Hey there, Jason Griffith from Chef Maniac, and today we’re bringing a restaurant favorite right into your kitchen: Monterey Chicken. If you’ve ever craved that perfect combination of smoky BBQ chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey melted cheese, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. This dish, famously popularized by Chili’s, is a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly easy to recreate at home, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying weeknight meal or a casual gathering.
Why I Love This Recipe
Monterey Chicken is pure comfort food, but it also feels a little bit special. What I love most about this recipe is how it takes simple ingredients—chicken, bacon, cheese, and BBQ sauce—and elevates them into something truly delicious. The smoky bacon and tangy BBQ sauce infuse the chicken with incredible flavor, while the melted Monterey Jack (or a blend of cheeses) creates that irresistible gooey topping. It’s a fantastic way to transform plain chicken breasts into a meal that everyone, from kids to adults, will devour. Plus, it comes together relatively quickly, especially if you prep some ingredients ahead of time! It’s a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky, making every bite a delight.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing Monterey Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5-2 lbs total), pounded to ½-inch thickness
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 6-8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite sweet and smoky variety)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a Monterey Jack & Cheddar blend)
- ½ cup diced Roma tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes, halved)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh green onions (scallions) for garnish
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken Breasts: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½ inch) is key for even cooking. You can also use thin-cut chicken cutlets to save time. Chicken thighs could be used for a juicier result, but cooking time will vary.
- Bacon: Use your favorite bacon! Regular or thick-cut will work. Make sure it’s cooked crispy, as it adds a wonderful textural contrast. Pre-cooked bacon bits can be a quick substitute.
- BBQ Sauce: This is where you can really personalize the dish. Choose a BBQ sauce you love. Sweet, smoky, or even a spicy variety would work well.
- Cheese: Monterey Jack is traditional, but a blend with Cheddar adds more depth of flavor. Other good melting cheeses like Colby Jack or mozzarella can also be used. Freshly shredded cheese usually melts better than pre-shredded.
- Tomatoes & Green Onions: These add freshness, color, and a slight tang that brightens the dish. Don’t skip them!
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the garlic and onion powder amounts, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth. A dash of cayenne pepper can add a subtle kick if you like heat.
- Cooking Method: While grilling is classic for that smoky char, this dish works perfectly well in an oven-safe skillet or baked in a casserole dish.
List of Steps for the Recipe
Let’s get cooking this crowd-pleasing Monterey Chicken!
- Prepare Bacon: Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon, place on a paper-towel-lined plate to drain, and crumble once cooled. Reserve a tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet (optional, for cooking chicken) or add olive oil.
- Prep Chicken: If using full chicken breasts, place them between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them with a meat mallet or heavy pan until they are about ½-inch thick and even in size. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the olive oil (or reserved bacon grease) in the same large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until nicely browned and almost cooked through (internal temperature reaches about 160°F or 71°C).
- Add BBQ Sauce and Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat (or transfer chicken to a baking dish). Evenly brush the tops of each chicken breast with the BBQ sauce. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese generously over each piece of chicken.
- Melt Cheese: Place the skillet (if oven-safe) or baking dish in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) or under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven. Top the chicken with the crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, and chopped green onions. Serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Pound Chicken Evenly: This ensures the chicken cooks through at the same rate and stays juicy.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly. Cook them just until almost done before adding the toppings, as they’ll finish cooking while the cheese melts.
- Good Quality BBQ Sauce: The BBQ sauce is a key flavor component, so use one you truly enjoy.
- Freshly Shredded Cheese: If possible, shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect how smoothly they melt.
- Broiler Watch: If using the broiler, keep a close eye on the chicken, as cheese can go from perfectly melted to burnt in seconds.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Monterey Chicken is a hearty and satisfying main course that pairs well with a variety of sides. For a classic American dinner, serve it with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes or baked potatoes.
- Roasted or steamed broccoli or green beans.
- A side of corn on the cob or a simple side salad.
- Coleslaw or potato salad are also great complements for a BBQ-inspired meal.
Looking for another delicious chicken dish? My Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is another family favorite that’s packed with flavor.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Cooked Monterey Chicken is delicious as leftovers. Store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or in a covered oven-safe dish at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. Be careful not to overcook, as this can dry out the chicken.
You can also freeze cooked Monterey Chicken (without the fresh tomato and green onion garnish). Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and adding fresh garnishes.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved this cheesy, savory chicken dish, you’ll definitely want to check out some of these other fantastic chicken and comfort food recipes:
- For another easy chicken and cheese combo, try my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
- If you enjoy hearty, flavorful chicken dinners, my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is a guaranteed hit.
- For cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort, my Chicken Enchiladas are always a go-to.
- And if you’re in the mood for something with a bit of a kick, my Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo offers incredible depth of flavor.
Final Thoughts
Monterey Chicken is more than just a chicken dish; it’s a celebration of bold flavors and comforting textures that come together effortlessly. It’s perfect for satisfying that craving for a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your home. Give this recipe a try—it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your dinner rotation!
What are your favorite restaurant copycat recipes? Share them in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious recipes and kitchen inspiration. Happy cooking!
Leave a Reply