Description
Monterey chicken elevates classic poultry with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and tangy barbecue sauce. Hearty flavors combine in this simple yet satisfying dinner that will delight diners seeking comfort and bold taste sensations.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese and Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a baking dish for the chicken.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- Arrange chicken in the baking dish and generously coat each piece with BBQ sauce, creating a flavorful glaze.
- Bake the chicken for 20 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and the meat to cook partially.
- Carefully remove the dish from the oven and immediately sprinkle crispy bacon crumbles over each chicken breast.
- Add a generous layer of shredded cheese on top of the bacon, covering the entire surface of the chicken.
- Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts completely and turns golden.
- Verify the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74C) using a meat thermometer for food safety.
- Optional: Garnish with finely chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.
- Serve the chicken immediately while hot and cheese is still melted, paired with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Opt for low-sodium BBQ sauce to control salt intake and create a healthier version of this dish.
- Use turkey bacon as a lighter alternative to traditional bacon for a reduced-fat option.
- Choose lean chicken breasts and trim any visible fat to make the recipe more diet-friendly.
- For a gluten-free adaptation, verify that your BBQ sauce doesn’t contain wheat-based ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg