Irresistible BBQ Monterey Chicken Recipe: Cheesy Bacon Heaven

Monterey chicken brings a mouthwatering twist to classic barbecue favorites that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Layers of savory flavors promise a delightful meal everyone will crave.

Tender chicken breasts get smothered in a rich, smoky sauce that speaks directly to comfort food lovers.

Crispy bacon adds a perfect crunch to each bite, creating a symphony of textures.

Melted cheese drapes over the meat like a warm, gooey blanket of deliciousness.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet impressive recipe.

You’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing dish that transforms an ordinary evening into a memorable feast.

Why BBQ Monterey Chicken With Melted Cheese And Crispy Bacon Is A Flavor Bomb

• Quick and Simple Cooking: Master this BBQ Monterey Chicken with minimal cooking skills, using basic kitchen techniques like seasoning, skillet searing, and broiling.
• Flavor-Packed Protein: Enjoy a delicious combination of barbecue sauce, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh garnishes that transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or when you want a restaurant-quality dish without complicated preparation, this recipe adapts to different dining scenarios.
• Nutritious and Satisfying: Lean chicken breast topped with protein-rich bacon and vibrant vegetables creates a balanced meal that delivers incredible taste and nutritional value.

What Goes Into BBQ Monterey Chicken With Melted Cheese And Crispy Bacon

• Chicken Breasts: Fresh, boneless cuts that serve as the primary protein for this delicious BBQ dish.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A classic seasoning mix that adds depth and enhances the chicken's natural flavor.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a perfect sear and prevents the chicken from sticking to the skillet.
• Barbecue Sauce: Provides a sweet and tangy coating that caramelizes beautifully on the chicken.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts smoothly and creates a creamy layer over the chicken.
• Bacon: Adds a crispy, salty crunch as a delightful topping.
• Tomatoes, Green Onions: Fresh ingredients that bring color, brightness, and a slight crunch to the finished dish.

Steps To Make BBQ Monterey Chicken With Melted Cheese And Crispy Bacon

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Grab chicken breasts and place them between plastic wrap. Gently pound the chicken until it’s evenly thick.

• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place seasoned chicken into the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.

Flip the chicken and generously brush the top with barbecue sauce. Cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes.

Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.

Step 3: Fire Up the Broiler

Turn on the broiler to medium-high heat while the chicken is cooking.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Brush another layer of barbecue sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle cheese evenly across each chicken breast.

Slide the skillet into the broiler. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese becomes gooey and slightly bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes.

• Crumbled bacon
• Diced fresh tomatoes
• Chopped green onions

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the mouthwatering combination of flavors!

Pro Tips For BBQ Monterey Chicken With Melted Cheese And Crispy Bacon

• Pound chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and tender meat.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, guaranteeing perfectly cooked chicken without dryness.
• Choose a high-quality barbecue sauce for maximum flavor and caramelization during broiling.
• Opt for crispy bacon bits to add extra crunch and smoky flavor to the dish.
• Let the chicken rest after cooking to help retain its juices and maintain optimal moisture.

Tasty Variations For BBQ Monterey Chicken With Melted Cheese And Crispy Bacon

• Spicy Southwest Chicken: Replace barbecue sauce with chipotle salsa, use pepper jack cheese, and top with jalapeños and cilantro for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap barbecue sauce with tzatziki, use feta cheese, sprinkle with oregano, and garnish with diced cucumber and kalamata olives.
• Caribbean Tropical Chicken: Use mango barbecue sauce, add swiss cheese, top with grilled pineapple chunks and chopped green onions for a sweet and tangy profile.
• Ranch-Style Chicken: Substitute barbecue sauce with ranch dressing, use cheddar cheese, and garnish with crispy fried onions and chopped chives for a creamy, crunchy alternative.

Best Sides For BBQ Monterey Chicken With Melted Cheese And Crispy Bacon

• Pair Zesty Chardonnay: Creamy white wine complements the tangy barbecue sauce and cuts through the rich cheese and bacon, balancing the chicken's bold flavors.
• Serve Crisp Coleslaw: Refreshing, crunchy side dish with vinegar-based dressing provides a cool contrast to the warm, cheesy chicken and adds textural variety.
• Match Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges: Caramelized, slightly sweet potatoes echo the barbecue sauce's sweetness while offering a hearty, nutritious accompaniment that rounds out the meal.
• Add Fresh Arugula Salad: Light, peppery greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette help cleanse the palate and introduce a bright, zesty element to balance the dish's richness.

How To Store BBQ Monterey Chicken With Melted Cheese And Crispy Bacon

• Refrigerate: Store leftover BBQ Monterey Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken is completely cooled before sealing.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Microwave Reheat: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.
• Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs For BBQ Monterey Chicken With Melted Cheese And Crispy Bacon

• What makes the chicken so flavorful?

The combination of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper creates a delicious seasoning blend that enhances the chicken’s natural taste. Brushing with barbecue sauce adds an extra layer of sweet and tangy flavor.

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests a melty cheese, you can easily swap it with cheddar, monterey jack, or provolone based on your preference or what you have on hand.

• Do I need an oven-safe skillet for this recipe?

Yes, an oven-safe skillet is crucial for this recipe as you’ll be transferring the chicken from stovetop to broiler to melt the cheese perfectly.

BBQ Monterey Chicken with Melted Cheese and Crispy Bacon Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling BBQ Monterey Chicken delivers a mouthwatering blend of smoky, cheesy goodness that tantalizes taste buds. Crispy bacon and melted cheese crown this irresistible dish, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Spices and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Toppings and Cheese:

• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken breasts by placing between plastic wrap and gently pounding to create uniform thickness. Thoroughly dry and liberally season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
3. Flip chicken and generously brush top surfaces with barbecue sauce. Continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Activate broiler to medium-high setting during the cooking process.
5. Reposition chicken and apply another layer of barbecue sauce across the surface. Distribute cheese evenly over each chicken breast.
6. Transfer skillet directly to preheated broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully until cheese melts completely and develops a slight golden bubbling texture.
7. Remove skillet from broiler and allow chicken to rest for 2-3 minutes to preserve juiciness and let cheese set slightly.
8. Plate the chicken and garnish immediately with crumbled bacon, freshly diced tomatoes, and finely chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Pound chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry spots or undercooked sections.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a delicious crispy exterior when searing.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe 165°F internal temperature without overcooking.
• Choose high-quality barbecue sauce for maximum flavor impact and consider homemade or local artisan brands for unique taste profiles.
• For gluten-free option, select gluten-free barbecue sauce and verify bacon’s ingredients.
• Substitute dairy cheese with plant-based alternatives for vegan adaptation.
• Swap bacon with turkey bacon or coconut bacon bits for lighter protein options.
• Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for extra brightness and visual appeal.
• Rest chicken after cooking to retain moisture and allow juices to redistribute throughout meat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg