Description
Monterey chicken brings together juicy chicken breasts, crispy bacon, and melted cheese in a mouthwatering dish. Hearty flavors blend seamlessly, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
Cheese and Vegetables:
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
Seasonings and Sauces:
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and positioning a rack in the center.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage on both sides.
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken until a rich golden-brown crust develops on each side, approximately 3-4 minutes per surface.
- Carefully transfer seared chicken to a clean baking dish, maintaining the meat’s juiciness.
- Generously brush each chicken breast with tangy barbecue sauce, coating evenly for maximum flavor absorption.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over each chicken piece, allowing it to melt and create a creamy topping.
- Crumble crispy bacon across the cheese, distributing the smoky bits uniformly for balanced taste.
- Place the prepared chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165F for safe consumption.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with freshly diced tomatoes and thinly sliced green onions for a vibrant, fresh finish before serving.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness for consistent cooking and prevent dry edges.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check internal temperature, avoiding overcooking which can make chicken tough.
- Swap barbecue sauce with low-sugar alternatives for diabetic-friendly or low-carb versions of the dish.
- Consider replacing bacon with turkey bacon or omitting for a lighter, healthier protein option that still delivers fantastic flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg