Introduction

Monterey Chicken Bake is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken breasts with savory BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. Topped with fresh tomatoes and green onions, it makes for an easy weeknight dinner packed with flavor.

Monterey Chicken Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (thinly cut or pounded)
6 tablespoons BBQ sauce
4 ounces bacon (regular or thin sliced)
4 ounces grape tomatoes (quartered)
1 cup colby jack cheese (shredded)
2 green onions (sliced)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425˚F. Place the chicken breasts flat in the bottom of a baking dish, then spread 1-2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce on each piece.
Step 2: Cut the bacon into slices matching the size of each chicken breast and lay them on top. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. For crispier bacon edges, broil for an additional 2-5 minutes.
Step 3: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. Lower the oven temperature to 350˚F and bake for 5 more minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F.
Step 4: Once cooked, sprinkle the quartered grape tomatoes and sliced green onions over the chicken. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for 30 minutes before baking.
Substitute colby jack cheese with cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different cheesy taste.
If you prefer less bacon fat, opt for turkey bacon or bake the bacon separately to drain before topping.
Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili powder to the BBQ sauce for a smoky, spicy kick.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350˚F until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals to avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts for even cooking. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely before proceeding.

What side dishes go well with Monterey Chicken Bake?

This dish pairs nicely with steamed vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Monterey Chicken Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 79 reviews

Monterey Chicken Bake is a flavorful and easy-to-make oven-baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with smoky bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, melted colby jack cheese, fresh grape tomatoes, and green onions. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe combines savory and fresh ingredients for a delicious meal.

Author: Ella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sauce

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (thinly cut or pounded)
6 tablespoons BBQ sauce

Toppings

4 ounces bacon (regular or thin sliced)
4 ounces grape tomatoes (quartered)
1 cup colby jack cheese (shredded)
2 green onions (sliced)

Instructions

Prepare and preheat: Preheat the oven to 425˚F. Place the thinly cut or pounded chicken breasts flat in the bottom of a baking dish. Spread 1-2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce evenly over each chicken breast to infuse flavor.
Add bacon and bake: Cut the bacon into slices that match the size of the chicken breasts and lay them on top of the chicken. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. For crispier bacon edges, broil the dish for an additional 2-5 minutes to achieve desired crispness.
Top with cheese and continue cooking: Remove the dish from the oven and evenly sprinkle shredded colby jack cheese over the chicken and bacon. Reduce the oven temperature to 350˚F. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 5 more minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F, ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
Add fresh toppings and serve: Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the quartered grape tomatoes and sliced green onions on top for a fresh contrast. Serve the Monterey Chicken Bake warm and enjoy the medley of smoky, cheesy, and fresh flavors.

Notes

For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before baking.
Bacon thickness affects cooking time; thin sliced bacon crisps faster than thick-cut bacon.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165˚F for food safety.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.

Keywords: Monterey Chicken Bake, baked chicken recipes, chicken with bacon and cheese, BBQ chicken bake, easy dinner recipes