“This Monterey Chicken Recipe combines juicy grilled chicken, smoky bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, and melted cheese for the ultimate dinner idea! Perfect for weeknight meals or family gatherings, this easy chicken recipe is packed with flavor and simple to customize.”

Ingredients
- 4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 1/2 to 2 lbs)*
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more as needed
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, divided (preferably a sweet and thick variety)
- 8 slices applewood smoked bacon (not thick-cut)
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup diced tomatoes, for garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Bacon: Cook the bacon until browned and crisp. You can use a stovetop skillet, oven-baked method, or an air fryer. Set the cooked bacon aside to have it ready when the chicken is done.
- Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two layers of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. Season the chicken all over with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat the grill or a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or skillet. Add the chicken and cook on the first side for 3-4 minutes until nicely browned or lightly charred. Flip the chicken and brush the cooked side with barbecue sauce.
- Finish Cooking: Continue cooking the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, flipping and brushing the other side with BBQ sauce as it approaches the target temperature. Remove from heat. If using a stovetop skillet, you can keep the chicken in the oven-safe skillet or transfer it to a 9×13 casserole dish or rimmed baking sheet.
- Add Toppings: Brush the chicken with a final layer of BBQ sauce. Top each piece with bacon slices, then sprinkle evenly with Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses.
- Melt the Cheese: Broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve: Garnish the chicken with diced tomatoes and chopped green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips
- Pound evenly: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures even cooking and prevents dry spots.
- BBQ sauce variety: Use a high-quality, sweet, and thick BBQ sauce for the best flavor.
- Broil carefully: Stay close while broiling to avoid burning the cheese topping.
- Rest before serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after broiling for juicier results.
Variations and Substitutions
- Cheese swap: Try pepper jack or gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Bacon options: Turkey bacon can be used for a lighter alternative.
- Grill vs skillet: Both methods work, but grilling adds a smoky flavor that complements the BBQ sauce.
- Low-carb version: Skip the BBQ sauce or use a sugar-free variety to make this recipe keto-friendly.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can cook the chicken and bacon ahead of time. Reheat and add cheese just before serving.
What if I don’t have a broiler? If a broiler isn’t available, you can cover the skillet or baking dish with foil and bake at 400°F until the cheese melts.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work and stay moist during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this Monterey Chicken with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
- Add a side of garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls for a complete meal.
- Serve with a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade for a perfect balance.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-packed: The smoky bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering combination.
- Easy to customize: You can switch up the toppings and cheeses to suit your taste.
- Great for gatherings: This dish is impressive yet simple, making it ideal for family dinners or entertaining.
- Quick and satisfying: With minimal prep and cook time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Monterey Chicken Recipe
4
servings10
minutes15
minutesIngredients
4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 1/2 to 2 lbs)*
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more as needed
1/2 cup BBQ sauce, divided (preferably a sweet and thick variety)
8 slices applewood smoked bacon (not thick-cut)
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 cup diced tomatoes, for garnish
2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Bacon: Cook the bacon until browned and crisp. You can use a stovetop skillet, oven-baked method, or an air fryer. Set the cooked bacon aside to have it ready when the chicken is done.
- Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two layers of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. Season the chicken all over with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat the grill or a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or skillet. Add the chicken and cook on the first side for 3-4 minutes until nicely browned or lightly charred. Flip the chicken and brush the cooked side with barbecue sauce.
- Finish Cooking: Continue cooking the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, flipping and brushing the other side with BBQ sauce as it approaches the target temperature. Remove from heat. If using a stovetop skillet, you can keep the chicken in the oven-safe skillet or transfer it to a 9×13 casserole dish or rimmed baking sheet.
- Add Toppings: Brush the chicken with a final layer of BBQ sauce. Top each piece with bacon slices, then sprinkle evenly with Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses.
- Melt the Cheese: Broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve: Garnish the chicken with diced tomatoes and chopped green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!
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