Description
Monterey chicken brings together juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese in a mouthwatering California-inspired dish. Cheese lovers and protein enthusiasts can enjoy this simple yet satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (454 grams/16 ounces)
Cheese and Topping:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters/8 ounces) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced
Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking surface by heating a grill or skillet to medium-high temperature, around 375-400°F.
- Massage chicken breasts with a light coating of olive oil, then generously sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cook the chicken for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the meat is thoroughly cooked with no pink center.
- Generously coat each chicken breast with a layer of tangy BBQ sauce, creating a glossy and flavorful surface.
- Immediately top the sauced chicken with a generous handful of shredded Monterey Jack cheese and crispy bacon crumbles.
- Close the grill lid or pan cover, allowing the cheese to melt and become slightly bubbly for 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, then sprinkle with freshly chopped tomatoes and thinly sliced green onions for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and easy preparation.
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior with crispy edges.
- Use thick-cut bacon for more robust flavor and better texture when crumbling over the chicken.
- Substitute BBQ sauce with honey mustard or teriyaki sauce for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
- Choose low-fat cheese and turkey bacon for a lighter, healthier version of the dish.
- Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to retain maximum juiciness and prevent dryness.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like smoked Gouda or pepper jack for added depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg