Short on time but craving something utterly delicious for dinner? This incredible Skillet Monterey Chicken is your answer, ready in just about 20 minutes! Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts, generously coated in a smoky barbecue sauce, topped with crispy bacon, and smothered in glorious melted cheese. It’s a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that promises to become an instant family favorite. Simple to make yet incredibly satisfying, this dish is destined to be a regular request at your home.
If you’re constantly seeking quick and easy dinner solutions, you’re in for a treat with this Monterey Chicken. Be sure to also explore other fantastic options like our highly-rated Tater Tot Casserole and the ever-popular Easy Stuffed Shells for more stress-free meal ideas.
Experience the Magic of Homemade Monterey Chicken
A few weeks ago, our family embarked on a classic dinner-and-a-movie outing. The unanimous choice for dinner was Chili’s, a long-standing favorite restaurant known for its vibrant atmosphere and comforting dishes. As soon as we were seated, my mind was already set on my go-to order: the iconic Monterey Chicken. It’s a dish I’ve loved for years – a perfectly grilled chicken breast, generously slathered with barbecue sauce, crowned with crispy bacon, and blanketed in gooey, melted cheese. It’s truly a symphony of all my favorite flavors in one delightful plate!
However, as I eagerly scanned the menu, a wave of disappointment washed over me. My heart began to sink slowly as I searched every section, but the Monterey Chicken was nowhere to be found. “Surely, they’ll make it if I ask,” I tried to reassure myself. Sadly, after inquiring, the answer was a definite no. My beloved Monterey Chicken had been removed from the menu. It was a truly disheartening moment for a fan like me.
Your Go-To Quick and Easy Dinner Recipe
After consoling myself with fajitas that evening, I made a solemn vow: I would recreate that beloved Monterey Chicken at home, and I would make it even better. That very week, I did, and I’ve successfully made it twice since then! This recipe is seriously one of the easiest and most accessible meals you can whip up, allowing me to get a fantastic dinner on the table in just about 20 minutes. The best part? I usually have all the necessary ingredients readily available in my pantry and fridge, making it a spontaneous and stress-free option for any weeknight. As an added bonus, my entire family absolutely adores this dish, making it a true crowd-pleaser!
I recently prepared it for my Dad and brother before they headed out to a King’s game. (A little home-cooked deliciousness always helps cut back on the amount of stadium nachos consumed, right?) They were so impressed that they immediately asked for the recipe. It’s a testament to how universally appealing and satisfying this Skillet Monterey Chicken truly is.
If you’re a big fan of the distinct flavors found in a classic Monterey Chicken recipe, you absolutely must try my Monterey Chicken Potato Skins – they are truly amazing and another fantastic way to enjoy these irresistible flavors!
Essential Ingredients for Skillet Monterey Chicken
Let’s talk about the simplicity of this Monterey Chicken recipe – it requires just a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have. You only need seven core components, and that even includes the fresh tomatoes and green onions used for garnish. That’s right, just seven for a flavor-packed meal!
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The lean protein base for our dish. Pounding them to an even thickness ensures quick and uniform cooking.
- Bacon: Not just for crunch and flavor, but the rendered bacon fat provides a fantastic base to sear the chicken, infusing it with extra depth.
- Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite! Whether sweet, tangy, or smoky, the barbecue sauce is key to the distinctive Monterey flavor.
- Colby Jack Cheese: This blend offers superior meltability and a mild, creamy flavor that complements the chicken and sauce beautifully. Feel free to substitute with a cheddar-jack blend if preferred.
- Chicken Stock: Crucial for keeping the chicken incredibly juicy and tender as it simmers in the skillet.
- Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add a burst of freshness, acidity, and color, cutting through the richness of the cheese and barbecue sauce.
- Green Onions: Sliced green onions provide a mild, oniony crunch and a vibrant green garnish that brightens the entire dish.
While the tomatoes and green onions might often be considered a mere garnish, in this recipe, they are an absolute must. Their fresh, zesty flavors truly brighten up the dish immensely, providing a delightful contrast to the savory chicken, bacon, and cheese. I’ve also had great success using fresh chives in place of green onions, and that’s a super delicious variation as well!
Perfect Pairings: What To Serve with Monterey Chicken
Given that this is a versatile chicken dish, your options for accompanying sides are truly endless. I often find myself pairing it with a simple side salad or a medley of roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Here are some of our family’s favorite side dishes that perfectly complement the rich flavors of Skillet Monterey Chicken:
- Garlic Roasted Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these potatoes are a hearty and flavorful companion.
- Broccoli Salad: A refreshing and crunchy salad that offers a delightful texture contrast and a touch of sweetness.
- Strawberry Spinach Salad: Light, fresh, and slightly sweet, this salad adds an elegant touch and a vibrant burst of flavor.
- Twice Baked Potato Casserole: For those craving something more indulgent, this creamy and cheesy potato casserole is pure comfort.
- Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries: A healthier, crispy alternative to traditional fries, providing a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables.
Embrace the Ease of Quick and Easy Dinners
As a busy home cook, I am a huge proponent of quick skillet dinners – or really, any meal that’s both fast and delicious. Chicken is undoubtedly one of our family’s most frequent go-to proteins, and we incorporate various chicken recipes into our meal rotation at least twice a week. The versatility and lean protein benefits of chicken make it an ideal choice for healthy, satisfying meals.
This Skillet Monterey Chicken truly excels in every aspect. It checks all the boxes for what makes a perfect weeknight meal: it’s incredibly flavorful, requires minimal ingredients, and comes together in a flash. Its undeniable appeal has cemented its status as a firm family favorite in our home. The process is so simple, starting with rendering bacon until perfectly crisp, creating a flavorful base. Then, the chicken is quickly browned in that rich bacon grease, locking in moisture and taste. A splash of chicken stock is added, and the chicken simmers briefly, just until it’s perfectly cooked through. The result? Exceptionally juicy and flavorful chicken breasts that are utterly irresistible – tender enough to cut with a fork, and bursting with savory goodness that no one can pass up!
This dish is truly the epitome of an easy, satisfying weeknight dinner recipe that the entire family will wholeheartedly love. And as an added bonus, you’re going to appreciate how quick and simple the cleanup is – often just one skillet and a few plates, making weeknight cooking a breeze!
Discover More Fantastic Dinner Recipes
Looking for more delicious and dependable dinner ideas to add to your rotation? Here are some other family favorites that are sure to please:
- Chicken Fried Steak Recipe with Gravy
- Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
- Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches
- The Best Turkey Meatballs with Herbed Gravy
- Rotisserie Chicken and Rice Casserole
How To Make Skillet Monterey Chicken
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20 Minute Skillet Monterey Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices bacon
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 4 tablespoons barbecue sauce use your favorite!
- 4 ounces Colby jack cheese shredded
- 1 tomato diced
- 2 green onions sliced
- salt and pepper optional
Instructions
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Fry bacon in a large skillet until crispy.
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While bacon is frying, pound chicken breasts to desired thickness. The thinner they are the less cooking time required. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
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Remove bacon from skillet with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper-towel lined plate.
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Turn heat to medium high and brown chicken on both sides (2 to 3 minutes per side.)
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Pour chicken broth over the chicken breasts and cover skillet with a lid. Cook until chicken is done, about 4 to 5 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken.
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Turn off heat and spread barbecue sauce on top of each chicken breast.
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Top with two slices of bacon.
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Divide cheese evenly among the chicken.
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Place under the broiler for 30 seconds to 1 minute – just until cheese is fully melted.
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Top with tomato and green onions.
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Serve immediately.
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Notes
Nutrition
Originally published February 11, 2016.
If you’re as passionate about chicken recipes as I am, you’ll love my book 100 Creative Ways to Use Rotisserie Chicken in Everyday Meals. I adore using rotisserie chicken as a shortcut to create incredible meals that my family raves about. In this book, you’ll discover a treasure trove of recipes, including comforting casseroles, delightful bakes, hearty soups, satisfying sandwiches, and so much more, all designed to make your meal prep easier and more flavorful!