Juicy, flavorful, and irresistibly cheesy, Monterey Chicken is a crowd-pleasing dinner that combines bold barbecue flavors with creamy Monterey Jack cheese and crispy bacon. Perfectly seasoned chicken breasts are seared for a golden crust, then baked to tender perfection under layers of smoky barbecue sauce, melted cheese, and savory bacon. Optional garnishes of fresh green onions and diced tomatoes add a pop of color and brightness to this hearty dish. Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe is as easy as it is satisfying, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a crisp salad for a complete, mouthwatering meal your family will love.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and rub both sides evenly with olive oil followed by the seasoning mix.
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. (They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage.)
Transfer the chicken to a baking dish or keep it in the oven-safe skillet, then brush each piece generously with barbecue sauce.
Top each chicken breast with 2 slices of cooked bacon, then sprinkle with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Place the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with optional diced tomatoes and chopped green onions for a fresh finish.
Serve hot with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad.
Calories |
2510 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 96.2 g | 123% | |
| Saturated Fat | 37.0 g | 185% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 755 mg | 252% | |
| Sodium | 7490 mg | 326% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 131.2 g | 48% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.2 g | 26% | |
| Total Sugars | 97.1 g | ||
| Protein | 271.1 g | 542% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 1030 mg | 79% | |
| Iron | 11.6 mg | 64% | |
| Potassium | 3541 mg | 75% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.