauce, then generously sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, followed by the crisp bacon pieces. This layering invites a wonderful balance of savory, tangy, and smoky in every bite.
Step 5: Bake and Broil
Place your skillet in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F. Finish with a brief broil for a couple of minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and starts to turn golden at the edges. This final step creates that irresistible cheesy crust Monterey Chicken dishes are adored for.
Step 6: Fresh Finish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped tomatoes and scallions over the top for a fresh contrast against the rich, melty goodness underneath. Serve immediately, spooning some of the flavorful pan sauce over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or your favorite side. Every bite bursts with texture and taste!
How to Serve Monterey Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh tomatoes and scallions are the classic finishing touches that add brightness and an eye-catching pop of color. Feel free to add chopped cilantro or a dollop of sour cream to customize it further. The contrast of textures—crispy bacon, melted cheese, and crisp scallions—makes the dish visually and tastefully exciting.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or steamed rice, which soak up all those flavorful pan drippings beautifully. For something lighter, consider a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the chicken and cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, arrange the chicken cutlets on a large platter surrounded by scattered scallions and diced tomatoes for a rustic, inviting look. You can also serve the Monterey Chicken recipe on toasted buns for hearty, cheesy chicken sandwiches that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and you might!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken will stay juicy, and the flavors will have even more time to meld together overnight.
Freezing
Monterey Chicken is freezer-friendly! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a 350°F oven until warmed through to keep the chicken moist and the cheese melty. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts, but be mindful that the cheese might not stay as gooey as the fresh bake.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs are generally a bit thicker and might take a touch longer to cook through.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap out the cheese for a dairy-free alternative that melts well or omit it entirely. The bacon and BBQ sauce will still deliver plenty of flavor.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Choose a BBQ sauce you love—whether sweet, smoky, or tangy. A medium sauce balances beautifully with the bacon and cheese, but feel free to customize according to your taste preference.
Can I prepare this dish on a grill?
While the original method is for the oven and skillet, you can certainly adapt this for the grill using a grill-safe pan or foil tray, making sure to watch the cheese closely so it doesn’t burn.
How can I make the dish spicier?
Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne to the chicken seasoning, or use a spicy BBQ sauce for an extra kick. You can also sprinkle sliced jalapeños on top before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Monterey Chicken Recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience full of vibrant flavors and comforting textures that feel like a special treat any night of the week. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make something so delicious and satisfying. I can promise it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine!
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Monterey Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Monterey Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring seared chicken cutlets topped with smoky bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, melted Mexican cheese, and fresh tomatoes and scallions. Cooked in an oven-safe skillet, this recipe combines pan-searing, baking, and broiling to achieve perfectly cooked chicken with a cheesy, bubbly topping. Ideal for a hearty family dinner that pairs well with mashed potatoes or rice.
Ingredients
Meat & Poultry
- 6 strips bacon
- 2 large chicken breasts
Seasonings & Sauces
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite)
Cheese & Toppings
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend or Monterey Jack
- 1 small-to-medium tomato, chopped
- 1/3 cup chopped scallions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and position the oven rack to the top third to ensure even cooking and optimal broiling later.
- Cook Bacon: Cut the bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears or a knife. Cook it in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet for added flavor.
- Prepare Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 4 thin cutlets. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and sear the chicken in the bacon fat for 4 minutes on each side until lightly golden and partially cooked.
- Add Toppings: Remove the skillet from heat. Spread BBQ sauce evenly over each chicken piece, then sprinkle shredded cheese over the sauce, followed by the crispy bacon pieces.
- Bake and Broil: Place the skillet in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through and the cheese to melt. Finish by broiling for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and top the chicken with chopped tomato and scallions. Serve immediately with your choice of side like mashed potatoes or rice, spooning any delicious pan sauce over the top.
Notes
- Ensure the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- If you prefer less smoky flavor, use turkey bacon or reduce the amount of bacon.
- Use oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring chicken to another dish.
- Adjust BBQ sauce amount based on your taste preference.
- This recipe works well with different cheese blends if Monterey Jack is unavailable.
