If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with smoky, cheesy, and tangy goodness, you are going to fall head over heels for this Monterey Chicken Skillet with Bacon, Cheese, and BBQ Sauce Recipe. It’s the perfect mix of juicy chicken breasts, savory applewood smoked bacon, melted Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, all elevated with a luscious barbecue sauce that adds just the right amount of sweet heat. This recipe brings together simple, flavorful ingredients in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate — it’s winning comfort food that’s quick enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you — each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the tender chicken to the crispy bacon and the creamy cheese, everything here is essential for that perfect skillet harmony.
- Chicken breasts (4 small, boneless, skinless): Ensure even thickness for perfect cooking and juicy results.
- Sea salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken without overpowering it.
- Freshly ground black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle kick and depth to the seasoning.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Brings aromatic warmth to the overall taste.
- Olive oil (1 Tbsp plus more as needed): Keeps the chicken moist and helps achieve a nice sear.
- BBQ sauce (1/2 cup, divided): Choose a thick, sweet variety for that classic tang and sticky glaze.
- Applewood smoked bacon (8 slices): Crisp and smoky bacon adds irresistible crunch and flavor contrast.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1/2 cup): Melts beautifully, providing creamy richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Adds sharpness and color for a gooey, flavorful topping.
- Diced tomatoes (1/3 cup, to serve): Freshness and a burst of acidity to balance the richness.
- Chopped green onions (2 Tbsp, to serve): Adds a pop of color and mild onion flavor to finish.
How to Make Monterey Chicken Skillet with Bacon, Cheese, and BBQ Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon to Crispy Perfection
Start by cooking your applewood smoked bacon until it’s nicely browned and crispy. Whether you prefer the stovetop, oven-baking, or the air fryer, make sure it’s ready and waiting before the chicken hits the heat. This crisp bacon will add the savory crunch that takes the dish to the next level.
Step 2: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Next, gently pound your chicken breasts between two layers of plastic wrap until they’re an even 1/2 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and tender bites. Season all over with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder to build a simple but flavorful base.
Step 3: Grill or Sear the Chicken
Preheat your grill or a large, oiled oven-safe skillet to medium heat. Place the chicken down and let it cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes until you get a beautiful char or golden brown crust. Flip the chicken and brush the cooked side generously with BBQ sauce. Once the chicken’s internal temperature nears 165°F, flip again and brush the other side with more barbecue sauce. When fully cooked, remove from heat.
Step 4: Top with Bacon and Cheese, Then Broil
Brush the tops of your chicken breasts with another layer of BBQ sauce, then generously top each piece with crispy bacon slices and the mixture of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses. Place the skillet under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles into gooey perfection. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve Warm
Remove your skillet masterpiece from the oven and garnish with fresh diced tomatoes and chopped green onions. These bright, fresh touches cut through the richness and add vibrant color to your plate.
How to Serve Monterey Chicken Skillet with Bacon, Cheese, and BBQ Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh diced tomatoes and chopped green onions brighten up every bite, adding a fresh snap that balances the smoky, cheesy richness perfectly. You can also sprinkle a few basil leaves or add a spoonful of sour cream for extra creaminess.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that won’t compete with the bold flavors — think buttery mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp garden salad. Even buttery garlic bread on the side would soak up every delicious drop of BBQ sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Monterey Chicken Skillet as a topping for creamy polenta or over a bed of fragrant cilantro-lime rice. You could also slice the chicken and turn it into hearty sandwiches or wraps with extra BBQ sauce and fresh coleslaw on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making next-day warmed-up slices even better for sandwiches or quick meals.
Freezing
While fresh is best for this Monterey Chicken Skillet with Bacon, Cheese, and BBQ Sauce Recipe, you can freeze cooled cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To keep cheese from getting gummy, freeze before adding it the first time and add fresh cheese when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the chicken tender and maintain the textures. A quick broil at the end can refresh the cheesy topping nicely, but watch carefully to avoid burning the bacon or cheese.
FAQs
Can I use thick-cut bacon for this recipe?
You can, but thinner applewood smoked bacon crisps up faster and delivers that perfect crunch. Thick-cut will take longer to cook and may not crisp evenly, but if you prefer it, just adjust your cooking time accordingly.
What’s the best type of BBQ sauce to use?
A thick, sweet, and smoky barbecue sauce works best here, as it creates a sticky glaze that complements both the cheese and bacon perfectly. But feel free to experiment with your favorite local or store-bought varieties to personalize the flavor.
Can I make this recipe on an outdoor grill?
Absolutely! Grilling adds an extra smoky char that pairs wonderfully with the BBQ sauce and bacon. Just watch your cooking times closely to avoid drying out the chicken.
Is it okay to substitute the cheeses?
Monterey Jack and cheddar are the stars here because of their meltability and flavor combos. You can swap in mozzarella or pepper jack if you want a little spice, but try to stick with cheeses that melt well for that signature gooey topping.
Can this dish be made dairy-free?
Yes! Simply omit the cheese or substitute with your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives. The bacon and BBQ sauce will still provide plenty of flavor to make this dish satisfying.
Final Thoughts
The Monterey Chicken Skillet with Bacon, Cheese, and BBQ Sauce Recipe is an absolute winner whenever you want something full of heart and flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a comforting, cheesy, smoky dish with a delightful balance of textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. If you love dishes that combine simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal, this one is calling your name — give it a try and watch it become a new family favorite.
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Monterey Chicken Skillet with Bacon, Cheese, and BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Monterey Chicken is a flavorful grilled chicken breast recipe topped with smoky applewood bacon, melted Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, and a tangy barbecue sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, combining juicy chicken with a crispy bacon and cheesy finish, served with fresh diced tomatoes and green onions for a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 1/2 to 2 lbs)
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (plus more as needed)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (divided, preferably sweet and thick)
Toppings and Garnishes
- 8 slices applewood smoked bacon (not thick-cut)
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup diced tomatoes (for serving)
- 2 Tbsp chopped green onions (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Cook the applewood smoked bacon until browned and crisp either on the stovetop, or use oven-baked or air fryer methods. Set aside so it’s ready to top the chicken later.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound each chicken breast between two layers of plastic wrap until they reach an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. Season both sides evenly with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Grill or Sear the Chicken: Preheat a grill or a large oiled oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook the first side for 3-4 minutes until nicely browned or charred. Flip the chicken and brush the cooked side with some barbecue sauce. When the internal temperature approaches 165°F, flip once more and brush BBQ sauce on the second side. Cook until the chicken reaches 165°F, then remove from heat.
- Add Barbecue Sauce and Toppings: Brush the top of each chicken breast again with barbecue sauce. Layer cooked bacon slices on each, then sprinkle evenly with shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses.
- Broil to Melt Cheese: Place the chicken under a broiler for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the Monterey Chicken warm, garnished with fresh diced tomatoes and chopped green onions for added flavor and color.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures even cooking and prevents dryness.
- You can cook bacon ahead of time and store it in the fridge to speed up meal prep.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
- If you don’t have a broiler, you can finish melting the cheese by placing the skillet in a preheated oven at 400°F for a few minutes.
- Customize the BBQ sauce to your taste preference, opting for spicy, smoky, or sweet varieties.
