Irresistibly tender and juicy, this Monterey Chicken is loaded with smoky BBQ flavor, crispy bacon, and gooey melted cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick and super flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights!
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Jump to:
- ❤️ Why You'll Love This Monterey Chicken Recipe
- 🛒 Ingredients for Monterey Chicken
- 🔪 How to Make Monterey Chicken
- 💡 Tips
- ☑️ Storage Instructions
- 🍴 What to Serve with Monterey Chicken
- 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
- Why is it Called Monterey Chicken?
- Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
- How Do I Keep the Chicken Moist?
- Why Isn’t My Cheese Melting Well?
- Can I Prep This Dish Ahead of Time?
- Can I Make This Dish in the Oven Instead of on The Stovetop?
- 🍽️ More Delicious Chicken Recipes
❤️ Why You'll Love This Monterey Chicken Recipe
- Tender sautéed chicken
- Smoky bbq and bacon flavors
- Topped with gooey melted cheese
- Easy to make, using a handful of ingredients
- Make in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights
Monterey Chicken is the ultimate dinner when you need something fast, satisfying, and downright delicious. Picture tender, juicy chicken breasts topped with smoky barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, and a blanket of melty Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese. Toss in fresh tomatoes and scallions, and you’ve got a plate bursting with bold flavors and textures.
It not only tastes incredible, this recipe is also easy to pull together. With just a few simple ingredients and a single skillet, you can have a hearty, flavorful dinner on the table in no time. It’s perfect for busy nights when everyone’s craving something homemade but you don’t want to spend hours cooking.
If you love chicken recipes with bold flavor, you should also check out my Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken and my Greek Chicken Salad recipes.
🛒 Ingredients for Monterey Chicken
- Chicken
- Monterey jack cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Tomatoes
- BBQ sauce
- Bacon
- Scallions
- Butter
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic salt
- Ground black pepper
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
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🔪 How to Make Monterey Chicken
Cut the bacon into small pieces, then add it to a large skillet.
Fry the bacon until crisp, then remove and set aside on paper towels to drain. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet.
Cut each chicken breast in half, giving you 6 thin pieces.
Add the garlic salt and pepper to both sides of each piece of chicken and add them to the skillet with the bacon grease and butter, over medium heat.
Sauté for several minutes on both side until almost completely cooked through and reaches an internal temperature close to 165°F.
Brush the tops of each piece of chicken with the bbq sauce.
Add the shredded cheese on top.
Cover with a lid and continue cooking until the cheese has melted.
Turn off the heat and add the crispy bacon, chopped tomatoes and scallions over the tops, then serve.
💡 Tips
- Choose the right skillet: A heavy-bottomed skillet, like cast iron, helps distribute heat evenly for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Cook in batches if needed: If your skillet is smaller, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even browning.
- Keep it warm: If making multiple batches, place cooked chicken on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to keep it warm until ready to serve.
- Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can have anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting, so shred it fresh for the best results.
☑️ Storage Instructions
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet.
Freezer: Freeze the chicken (without toppings) in a sealed container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Then reheat and add your toppings.
🍴 What to Serve with Monterey Chicken
This chicken can go with anything from a simple side salad to a decadent side dish casserole. Here are some great ideas to consider:
- Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower
- Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
- Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Garlic Potatoes with Green Beans
- Creamed Corn
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato
🔄 Substitutions and Additions
- Add some heat: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne into the BBQ sauce for some heat.
- Switch up the cheese: Use pepper jack for a spicier twist or mozzarella for a milder option.
- Fresh herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro on top before serving.
- Grill it: For a smoky char, grill the chicken instead of sautéing it, then assemble and melt the cheese in the oven.
- Vegetarian option: Use portobello mushrooms in place of chicken for a meatless version.
- Slow cooker variation: Cook the seasoned chicken in a slow cooker, top with cheese, bacon, and tomatoes, and let it melt before serving.
Why is it Called Monterey Chicken?
It simple! The dish gets its name from Monterey Jack cheese, one of the key ingredients that gives it a rich, melty topping.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Sure, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great option. They’re juicy and cook in about the same time as chicken breasts. Just ensure they reach 165°F internally.
How Do I Keep the Chicken Moist?
Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer and cooking the chicken just until it reaches 165°F. Cooking it in bacon grease also helps lock in moisture and flavor.
Why Isn’t My Cheese Melting Well?
Pre-shredded cheese can sometimes be coated with anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. For the best results, shred the cheese fresh and cover the skillet to trap heat while it melts.
Can I Prep This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook the bacon and season the chicken in advance. Store them separately, and when it’s time to eat, cook the chicken, top it, and finish the dish.
Can I Make This Dish in the Oven Instead of on The Stovetop?
Absolutely! Sear the chicken in a skillet first, then transfer it to a baking dish. Top with BBQ sauce and cheese, and bake at 375°F until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
🍽️ More Delicious Chicken Recipes
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Thai Red Curry Coconut Grilled Chicken
- Grilled Chicken with Rosemary Citrus Glaze
- Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole
- Creamy Chicken Tuscan Skillet
- Bacon Ranch Chicken Casserole
- Chicken Florentine Skillet
Monterey Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts
- 5 slices bacon, chopped
- ⅔ cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
- ⅔ cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
- ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup scallions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cut the bacon into small pieces, then add it to a large skillet.
- Fry the bacon until crisp, then remove and set aside on paper towels to drain. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Cut each chicken breast in half, giving you 6 thin pieces.
- Add the garlic salt and pepper to both sides of each piece of chicken and add them to the skillet with the bacon grease and butter, over medium heat.
- Sauté for several minutes on both side until almost completely cooked through and reaches an internal temperature close to 165°F, when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Brush the tops of each piece of chicken with the bbq sauce. Add the shredded cheese on top.
- Cover with a lid and continue cooking until the cheese has melted.
- Turn off the heat and add the crispy bacon, chopped tomatoes and scallions over the tops, then serve.
*Make sure to scroll up and read the post for substitutions, additions and helpful tips for making this recipe.
*Nutritional data is provided as a courtesy and is accurate to the best of my knowledge. You can verify it using the nutrition calculator of your choice. All data is based on net carbs, without sugar alcohol: Swerve, Erythritol, Monk Fruit or Allulose.
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