Dive into comfort food heaven with this Monterey Chicken Bake, the ultimate combination of smoky, cheesy, and savory flavors. Tender, seared chicken breasts are smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, layered with a melty mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, and crowned with crispy crumbled bacon. Fresh diced tomatoes and sliced green onions add a vibrant finish to this hearty baked dish, creating a perfect balance of rich and refreshing elements. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy-to-make recipe is ideal for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or a crisp side salad to round out this crowd-pleasing meal. Packed with bold flavors and simple enough for home cooks, the Monterey Chicken Bake is sure to become a new family favorite!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
Place the chicken breasts onto a cutting board. Pat them dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove from heat and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
Brush each chicken breast generously with barbecue sauce, making sure to cover the top surface evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken breasts.
Add the crumbled bacon on top of the cheese layers, dividing it evenly over each piece of chicken.
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Top the chicken with diced tomatoes and sliced green onions for freshness and an extra pop of flavor.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Calories |
3032 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 143.9 g | 184% | |
| Saturated Fat | 62.4 g | 312% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 867 mg | 289% | |
| Sodium | 7200 mg | 313% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 134.4 g | 49% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.2 g | 33% | |
| Total Sugars | 97.4 g | ||
| Protein | 295.0 g | 590% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 1896 mg | 146% | |
| Iron | 12.3 mg | 68% | |
| Potassium | 3385 mg | 72% | |
*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.