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
Scale
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.
