This Monterey chicken is a Chili’s copycat that features seasoned chicken breasts smothered in barbecue sauce, cheese, bacon and tomatoes. An easy dinner option that the whole family will love!
Monterey chicken is loaded with flavor and tastes like it came straight from a restaurant, but you can make it at home in less than 30 minutes.
I used to go to Chili’s all the time in college, but now there are no Chili’s restaurants left where I live! I satisfy my Chili’s cravings with this easy Monterey chicken that’s fully loaded with all the toppings. It’s a great way to jazz up plain old chicken breasts!
How to make Monterey chicken
This recipe starts with chicken breasts, which are seasoned then seared to golden brown perfection. The cook time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken; I often use thin cut chicken breasts when I’m looking for a fast meal. The chicken is coated with your favorite barbecue sauce, then loaded with toppings.
For the toppings, I use shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, and melt them in the oven until gooey and delicious. You can really use whatever type of cheese you like here, mozzarella would also be a nice choice.
After that comes the bacon, tomatoes and green onions which really take this Monterey chicken over the top flavor wise!
I love this dish because it’s not any harder to make than a standard sauteed chicken, but it tastes like something special. I like to serve my Monterey chicken over mashed potatoes or rice with a green veggie on the side to complete the meal.
The next time you’re thinking about eating at Chili’s, stay home instead and make your own Monterey chicken to save a little cash! Your family will thank you, mine did at least!
More chicken dinner ideas
- Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
- Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
- Baked Lemon Chicken
- Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala
- Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
Monterey Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese I used a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup green onions
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven safe pan over medium high heat. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until done. Cook time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken.
- Pour the barbecue sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle 1/4 cup cheese over each chicken breast.
- Place the pan in the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
- Sprinkle the bacon, tomatoes and green onions over the chicken and serve.
Bethel Esmillarin says
Of course you always make good food! What i love most in this blog is the printable copy . Thank you for this!!
Laura says
That looks amazing! I love when I find a good hack recipe. It would probably be way more cost effective to make it at home.
Albert Bevia says
What a great way to enjoy chicken in a new way, I think I went to chilis once when I was in America but didn´t have this stunning dish, and I must confess, your images are so professional and beautiful
Natalie says
My family would be all over this. I would love to recreate this with tofu and vegan cheese since I don’t eat meat.
Sandy N Vyjay says
THough we do not eat chicken. We have friends who are crazy about chicken. Will be sharing this recipe with them. I am sure they would love this.
brianne says
This recipe looks super easy to make at home. I am definitely trying this one. I bet my kids would love it!
Peter says
This dish looks incredible. I know my wife and kids would love this one. I will have to give it a try and see how they like it!
Ricci says
I love a good chicken recipe and this one sounds so yummy!! I need to try this ASAP!!
Heather says
I seriously thought it was a baked potato. Now that’s the way to eat chicken! This looks pretty amazing!
Karen Morse says
It sounds amazing and one that we would love to try for dinner one of these days. I love the flavors that come together in this recipe. The chicken will definitely absorb all those, which will make it tastier!
Jenn says
This looks and sounds delicious. My family would love to eat this for dinner. There is something extra tasty when you mix chicken and cheese.
Tasheena @ SimplyTasheena.com says
This looks so flavorful! I have to check and see if I have the ingredients to make this for dinner. My family would love to have this for dinner tonight!
candy says
this chicken dish is really easy to make and is a family favorite. Love the bbq sauce and the cheese on top. We always make extra for leftovers.
Jeanine says
Whoa! Mouth watering. I am dying to try this. Looks like such a delicious meal my family would really love!
Kelly Reci says
We have so much chicken breast in our fridge right now and we were wondering how to prepare it! Totally love this and I’m excited to try it out!
Amber Myers says
This would be the perfect dinner! I’m always looking for ways to make chicken. I haven’t tried this one yet. I would love that cheese on top.
Terri Beavers says
This sounds like a dream recipe for chicken lovers like we are. I’d love to try this soon, I have an event to attend this weekend but I could whip it up next week sometime. I’m saving the recipe.
robin rue says
That sounds seriously awesome. I have never had chicken like this before, but I am excited to try it.
Amanda says
What a delicious and flavorful weeknight meal! I am always on the hunt for yummy recipes like this. I just wonder how many calories are involved!
Jeanette says
Oh my gosh does not look heavenly! My mouth is watering just thinking about making this. You made it look beautiful and I really wish I could eat it off the screen!