Monterey Chicken

Monterey Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that features juicy chicken breasts seasoned with a blend of spices, smothered in barbecue sauce, and topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, diced tomatoes, and green onions. This mouthwatering recipe offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that are sure to delight your taste buds.

Why Make Monterey Chicken

Monterey Chicken is a fantastic dish that brings together simple ingredients to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. With its combination of tender chicken, gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh toppings, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with friends and family.

How to Make Monterey Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter, and heat until the butter has melted. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan and cook for about 6 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Add Barbecue Sauce: Brush the barbecue sauce over the top of the chicken breasts. If desired, flip the chicken and brush the bottoms with sauce as well, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.
4. Add Cheese and Broil: Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the chicken breasts. Place the skillet in the oven under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese until bubbly and golden brown.
5. Finish with Toppings: Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, and green onions over the chicken.
6. Serve Hot: Serve the Monterey Chicken hot, straight from the skillet, and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures.

Serving Suggestions

Monterey Chicken is delicious served with a side of seasoned rice, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal. You can also pair it with your favorite vegetables, such as steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or grilled zucchini, to add color and nutrition to the plate.

Storage Information

Any leftover Monterey Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the chicken in the microwave or oven until heated through. Avoid reheating the chicken too long to prevent it from becoming dry.

Some Techniques or Tips

• If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the cooked chicken to a baking dish before adding the barbecue sauce and cheese for broiling.
• Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences. You can add sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor and freshness.
• For a healthier option, you can use turkey bacon or omit the bacon altogether. You can also use a reduced-fat cheese blend to cut down on calories and fat content.

FAQs about Monterey Chicken

1. Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe? Yes, you can use any type of cheese you prefer or have on hand. Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese would all work well in this recipe.
2. Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it on the stovetop? Absolutely! Grilling the chicken adds a delicious smoky flavor to the dish. Simply season the chicken as directed, then grill over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side or until cooked through. Brush with barbecue sauce and add cheese as directed before serving.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While Monterey Chicken is best served fresh from the oven, you can prepare the chicken breasts and toppings ahead of time and assemble them just before broiling. This can save time on busy evenings or when entertaining guests.

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