Delicious Monterey Chicken Recipe to Savor

Introduction

This delicious BBQ chicken recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Combining tender chicken breasts with the smoky flavor of bacon, tangy barbecue sauce, and gooey cheese, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Topped with fresh grape tomatoes and green onions, it’s not only flavorful but also visually appealing.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly cut or pounded
– 6 tablespoons BBQ sauce
– 4 ounces bacon, regular or thin sliced
– 4 ounces grape tomatoes, quartered
– 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
– 2 green onions, sliced

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Total Time

40 minutes

Yield

Serves 4

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Place the chicken breasts flat in the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Spread 1-2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce on each chicken breast.
4. Cut the bacon into slices equal to the size of the chicken breasts and lay them over the top of the chicken.
5. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. For crispier bacon edges, broil for an additional 2-5 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
7. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
8. Once done, sprinkle quartered grape tomatoes and sliced green onions over the top.
9. Serve warm and enjoy.

This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also results in a mouthwatering meal that everyone will love. Enjoy the combination of flavors and textures in this scrumptious BBQ chicken dish!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Place the thinly cut or pounded boneless, skinless chicken breasts flat in the bottom of a baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced.

Step 3: Add BBQ Sauce

Spread 1-2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce evenly over each chicken breast, making sure to cover them well for added flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Bacon

Cut the bacon into slices that are equal in size to the chicken breasts. Lay the bacon slices over the top of each chicken breast, covering them thoroughly.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

Bake the dish uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. For a crispier bacon finish, you may choose to broil for an additional 2-5 minutes after baking.

Step 6: Add Cheese

Remove the dish from the oven and generously sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top of the chicken and bacon.

Step 7: Lower the Oven Temperature

Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 8: Finish with Tomatoes and Green Onions

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle quartered grape tomatoes and sliced green onions over the top for added freshness and color.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the dish warm and enjoy the delicious flavors of BBQ chicken with bacon, cheese, and fresh toppings.

Notes

Ingredient Variations

You can use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to customize the flavor to your preference.

Bacon Options

Both regular and thin-sliced bacon can be used, but thin-sliced bacon may cook faster and become crispier.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad for a complete meal.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Delicious Monterey Chicken Recipe to Savor
Delicious Monterey Chicken Recipe to Savor

Cook techniques

Preparing Chicken

Thinly cut or pound chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and tenderness.

Layering BBQ Sauce

Spread a generous amount of BBQ sauce on each chicken breast for flavor enhancement.

Bacon Placement

Cut bacon to fit the size of chicken breasts and lay it over the top to infuse flavor during baking.

Baking

Bake the chicken uncovered at a high temperature to create a crispy texture, especially on the bacon.

Broiling

Use the broiler function for a few additional minutes to achieve crispier bacon edges.

Cheese Addition

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken towards the end of baking to melt and enhance creaminess.

Using Vegetables

Add quartered grape tomatoes and sliced green onions after baking for freshness and color.

FAQ

Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute with other meats like pork or turkey, but adjust cooking times accordingly.

What can I substitute for BBQ sauce?

You can use teriyaki sauce, garlic sauce, or any other preferred sauce for a different flavor profile.

How do I know if the chicken is cooked through?

Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F to confirm it is fully cooked.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and add toppings later before baking.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Conclusion

This BBQ bacon chicken dish combines juicy chicken breasts with the smoky flavor of bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, and melted cheese, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. The addition of grape tomatoes and green onions adds freshness and a hint of brightness, making it a well-rounded dish perfect for any occasion.

More recipes suggestions and combination

BBQ Chicken Salad

Shred leftover BBQ chicken and mix with lettuce, corn, black beans, avocado, and a creamy dressing for a refreshing salad.

Chicken and Bacon Wraps

Wrap the BBQ chicken, cheese, and greens in a tortilla for a quick and easy lunch option.

Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza

Use the BBQ chicken as a topping on pizza, adding mozzarella, red onions, and cilantro for a flavorful twist.

BBQ Chicken Tacos

Shred the chicken and serve in taco shells with toppings like lettuce, cheese, salsa, and avocado.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Fill halved bell peppers with BBQ chicken, rice, beans, and cheese, then bake for a hearty meal.

Grilled BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Serve the BBQ chicken on toasted buns with coleslaw for a classic sandwich that everyone will love.

Delicious Monterey Chicken Recipe to Savor
Delicious Monterey Chicken Recipe to Savor