Let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite dishes: Monterey Chicken! This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, and every bite is bursting with flavor. I remember the first time I tried it at a backyard barbecue, and it instantly became a staple in my cooking repertoire. Grilled chicken topped with smoky barbecue sauce, gooey Monterey Jack cheese, and crispy bacon? Yes, please! The combination is divine, and the best part is how easy it is to whip up. Trust me, once you try this Monterey Chicken, it’ll be on your dinner table again and again!
Ingredients for Monterey Chicken
Gather these simple ingredients to make your Monterey Chicken shine! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go before you fire up the grill. It makes the whole cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Trust me, you won’t want to be running around looking for ingredients while that chicken is sizzling away!
How to Prepare Monterey Chicken
Now, let’s get to the fun part—preparing that incredible Monterey Chicken! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Trust me, the aroma alone will have everyone gathering around the grill!
Step-by-Step Grilling Instructions
- First things first, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is super important for achieving that perfect char on your chicken!
- While the grill is heating up, season the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy; you want them well-seasoned for maximum flavor.
- Next, brush about 1 tablespoon of olive oil on each piece of chicken. This not only helps prevent sticking but also adds a lovely richness to the dish.
- Once your grill is hot and ready, place the chicken on it. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on one side. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn!
- After 6-7 minutes, flip the chicken over and grill the other side for another 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures it’s cooked through and juicy!
- During the last few minutes of grilling, generously brush your favorite barbecue sauce over the chicken. This is where the magic happens—oh, that smoky flavor!
- Now, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese and 1/2 cup of crumbled cooked bacon over each chicken breast. Close the grill lid and let everything meld together for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep all those delicious juices inside.
And there you have it! Your Monterey Chicken is ready to be devoured—just wait until you taste that delightful blend of flavors!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of smoky barbecue sauce, melty Monterey Jack cheese, and crispy bacon creates an irresistible taste that’s hard to beat!
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious dinner on the table in about 25 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Grill Perfection: Cooking on the grill gives your chicken that amazing char and flavor that’s just unmatched indoors.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the barbecue sauce or cheese to suit your taste. The possibilities are endless!
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress friends and family at any gathering, making it a go-to recipe for barbecues and celebrations.
Tips for Success with Monterey Chicken
To make your Monterey Chicken truly shine, here are some of my best tips! First, make sure your grill is preheated properly; this helps to get that lovely sear on the chicken. Don’t rush the cooking process—let it grill undisturbed for the first few minutes for those beautiful grill marks. If you’re adventurous, try marinating the chicken in the barbecue sauce for a few hours before grilling for extra flavor. And remember, you can mix and match cheeses! If Monterey Jack isn’t your favorite, feel free to use cheddar or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Enjoy the process and taste the love!
Nutritional Information for Monterey Chicken
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for one serving of Monterey Chicken. Each juicy chicken breast packs about 350 calories, 15g of fat, 30g of protein, and 20g of carbs. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the exact ingredients you use, but it’s a delicious and satisfying meal!
FAQ Section
Got questions about Monterey Chicken? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! If you can’t find Monterey Jack, feel free to swap it out for cheddar, gouda, or even pepper jack for a little heat.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the chicken. No one likes dry chicken, so keep an eye on it!
Can I make this dish in the oven instead?
Yes, you can! Bake the seasoned chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, adding the barbecue sauce, cheese, and bacon during the last few minutes.
What sides pair well with Monterey Chicken?
I love serving it with a fresh side salad, grilled veggies, or classic coleslaw for a delicious balance!
Serving Suggestions for Monterey Chicken
Monterey Chicken pairs beautifully with a refreshing side salad, roasted vegetables, or fluffy garlic mashed potatoes. For a classic touch, serve it alongside coleslaw or corn on the cob. These sides not only complement the savory flavors but also add a vibrant touch to your meal. Enjoy!
For more information on the health benefits of chicken, check out this Healthline article.
Additionally, if you’re interested in grilling techniques, you can find some great tips at Serious Eats.
Print
Monterey Chicken: 7 Steps to a Delicious Dinner Today!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Monterey Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring grilled chicken topped with barbecue sauce, cheese, and bacon.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Brush olive oil on the chicken.
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
- During the last few minutes of grilling, brush barbecue sauce over the chicken.
- Top each chicken breast with cheese and bacon.
- Close the grill lid until the cheese melts.
- Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve with a side salad or your favorite vegetables.
- Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce based on your preference.
- Can use any type of cheese if Monterey Jack is not available.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: monterey chicken, grilled chicken, barbecue chicken
