Monterey Chicken

Juicy, flavorful, and irresistibly cheesy, Monterey Chicken is a crowd-pleasing dinner that combines bold barbecue flavors with creamy Monterey Jack cheese and crispy bacon. Perfectly seasoned chicken breasts are seared for a golden crust, then baked to tender perfection under layers of smoky barbecue sauce, melted cheese, and savory bacon. Optional garnishes of fresh green onions and diced tomatoes add a pop of color and brightness to this hearty dish. Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe is as easy as it is satisfying, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a crisp salad for a complete, mouthwatering meal your family will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 8 slices bacon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried paprika
• 2 tablespoons green onions (optional, for garnish)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Step 3

Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and rub both sides evenly with olive oil followed by the seasoning mix.

Step 4

Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. (They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage.)

Step 5

Transfer the chicken to a baking dish or keep it in the oven-safe skillet, then brush each piece generously with barbecue sauce.

Step 6

Top each chicken breast with 2 slices of cooked bacon, then sprinkle with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.

Step 7

Place the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Step 9

Garnish with optional diced tomatoes and chopped green onions for a fresh finish.

Step 10

Serve hot with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1421.8 grams (1421.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2510

Total Fat 96.20g	123%
Saturated Fat 37.00g	185%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.50g
Cholesterol 755mg	252%
Sodium 7490mg	326%
Total Carbohydrate 131.20g	48%
Dietary Fiber 7.20g	26%
Total Sugars 97.10g
Protein 271.10g	542%

Vitamin D 41IU	206%
Calcium 1031mg	79%
Iron 12mg	64%
Potassium 3541mg	75%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.0%

Protein: 43.8%

Carbs: 21.2%