Monterey Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
503 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Monterey Chicken
Description
Monterey Chicken features boneless skinless chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper, tossed partially with barbecue sauce, and baked in a casserole dish also lined with barbecue sauce to keep the chicken moist and flavorful. The chicken is baked until fully cooked, then topped with shredded cheddar cheese and broiled briefly to melt the cheese and create a lightly golden crust. Finally, fresh diced tomatoes, crunchy bacon bits, and sliced green onions are scattered on top to add freshness, texture, and a smoky finish.
The chicken has a tender, juicy texture enriched by the tangy and slightly sweet barbecue sauce. The melted cheddar provides a creamy, savory component, while the bacon bits add a satisfying crunch and smoky depth. Fresh tomatoes bring a juicy brightness that contrasts with the richness, and green onions contribute a mild sharpness and color.
This dish serves well as a standalone entrée paired with simple sides like steamed vegetables or a light salad. It can also be adapted with different toppings or by using chicken thighs or bone-in pieces with adjusted cooking times. Leftovers can be refrigerated or frozen and reheated gently to maintain moisture.
Using salsa instead of fresh tomatoes adds a spicy element, and toppings such as ranch dressing, sour cream, jalapenos, or cilantro can customize the flavor further. Adjust cooking times if using bone-in chicken pieces and remove skin for best results.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breast boneless skinless
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded, blend
- ½ cup tomato diced, fresh
- ¼ cup bacon bits
- 2 green onions sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper and toss with half of the bbq sauce. Spread the remaining bbq sauce into the bottom of the 9x13 pan or 2.5 qt baking dish.
- Add the chicken to the dish and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F in the thickest part.
- Top with shredded cheese and broil for 1-2 minutes or until melted.
- Sprinkle with tomatoes*, bacon bits, & green onions, and serve.
Notes
- Salsa can replace fresh tomatoes for a spicier flavor.
- Optional toppings include ranch, sour cream, jalapenos, or cilantro.
- Chicken thighs can substitute chicken breasts without recipe changes.
- Bone-in chicken pieces need an additional 20 minutes of cooking and skin removal.
- Store leftovers airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 4 weeks.
- Reheat leftovers in a skillet or air fryer until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 503 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 503 | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 31g | 10% |
| Protein | 57g | 114% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 174mg | 58% |
| Sodium | 1295mg | 54% |
| Potassium | 1120mg | 24% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 25g | 50% |
| Vitamin A | 635IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 7mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 183mg | 18% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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