What is a comfort food? If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just crave that sweet and savory flavor explosion, but the cravings never end. What is the thought of actually going out? What is my secret weapon? What’s the best part of a restaurant meal? BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese. What are some of the best cheese recipes you can make at home? Think of it as the weeknight version of a fancy BBQ chicken pizza, but without all the fuss. Isn’t it a good dinner?
What is Monterey chicken?
What is Monterey chicken? What is a love letter to BBQ chicken? What is essentially chicken breasts (or thighs, if you’re feeling adventurous)? ), smothered in tangy BBQ sauce, topped with crispy bacon and melted cheese – usually Monterey Jack. What is the origin of the name? – and often a little sprinkle of green onions for freshness. What is the kind of dish that hits all the right notes? smoky, savory, sweet, and just a little bit salty. My family devours it every single time I make it. Is this food good for pickiest eaters?
Why do I love this recipe?
Let me tell you why this Monterey Chicken Recipe is about to become your new best friend. First, the flavor is just incredible. The combination of the smoky BBQ sauce with the salty bacon and the creamy, mild Monterey Jack cheese is seriously addictive. Then there’s the simplicity. This is one of those recipes where you can pretty much throw everything together and let the oven do its thing. Seriously, even on my busiest weeknights, I can get this on the table in under an hour, start to finish. And let’s talk about cost-efficiency. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and fridge, which means fewer trips to the grocery store and more money in your pocket. What I love most about this is how versatile it is. You can serve it over rice, with mashed potatoes, in a salad, or even in a sandwich. It’s totally customizable to your own preferences. You can even switch up the cheese! I sometimes use cheddar if I’m all out of Monterey Jack, and it’s still fantastic. Seriously, give it a try and let me know what you think! It reminds me a little bit of a really good chicken parmesan, but with a totally different flavor profile. So, if you are looking for a weeknight winner, look no further.
How do you make Monterey chicken?
Quick Overview
How do you make Monterey chicken? You’ll start by seasoning and lightly searing your chicken breasts. Why not smother them in your favorite BBQ sauce? ), top with crispy bacon and shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and bake until the chicken is cooked through. The cheese is melty and bubbly. What is the best way to do a kitchen remodel in under an hour? Is it so easy to do it?
Ingredients
For the Main Event:
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each). Make sure to pound them to an even thickness for even cooking! If you’re feeling lazy, you can also use chicken tenderloins – they cook even faster.
* 1 tablespoon olive oil. For searing the chicken, you can also use avocado oil
* 1 teaspoon paprika. Gives it a lovely color and smokiness.
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Don’t skip this! It adds so much flavor.
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper. Freshly ground is always best!
* Salt to taste. I usually use about 1/2 teaspoon, but adjust to your liking.
For the Monterey Magic: The Magic of Monte
* 1 cup BBQ sauce. Use your favorite brand! I love hickory-smoked BBQ sauce, but feel free to experiment. What is a good honey BBQ sauce?
* 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled. I always make extra bacon for snacking. I know you’ve been warned!
* 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese. The star of the show! Make sure to buy a block and shred it yourself – it melts so much better than the pre-shredded.
Optional Garnish
What are some good ways to add chopped green onions to a salad?
* Fresh parsley, chopped. For a little extra green.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. I always use parchment paper to wash my dishes. It makes it so much easier.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside. What is the best way to rub the mixture on chicken breasts? Where do you build the flavor, so don’t skimp!
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. How do you cook chicken breasts? You’re not trying to cook them all the way through at this point, just get a nice sear on them. How do you lock in the juices?
Step 4: Assemble the Chicken
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish. How do you spread BBQ sauce over chicken breast? What is the best way to serve chicken breast with bacon? What is Monterey Jack cheese?
Step 5: Bake
In a preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven and let cool. is melted and bubbly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before garnishing. Is it healthy to serve green onions and fresh parsley in a bowl? Serve immediately and enjoy!
What is the best way to serve it?
Monterey chicken goes with almost anything! What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?
For a complete meal:Serve with roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Green Beans. What is a good salad to serve with vinaigrette?
For a Comfort Food Feast:What are some good choices for polenta, mac and cheese, or mashed potatoes? What are some good Side Dishes to serve with cornbread?
For a Lighter Option:Serve it over a bed of mixed greens with your favorite salad toppings. Can you shred chicken and use it as a filling for tacos?
What are the best BBQ bash ideas?Alongside other grilled favorites like ribs, burgers and corn on the cob.
Growing up, my mom always served this with mashed potatoes and a side of green beans. I’ve never had any of these. What’s your favorite way to enjoy life? Is it possible to go wrong with anything? What is the secret to a Monterey chicken?
How can I make a Monterey chicken?
I’ve made this Monterey chicken more times than I can count, and I have learned a few tricks. What are some tips for perfecting your own version of yourself?
Pound the Chicken: How do youThis is crucial for even cooking. If the chicken breasts are too thick, they’ll take longer to cook, and the cheese might burn before cooking. Is chicken done? Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
Don’t overcook a chicken: Don Overcooked chicken is dry and tough, so be careful not to overbake it. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness – the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Use Good Quality Cheese: The better the cheese, the better the flavor. I always recommend buying a block of Monterey Jack cheese and shredding it yourself. It melts so much better than the pre-shredded stuff, which often contains cellulose to prevent clumping.
Crispy Bacon is Key: Nobody wants soggy bacon! Make sure to cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy before crumbling it over the chicken. I like to cook mine in the oven – it’s less messy and easier to control the crispness.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment with the BBQ Sauce: There are so many different types of BBQ sauce out there, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite. I love a good hickory-smoked BBQ sauce, but a honey BBQ sauce or a spicy BBQ sauce would also be delicious.
Add Some Heat: If you like a little bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
One time, I accidentally used a BBQ sauce that was way too sweet, and the chicken was almost inedible. I learned my lesson – now I always taste the BBQ sauce before using it!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftover Monterey Chicken (which is rare at my house!), here’s how to store and reheat it:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat the chicken, you can either microwave it for 1-2 minutes, or bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overcook it, or it will dry out.
I find that the cheese tends to get a little bit rubbery when reheated, so I sometimes add a fresh sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack cheese before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to Monterey Chicken recipe that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! It’s flavorful, easy to make, and totally customizable to your own preferences. What more could you ask for? This has become a staple in our house, and I have a feeling it will in yours too. And because I love sharing easy recipes, if you love this, you *have* to try my Creamy Tuscan Chicken next—it’s another one-pan wonder that’s weeknight magic! Don’t forget to let me know in the comments how yours turns out, and if you made any fun variations. Happy cooking!
Monterey Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 oz Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Pounded to 1/2 inch thickness
- 1 cup BBQ sauce Your favorite brand
- 6 slices Bacon Cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.25 cup Green onions Chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish.4 oz Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Spread BBQ sauce evenly over each chicken breast.4 oz Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the BBQ sauce.4 oz Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.4 oz Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve.4 oz Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
