Chicken Monterey: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Chicken Monterey is a classic dish that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. It’s packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of juicy chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and fresh toppings. This recipe is easy to customize to your liking, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and variations.
## What is Chicken Monterey?
Chicken Monterey is a dish that typically features grilled or pan-fried chicken breasts topped with barbecue sauce, bacon, Monterey Jack cheese, and sometimes other ingredients like tomatoes, green onions, or mushrooms. It’s a hearty and flavorful meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Easy to make:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and can be cooked in under 30 minutes.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of barbecue sauce, bacon, and cheese creates a delicious and satisfying flavor profile.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding different toppings or using different types of cheese.
* **Family-friendly:** Chicken Monterey is a dish that everyone in the family will enjoy.
* **Perfect for weeknights:** This recipe is quick and easy enough to make on a busy weeknight.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make Chicken Monterey:
* **Chicken breasts:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best choice for this recipe. You can use fresh or frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
* **Barbecue sauce:** Use your favorite brand of barbecue sauce. You can use a sweet, smoky, or tangy barbecue sauce, depending on your preference.
* **Bacon:** Cooked bacon adds a smoky and salty flavor to the dish. You can use regular or thick-cut bacon.
* **Monterey Jack cheese:** Monterey Jack cheese is a mild, semi-hard cheese that melts beautifully. You can also use other types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone.
* **Optional toppings:** You can add other toppings to your Chicken Monterey, such as tomatoes, green onions, mushrooms, or avocado.
* **Olive oil:** Used for cooking the chicken.
* **Salt and pepper:** For seasoning the chicken.
* **Garlic powder:** Adds extra flavor to the chicken.
* **Onion powder:** Adds extra flavor to the chicken.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large skillet or grill pan:** For cooking the chicken.
* **Baking sheet (optional):** If you want to bake the chicken in the oven.
* **Knife:** For slicing the tomatoes and green onions.
* **Cutting board:** For preparing the ingredients.
## How to Make Chicken Monterey: Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make Chicken Monterey:
**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**
1. Preheat your grill or skillet to medium heat.
2. If your chicken breasts are thick, you can pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This will help them cook more evenly.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
**Step 2: Cook the Chicken**
1. Drizzle a little olive oil into the preheated skillet or grill pan.
2. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet or grill pan and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
**Step 3: Add the Barbecue Sauce and Cheese**
1. Once the chicken is cooked through, brush the tops of the chicken breasts with barbecue sauce.
2. Top each chicken breast with slices of Monterey Jack cheese.
3. Cover the skillet or grill pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, you can place the skillet or grill pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
**Step 4: Add the Bacon and Toppings**
1. Remove the skillet or grill pan from the heat.
2. Sprinkle cooked bacon crumbles over the melted cheese.
3. Add any other toppings you like, such as diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, or sliced avocado.
**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**
1. Serve the Chicken Monterey immediately. You can serve it on its own, with a side salad, or with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables.
## Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Monterey
* **Use high-quality ingredients:** The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the final dish will taste. Use fresh chicken breasts, good-quality barbecue sauce, and real Monterey Jack cheese.
* **Don’t overcook the chicken:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook the chicken until it’s just cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
* **Use a meat thermometer:** A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked through without overcooking it.
* **Melt the cheese properly:** Make sure the cheese is fully melted and bubbly before adding the bacon and toppings. You can cover the skillet or grill pan or place it in the oven to melt the cheese.
* **Get creative with toppings:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings. Try adding mushrooms, onions, peppers, or jalapenos.
* **Pound the chicken breasts evenly:** Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures that they cook evenly.
* **Marinate the chicken:** For even more flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in your favorite marinade for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
* **Let the chicken rest:** After cooking, let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will help them retain their juices and stay moist.
## Variations of Chicken Monterey
Here are some variations of Chicken Monterey you can try:
* **Spicy Chicken Monterey:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce to make it spicy.
* **Honey Mustard Chicken Monterey:** Use honey mustard dressing instead of barbecue sauce.
* **Mushroom and Swiss Chicken Monterey:** Top the chicken with sauteed mushrooms and Swiss cheese.
* **Avocado Chicken Monterey:** Add sliced avocado to the toppings.
* **Pineapple Chicken Monterey:** Add grilled pineapple slices to the toppings.
* **Black Bean and Corn Chicken Monterey:** Top the chicken with black beans, corn, and a drizzle of lime juice.
* **Chicken Monterey Quesadillas:** Shred the cooked chicken and mix it with barbecue sauce, cheese, and bacon. Use the mixture to fill quesadillas and cook them in a skillet until golden brown.
* **Chicken Monterey Salad:** Slice the cooked Chicken Monterey and serve it over a bed of lettuce with your favorite salad toppings.
* **Chicken Monterey Sliders:** Use Hawaiian rolls to make mini Chicken Monterey sliders. These are perfect for parties and appetizers.
## Serving Suggestions
Chicken Monterey is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Mashed potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish for Chicken Monterey.
* **Rice:** Rice pilaf, brown rice, or wild rice are all great options.
* **Roasted vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or asparagus, add a healthy touch to the meal.
* **Side salad:** A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the rich flavors of the Chicken Monterey.
* **Corn on the cob:** Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a summery side dish that pairs well with Chicken Monterey.
* **Coleslaw:** Creamy coleslaw is a classic barbecue side dish that goes well with Chicken Monterey.
* **Baked beans:** Baked beans are a hearty and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for a potluck or barbecue.
* **French fries:** Crispy french fries are always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Sweet potato fries:** Sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to regular french fries.
* **Garlic bread:** Garlic bread is a delicious and easy side dish that everyone will love.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
Chicken Monterey is a great dish to make ahead of time. You can prepare the chicken breasts and cook them ahead of time, then store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the dish. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken, top it with barbecue sauce, cheese, and bacon, and melt the cheese in the oven or under the broiler.
You can also prepare the toppings ahead of time. Dice the tomatoes, slice the green onions, and cook the bacon ahead of time, then store them in separate containers in the refrigerator.
## Storage Instructions
Store leftover Chicken Monterey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the microwave or oven until heated through.
## Recipe Card
**Chicken Monterey Recipe**
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes
**Total time:** 30 minutes
**Serves:** 4
**Ingredients:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
* 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
* 4 slices Monterey Jack cheese
* 1/4 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
* 1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your grill or skillet to medium heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Drizzle olive oil into the preheated skillet or grill pan.
4. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet or grill pan and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Brush the tops of the chicken breasts with barbecue sauce.
6. Top each chicken breast with a slice of Monterey Jack cheese.
7. Cover the skillet or grill pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, you can place the skillet or grill pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
8. Remove the skillet or grill pan from the heat.
9. Sprinkle cooked bacon crumbles over the melted cheese.
10. Add any other toppings you like, such as diced tomatoes or sliced green onions.
11. Serve immediately.
## Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate)
* Calories: 450
* Protein: 50g
* Fat: 25g
* Carbohydrates: 15g
*Please note that the nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## Conclusion
Chicken Monterey is a delicious, easy, and versatile meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. With its flavorful combination of chicken, barbecue sauce, bacon, and cheese, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Experiment with different toppings and variations to create your own unique version of this classic dish. Enjoy!
## FAQs
**Q: Can I use other types of cheese?**
A: Yes, you can use other types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone.
**Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?**
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
**Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken breasts and cook them ahead of time, then store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the dish.
**Q: How long does Chicken Monterey last in the refrigerator?**
A: Leftover Chicken Monterey can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
**Q: What are some other toppings I can add?**
A: You can add other toppings, such as mushrooms, onions, peppers, or jalapenos.
**Q: Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it?**
A: Yes, you can grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it. Grill the chicken over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
**Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?**
A: This recipe can be gluten-free if you use a gluten-free barbecue sauce.
**Q: Is this recipe dairy-free?**
A: This recipe can be dairy-free if you use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
**Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?**
A: You can make this recipe vegetarian by replacing the chicken with tofu or portobello mushrooms.
Enjoy cooking!