Monterey Chicken

With its perfect blend of savory chicken, crispy bacon, tangy barbecue sauce and melted cheese, this Monterey chicken recipe is nothing short of satisfying. The best part? You can have this flavorful meal on the table in just 25 minutes using only seven ingredients.

Ingredients for Monterey Chicken

• Bacon strips: Four strips of bacon provide a smoky, crispy element to this recipe for Monterey chicken. Learn how to cook bacon perfectly every time.
• Chicken breasts: Four boneless, skinless chicken breast halves serve as the protein-packed base of this recipe.
• Butter: A tablespoon adds richness and helps brown the chicken to perfection. Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Barbecue sauce: Half a cup of barbecue sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the savory chicken and bacon. Try making your own from scratch.
• Green onions: Chopped green onions provide a fresh onion flavor, as well as a pop of color to the Monterey chicken.
• Tomato: One medium tomato adds juicy freshness and a slightly acidic contrast to the barbecue sauce.
• Cheddar cheese: One cup of shredded cheddar cheese creates a melty, savory topping over the chicken. For best results, shred it yourself.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the bacon

Cut the bacon strips in half widthwise. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until cooked but not crisp. Drain on paper towels.

Editor’s Tip: Cooking the bacon until just done but not crispy ensures it won’t be too hard when added on top of the chicken later.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

Drain the bacon drippings from the skillet. In the same skillet, cook the chicken in butter over medium heat for five to six minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 170°F.

Editor’s Tip: To evenly cook the chicken breasts, flatten them to a uniform thickness before cooking.

Step 3: Add toppings and melt cheese

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Top each chicken breast with barbecue sauce, green onions, chopped tomato and two reserved bacon pieces. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Cover and cook for an additional five minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Recipe Variations

• Add a smoky twist: Swap out the cheddar cheese for smoked gouda or provolone for a smoky flavor to this Monterey chicken recipe.
• Make it spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce for a spicy kick to this recipe.
• Enhance with herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley over the finished dish for an herbal boost.
• Add some vegetables: Incorporate sauteed bell peppers or sliced mushrooms along with the green onions and tomatoes for added texture and flavor to the dish.
• Sweeten with honey: Mix in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup into the barbecue sauce for a hint of sweetness.
• Make it creamy: Add a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of guacamole on top of the chicken before serving for a tangy and creamy element.
• Add some crunch: Sprinkle crispy fried onions or crushed tortilla chips on top of the finished chicken for a nice crunch.

How to Store Monterey Chicken

Store leftovers of this Monterey chicken recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Can you freeze Monterey chicken?

While you can freeze the cooked chicken, the toppings for this Monterey chicken recipe are best added fresh. Allow the cooked chicken breasts to cool completely, then wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and place in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add the toppings when reheating.

Monterey Chicken Tips

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What other toppings can you put on Monterey chicken?

If you want your serving of Monterey chicken even saucier, drizzle homemade ranch or your favorite salsa over the top before serving.

How do you ensure that Monterey chicken stays moist?

Cooking the chicken to an internal temperature of 170°F ensures it’s cooked to perfection without being dry. Covering the skillet while melting the cheese also helps retain moisture.

What sides go well with Monterey chicken?

Monterey chicken pairs well with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, creamy coleslaw or even a fresh green salad. Bacon pea salad is a complementary side dish to Monterey chicken because it has some of the same ingredients—you can even prep the bacon for both dishes together to save time.

Can you use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a leaner alternative to regular bacon in this recipe for Monterey chicken.