Get ready for a flavor explosion with this Monterey Chicken! Imagine juicy, tender chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, topped with crispy bacon, melty cheese, and a drizzle of barbecue goodness. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Trust me, you’re going to be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: The combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors is irresistible.
- Easy and Impressive: Simple ingredients and easy steps make this a perfect weeknight meal.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the toppings and sauces to your liking.
- Family Favorite: Everyone will love the delicious flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Monterey Chicken:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The base of the dish, providing a lean protein.
- Honey: Adds sweetness to the marinade.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor to the marinade.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and tanginess to the marinade.
- Minced Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor to the marinade.
- Salt and Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.
- Applewood Smoked Bacon: Adds smoky, salty flavor and crispy texture.
- Barbecue Sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy topping.
- Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, mild flavor.
- Roma Tomatoes: Adds freshness and a touch of acidity.
- Green Onions: Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Monterey Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Mix honey, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a large sealable bag or bowl. Add chicken breasts to the marinade and marinate for at least an hour or overnight.
Step 2: Bake the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the marinated chicken in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
While the chicken is baking, fry the bacon until crispy. Roughly chop it and set it aside.
Step 4: Top the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the oven and remove the foil. Top each chicken breast with barbecue sauce, cooked bacon, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Step 5: Broil and Garnish
Set the broiler to high and broil the chicken until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with diced Roma tomatoes and chopped green onions. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Marinate Longer: Marinating the chicken overnight will result in more flavorful chicken.
- Use Quality Bacon: High-quality bacon adds a richer flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Broil Carefully: Keep an eye on the chicken while broiling to prevent burning.
How to Serve Monterey Chicken
- With Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing for a comforting meal.
- With Rice: Serve over rice for a complete meal.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted vegetables for a healthy side.
- In a Sandwich: Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for a delicious sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Monterey Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, you can use other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or Colby Jack.
2. Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?
- Yes, you can grill the chicken for a smoky flavor.
3. Can I use turkey bacon?
- Yes, you can use turkey bacon for a leaner option.
4. Can I make this dish spicier?
- Yes, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or use a spicy barbecue sauce.
Enjoy this delicious Monterey Chicken Recipe, a perfect blend of flavors and textures!
Print
Monterey Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Monterey Chicken recipe is a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a family dinner. Tender chicken breasts are marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then baked and topped with crispy bacon, barbecue sauce, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. Garnished with fresh tomatoes and green onions, this dish is a crowd-pleaser with its combination of smoky, sweet, and cheesy flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 8 slices applewood smoked bacon
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken:
- In a large sealable bag or bowl, mix the honey, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
- Bake Chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the marinated chicken into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Cook Bacon:
- While the chicken is baking, fry the bacon until crispy.
- Roughly chop the cooked bacon and set it aside.
- Assemble and Broil:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and remove the foil.
- Top each chicken breast with barbecue sauce, cooked bacon, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Set the broiler to high and broil the chicken until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with diced Roma tomatoes and chopped green onions.
- Serve fresh and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier version, use a spicy barbecue sauce or add red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- You can use other types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to prevent foodborne illness.
- If you do not want to broil the chicken, you can simply place the chicken back into the oven until the cheese is melted.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatos, or a side salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 550kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
