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Monterey Chicken

Juicy chicken breasts topped with BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and melted Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, served with diced tomatoes and green onions for a family-friendly dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 1/2 to 2 lbs)
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil, plus more as needed
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, divided (preferably sweet and thick)
  • 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, to serve
  • 2 Tbsp chopped green onions, to serve

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Add chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  5. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  6. Cook bacon slices in the same skillet until crispy; remove and drain on paper towels.
  7. Return chicken to skillet; brush each breast with half of the BBQ sauce.
  8. Top each chicken breast with cooked bacon slices, then sprinkle evenly with Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses.
  9. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake until cheese is melted and chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes.
  11. Serve topped with diced tomatoes and chopped green onions.

Notes

For best results, use a sweet and thick BBQ sauce to complement the smoky bacon and cheese. You can substitute bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner option. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Nutrition