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
Scale
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.