Can I make Monterey Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can cook the chicken and bacon ahead, then assemble and heat everything right before serving. This is a great option for prepping dinner in advance or for meal prepping lunches.

What should I do if I don’t have Monterey Jack cheese?

No problem—cheddar or mozzarella melts just as well and brings their own personality. Try a blend for extra flavor, or sprinkle on some pepper jack if you like a mild kick.

How do I know when my chicken is perfectly cooked?

The chicken is done when its juices run clear and a meat thermometer reads 165°F at the thickest point. Avoid overcooking so it stays moist and tender—resting the meat after cooking helps keep it juicy.

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Definitely. Just layer up the toppings on sliced or shredded cooked chicken and heat gently until the cheese melts and everything is bubbly—great for using up leftovers or saving time!

Monterey Chicken Recipe - LazyDayRecipes

Description

Monterey Chicken is a flavorful skillet-cooked main-course dish featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with tangy barbeque sauce, crispy bacon, melty Monterey Jack cheese, fresh tomatoes, and green onions. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights, and customizable with your favorite toppings or cheese varieties.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon seasoning salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons barbeque sauce

Toppings

5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1 small tomato, chopped
1 green onion, chopped

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with seasoning salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Bacon: In the same skillet, add the bacon slices and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon, drain on paper towels, and, once cool, crumble or chop into small pieces. Set aside.
Combine Chicken and Toppings: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet over low heat. Spread barbeque sauce over each chicken breast. Add shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top, allowing it to melt slightly. Distribute the crumbled bacon, chopped tomatoes, and green onions evenly over the chicken breasts.
Finish and Serve: Cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt and the toppings to warm through, cooking for an additional 2–3 minutes. Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, transfer the chicken breasts to serving plates and serve immediately.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezing, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through for best results. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but may affect texture.
Chicken and bacon can be prepared ahead. Assemble and heat everything just before serving for convenience.
Substitute Monterey Jack cheese with cheddar or mozzarella, and use turkey bacon or omit bacon for a healthier or vegetarian twist.
Pound chicken to an even thickness for more even cooking.
For an added flavor boost, marinate chicken in barbecue sauce before cooking.
Allow chicken to rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 615 kcal
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 1963 mg
Fat: 46 g
Saturated Fat: 18 g
Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
Trans Fat: 0.1 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 91 mg