Monterey chicken is a flavorful skillet dinner made with tender chicken breasts seared until golden, then topped with colorful bell peppers, onions, and smoky turkey bacon. A splash of chicken broth and apple cider vinegar adds savory depth while keeping the dish bright and balanced. Finished with melty Monterey Jack cheese, Monterey chicken is an easy, comforting meal that delivers bold flavor and cheesy satisfaction in every bite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This monterey chicken
- It’s a one-skillet wonder, making cleanup a breeze.
- Loaded with cheesy goodness and crispy bacon for a flavor explosion.
- Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile—customize with your favorite veggies!
monterey chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. This will ensure your chicken bakes perfectly!
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Make sure to coat them evenly for the best flavor!
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm some olive oil. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
- Place the seared chicken on a baking sheet. Top each breast with crumbled cooked bacon, tomato slices, and a generous amount of shredded cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The cheese should be melted, and the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Monterey Chicken!
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 5g |
Ingredients
Gather these delicious ingredients to make your Monterey Chicken!
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts – main protein
- salt – to taste
- pepper – to taste
- garlic powder – to taste
- paprika – to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil – for cooking
- 6 strips bacon – add crunch and flavor
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese – for cheesiness
- 2 tomatoes – sliced, for freshness
- 2 green onions – sliced, for garnish
How to Make Monterey Chicken
This delightful Monterey Chicken recipe is a breeze to prepare! With a total preparation time of about 10 minutes, cooking time of 15-20 minutes, and an extra baking time of 10-12 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. This will ensure your chicken bakes perfectly!
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Make sure to coat them evenly for the best flavor!
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm some olive oil. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Place the seared chicken on a baking sheet. Top each breast with crumbled cooked bacon, tomato slices, and a generous amount of shredded cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The cheese should be melted, and the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Monterey Chicken!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Extra Time | 12 minutes (baking) |
| Total Time | 42 minutes |
| Dietary | High Protein |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot and cheesy with fresh toppings! |
Pro Tips for Making monterey chicken
- Choose fresh bell peppers for vibrant color and flavor.
- Cook the chicken until golden brown for a delicious crust.
- Use shredded cheese for even melting and gooeyness.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
How to Serve this monterey chicken
- Serve over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.
- Pair with a fresh garden salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette.
- Top with sliced avocado for a creamy texture and added flavor.
- Enjoy with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
- For a fun twist, serve in taco shells with your favorite toppings.
- Complement with steamed broccoli or green beans for a colorful plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare and store Monterey Chicken for later enjoyment:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
- Cool the dish completely before freezing.
- Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
- Alternatively, use a microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.
FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is a monterey chicken?
Monterey chicken is a delicious dish that typically features grilled chicken breasts topped with a blend of cheese, bacon, and bell peppers. This hearty meal is known for its savory flavors and is often served with sides like rice or vegetables, making it a satisfying option for dinner any night of the week.
2. What is Taylor Swift’s favorite chicken dinner?
While Taylor Swift has mentioned various favorite foods, she has a particular fondness for chicken and often enjoys a classic chicken dinner. However, specific details about her favorite chicken dish aren’t widely publicized, so it’s best to stick with your own favorites when preparing a meal inspired by her tastes!
3. What to pair with monterey chicken?
Monterey chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a fresh garden salad, steamed vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a heartier option, you might also enjoy it with rice or quinoa, which can soak up the delicious flavors of the dish.
4. What are popular chicken Monterey toppings?
Popular toppings for Monterey chicken include melted cheese (like Monterey Jack or cheddar), crispy bacon, sautéed bell peppers, and sometimes even avocado or fresh herbs. These toppings not only enhance the flavor but also add a delightful texture to the dish, making it even more enjoyable!
Final Thoughts
Get ready to savor the delightful flavors of Monterey Chicken! This cheesy, bacon-topped dish is not just easy to whip up, but it also brings a warm, comforting vibe to your dinner table. So gather your loved ones, enjoy the simple pleasures of cooking, and relish every bite of this rewarding meal. Happy cooking!