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Easy Cheesy Monterey Chicken Dinner in 30 Minutes

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A quick and easy cheesy Monterey chicken dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. Juicy chicken breasts are topped with smoky bacon, melty Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce for a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
  • 6–8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using an oven-safe skillet, place it on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
  2. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Pound gently with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about ½-inch thick. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  3. Add olive oil to the hot skillet. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Work in batches if needed.
  4. Spread about 1 tablespoon of BBQ sauce over each chicken breast using a pastry brush or spoon.
  5. Sprinkle crumbled bacon evenly over the chicken, then top with Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses.
  6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (or place chicken in a baking dish). Bake for 12-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions if desired.

Notes

Pound chicken evenly for best results. Use room temperature cheese for better melting. Don’t skip the sear for flavor. Let chicken rest before cutting. If cheese isn’t browning, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy chicken, Monterey chicken, quick dinner, weeknight meal, BBQ chicken, bacon cheese chicken, 30 minute meal

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/easy-cheesy-monterey-chicken-dinner-in-30-minutes/