Savory Chilis Copycat Monterey Chicken Recipe Everyone Adores

Chilis copycat monterey chicken bursts with flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Crispy bacon adds a smoky crunch to tender grilled protein.

Melted cheese creates a gooey blanket of deliciousness.

Juicy chicken serves as the perfect canvas for these incredible toppings.

Zesty barbecue sauce brings a tangy kick to every single bite.

Quick and simple ingredients come together in minutes.

You’ll want to savor each mouthwatering moment of this restaurant-inspired dish.

Dive into this recipe and become the star chef of your kitchen.

What’s Tasty About Chilis Copycat Monterey Chicken

• Speed Cooking: Master a restaurant-quality chicken dish with minimal kitchen skills and basic ingredients.
• Flavor Explosion: Combine sweet barbecue glaze, crispy bacon, and melted cheese for an irresistible taste profile that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings where everyone craves hearty, satisfying comfort food with bold flavors.
• Flexible Meal Solution: Pair easily with roasted vegetables, rice, or salad for a complete dinner that adapts to different dietary preferences and hunger levels.

What You Need for Chilis Copycat Monterey Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein base for this flavorful dish.

• Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, aromatic seasoning to the chicken.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Provides a subtle, spicy kick to the chicken.

• Barbecue Sauce, Honey: Creates a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes and adds depth to the chicken.

• Bacon: Adds a crispy, smoky element that provides extra flavor and texture.
• Monterey Jack Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Melts to create a rich, creamy topping that complements the chicken.

• Green Onions: Adds a fresh, sharp flavor and bright color to finish the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and preventing sticking in the baking dish.

Cooking Steps for Chilis Copycat Monterey Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Surface

Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Ensure both sides are evenly covered with the seasoning blend.

Step 3: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until a rich golden-brown crust forms.

Step 4: Add Flavor-Packed Glaze

Transfer seared chicken to the prepared baking dish. Drizzle a tantalizing mixture of barbecue sauce and honey over the chicken, creating a glossy and irresistible coating.

Step 5: Sprinkle Crispy Bacon

Distribute crumbled bacon pieces evenly across the chicken breasts, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Create Cheesy Topping

• Monterey jack cheese
• Cheddar cheese

Cover the entire surface to create a decadent melted cheese layer.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese becomes melted and slightly bubbly.

Step 8: Rest and Settle

Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the cheese to set perfectly.

Step 9: Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the top, adding a bright and vibrant finishing touch.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the chicken directly from the baking dish while hot, ensuring each portion showcases the melted cheese and crispy bacon.

Quick Tips for Chilis Copycat Monterey Chicken

• Sear Chicken Perfectly: Ensure a golden-brown crust by patting chicken dry before seasoning and using a hot skillet with enough oil to prevent sticking.
• Balance Cheese Layers: Mix monterey jack and cheddar for a more complex, rich melting profile that provides creamy texture and enhanced flavor.
• Manage Bacon Crispness: Cook bacon separately until extra crispy, then crumble to maintain crunchiness and prevent sogginess when baked with chicken.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 165°F, preventing undercooking and ensuring food safety without drying out the meat.
• Control Glaze Application: Brush barbecue and honey mixture sparingly to avoid overwhelming the chicken's natural flavor while maintaining a glossy, caramelized finish.

Flavor Options for Chilis Copycat Monterey Chicken

• Low-Carb BBQ Chicken: Replace honey with sugar-free maple syrup and use sugar-free barbecue sauce to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Mediterranean-Style Chicken: Swap barbecue sauce with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and swap monterey jack with feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Jalapeño Chicken: Add diced jalapeños with the bacon, use pepper jack cheese instead of monterey jack, and incorporate cayenne pepper into the seasoning for extra heat.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds, and replace bacon with crispy turkey bacon or coconut bacon for similar texture.

What to Eat with Monterey Chicken

• Elevate Barbecue Honey Chicken Pairing
• Match this savory, sweet chicken with crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, cutting through the rich cheese and bacon flavors.
• Complementary Side Kick
• Serve with roasted sweet potato wedges or coleslaw, which balance the dish's intense flavor profile and provide textural contrast.
• Fresh Garden Companion
• Add a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, bringing bright, peppery notes that refresh the palate between bites of cheesy chicken.
• Cooling Beverage Option
• Pour a cold amber ale or craft beer, whose malty undertones harmonize perfectly with the barbecue and honey glaze, creating a satisfying meal experience.

How to Store Monterey Chicken Easily

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Properly stored chicken can last up to 3 months. Avoid freezing with fresh garnishes like green onions.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even warming.
• Warm chicken in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to retain moisture and prevent cheese from burning.

Monterey Chicken Questions Answered

• Is this recipe spicy?

No, this recipe isn’t spicy. The seasoning uses garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, which provide flavor without heat.

• Can I use different cheese types?

Yes, you can substitute monterey jack and cheddar with similar melting cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or pepper jack for variety.

• Do I need a meat thermometer?

While recommended, you can check chicken doneness by cutting into the thickest part. The chicken should have no pink and reach 165°F internal temperature.

• How do I keep chicken moist?

Searing before baking helps lock in moisture, and the honey-barbecue sauce glaze prevents the chicken from drying out during the baking process.

Chilis Copycat Monterey Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Chilis copycat monterey chicken brings sizzling southwest flavors to your dinner table with juicy grilled chicken smothered in crispy bacon and melted cheese. Spicy and savory notes dance together, creating a restaurant-worthy meal you can easily craft at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Poultry:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled

Cheese and Toppings:

• 1/2 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 teaspoon barbecue sauce
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, preparing a baking dish with a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Season chicken breasts thoroughly with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even coverage on both sides.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and developing a rich exterior crust.
4. Transfer seared chicken to the prepared baking dish and drizzle with a mixture of barbecue sauce and honey, creating a glossy, flavorful glaze.
5. Sprinkle crumbled bacon evenly over the chicken breasts, distributing the crispy pieces for maximum flavor distribution.
6. Layer monterey jack and cheddar cheeses on top of the chicken, covering the surface completely to create a melted, gooey topping.
7. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and cheese is fully melted and slightly bubbly.
8. Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and cheese to set.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, adding a vibrant, fresh finish to the dish.
10. Serve hot, directly from the baking dish, ensuring each portion includes a generous amount of melted cheese and crispy bacon.

Notes

• Swap chicken for turkey or plant-based alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences and make the recipe versatile.
• Reduce bacon quantity or use turkey bacon for a healthier version without compromising the signature smoky flavor profile.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure better searing and prevent excess moisture during cooking, creating a perfectly crispy exterior.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee precise doneness and avoid overcooking, which can result in dry chicken breasts.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 595
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 47 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg