Description
Monterey chicken brings together succulent grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese in a mouthwatering Southern-style dish. Families will savor this simple yet delicious meal that combines smoky, tangy flavors with comforting ingredients you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 8 ounces (226 grams) bacon
Cheese and Toppings:
- 1 cup (113 grams) Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 green onions
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal environment for baking the chicken.
- Create a flavor foundation by generously seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, ensuring complete coverage.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, carefully searing the seasoned chicken breasts for approximately 5 minutes on each side until they develop a rich, golden-brown exterior.
- Carefully transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish, preparing it for the final stages of cooking.
- Lavishly drape each chicken breast with barbecue sauce, creating a tangy flavor base.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the sauced chicken, allowing for maximum melting potential.
- Strategically place crispy bacon slices atop the cheese, adding a smoky and crunchy dimension to the dish.
- Place the prepared chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, monitoring until the cheese becomes completely melted and develops a bubbly, golden surface.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch.
- Serve immediately while hot, ensuring the optimal flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Prep chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
- Use thick-cut bacon for extra crunch and robust flavor that complements the melted cheese.
- Consider using low-sodium barbecue sauce to control salt intake and customize the dish’s sweetness level.
- Swap Monterey Jack with dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese for lactose-intolerant or plant-based diet followers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg