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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F, preparing a baking dish with a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Season chicken breasts thoroughly with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even coverage on both sides.
- 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.
- Transfer seared chicken to the prepared baking dish and drizzle with a mixture of barbecue sauce and honey, creating a glossy, flavorful glaze.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon evenly over the chicken breasts, distributing the crispy pieces for maximum flavor distribution.
- Layer monterey jack and cheddar cheeses on top of the chicken, covering the surface completely to create a melted, gooey topping.
- 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.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and cheese to set.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, adding a vibrant, fresh finish to the dish.
- 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