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Monterey Chicken Bake Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 132 reviews
  • Author: Ethan
  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Monterey Chicken Bake is a flavorful and easy-to-make baked chicken dish topped with smoky bacon, gooey colby jack cheese, fresh grape tomatoes, and green onions, all enhanced with tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that combines juicy chicken with a delightful blend of textures and tastes.

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

  1. Preheat and prepare chicken: Preheat your oven to 425˚F. Lay the thinly cut or pounded chicken breasts flat in the bottom of a baking dish. Evenly spread 1-2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce over each chicken breast to add flavor and moisture.
  2. Add bacon and bake: Slice the bacon into pieces that match the size of each chicken breast and place them on top. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes in the preheated oven. For crispier bacon edges, broil the dish for an additional 2-5 minutes after baking.
  3. Cheese topping and finish baking: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded colby jack cheese evenly over the chicken and bacon. Lower the oven temperature to 350˚F and return the dish to bake for 5 more minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F to ensure it is cooked through.
  4. Add fresh garnish and serve: Once cooked, take the dish out of the oven and top with the quartered grape tomatoes and sliced green onions. Serve the Monterey Chicken Bake warm and enjoy the delicious combination of smoky, cheesy, and fresh flavors.

Notes

  • Make sure chicken breasts are evenly thin to ensure quick and even cooking.
  • If you prefer extra crispy bacon, broil carefully and watch closely to avoid burning.
  • You can substitute colby jack cheese with cheddar or Monterey Jack if desired.
  • Use fresh BBQ sauce for the best flavor profile.
  • Check internal chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee safety and juiciness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Monterey chicken bake, baked chicken breast, BBQ chicken, chicken with bacon and cheese, easy chicken dinner

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Find it online: https://theethankitchen.com/monterey-chicken-bake-recipe/