Description
Monterey chicken blends savory flavors from Southern California’s culinary landscape. Cheese-topped chicken breasts with bacon create a hearty meal that satisfies you completely.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded monterey jack cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup (40 g) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup (25 g) chopped green onions
- salt and pepper to taste
- olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by warming it to 350°F (175°C), ensuring an even cooking environment for the chicken.
- Liberally season both surfaces of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
- Select a skillet and warm olive oil over medium heat, creating a perfect searing surface for the chicken.
- Carefully place chicken breasts into the heated skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust develops, indicating a beautiful caramelization.
- Transfer the seared chicken breasts into a baking dish, brushing each piece generously with tangy BBQ sauce to infuse additional flavor.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon across the top of each chicken breast, followed by a generous layer of shredded Monterey Jack cheese for a rich, melty finish.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven, allowing the chicken to cook for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches a safe level and the cheese becomes perfectly melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and immediately garnish with freshly diced tomatoes and finely chopped green onions, adding a burst of color and fresh flavor to the dish.
- Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and the cheese is still deliciously gooey.
Notes
- Swap chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a more tender and juicy result, perfect for those who prefer darker meat.
- Consider using turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives to make the dish more diet-friendly for those avoiding pork.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking, preventing dry meat.
- Select a low-sugar BBQ sauce to reduce overall calorie content and make the dish more suitable for health-conscious individuals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg