Imagine a dish that perfectly balances smoky, sweet, and savory flavors with a luscious melted cheese topping—welcome to the world of Monterey Chicken with Bacon, Barbecue Sauce, and Melted Jack Cheese Recipe. This mouthwatering meal combines tender, marinated chicken breasts, crispy applewood bacon, tangy barbecue sauce, and gooey Monterey Jack cheese, all baked to perfection and topped with fresh tomatoes and green onions for a bit of brightness. It’s a hearty, flavor-packed dish that’s great for family dinners or impressing guests without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in bringing this dish to life. From the marinade that infuses juicy flavor into the chicken to the smoky bacon and creamy cheese topping, every component contributes to an irresistible combination of taste, texture, and color.
- Chicken breasts (4, boneless and skinless): The tender base that soaks up all the rich marinade flavors beautifully.
- Honey (¼ cup): Adds a gentle sweetness to balance the savory marinade perfectly.
- Soy sauce (¼ cup): Brings a salty, umami depth that makes the chicken extra flavorful.
- Worcestershire sauce (3 tablespoons): Enhances complexity with tangy, slightly smoky notes.
- Garlic, minced (1 teaspoon): Adds a bold, aromatic punch that brightens every bite.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) and pepper (½ teaspoon): Basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
- Applewood smoked bacon (8 slices): Crispy, smoky, and essential for that savory crunch and richness.
- Barbecue sauce (½ cup): Provides tangy, smoky, and sweet layers that complement the chicken.
- Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (1 cup): Melts into a creamy, gooey topping that ties the entire dish together.
- Roma tomatoes, diced (2): Freshness and a pop of color that lightens every serving.
- Green onions, chopped (¼ cup): Adds a mild oniony crunch and vibrant green hue.
How to Make Monterey Chicken with Bacon, Barbecue Sauce, and Melted Jack Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing honey, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large sealable bag or bowl. This marinade will infuse the chicken breasts with sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Place the chicken into the marinade and let it soak up all that goodness for at least one hour—overnight is even better if you have the time.
Step 2: Bake the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the marinated chicken breasts to a 9×13-inch baking dish and cover with foil. Bake the chicken for 30 to 40 minutes until it’s cooked through and juicy, achieving an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This slow cooking ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
While the chicken is baking, fry your applewood smoked bacon until it is deliciously crispy. This step adds that perfect salty crunch that balances the sweet and tangy marinade. Once cooked, roughly chop the bacon and set it aside for the next step.
Step 4: Assemble and Broil
After removing the chicken from the oven, take off the foil and spread barbecue sauce across each chicken breast. Then sprinkle with the crispy bacon and pile on the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Place the baking dish under the broiler on high until the cheese melts and bubbles into a golden, gooey masterpiece. Watch closely because this happens quickly and you want to avoid burning.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
To finish, top each portion with bright diced Roma tomatoes and freshly chopped green onions. These fresh toppings cut through the richness and create a vibrant, inviting dish ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Monterey Chicken with Bacon, Barbecue Sauce, and Melted Jack Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Simple yet essential garnishes like diced Roma tomatoes and green onions add freshness, color, and a crisp bite that balances the richness of the cheese and bacon. Feel free to add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for a zesty twist.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic comfort sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. For extra indulgence, consider garlic bread or a buttery corn on the cob to soak up every bit of barbecue sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Monterey Chicken with Bacon, Barbecue Sauce, and Melted Jack Cheese Recipe on a rustic wooden board for a casual vibe, or plate it delicately atop a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to impress guests. You can also slice the chicken and layer it into sandwiches for an innovative take that’s perfect for picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Monterey Chicken with Bacon, Barbecue Sauce, and Melted Jack Cheese Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save it for later, freeze the cooked chicken portions separately with the toppings. Wrap tightly in foil or place in freezer-safe containers, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, about 15 to 20 minutes. This method helps preserve the melted cheese and crispy bacon textures better than a microwave.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Monterey Jack melts beautifully, but you can also try cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Each cheese will add its own unique flavor and texture.
Is it okay to grill the chicken instead of baking it?
Yes, grilling works great and adds a smoky char that pairs wonderfully with the barbecue sauce. Just marinate and grill the chicken until cooked, then assemble with bacon and cheese before finishing under the broiler or on indirect heat.
What can I substitute for applewood smoked bacon?
If you prefer, turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon alternatives work too, though they won’t have quite the same smoky richness. You could also use pancetta or prosciutto for a different but tasty texture and flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe for a large group?
Definitely! This recipe scales up easily. Just multiply your ingredients accordingly and use a larger baking dish or multiple pans. It’s great for family gatherings or potlucks.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
To lighten it up, you can use reduced-sodium soy sauce, turkey bacon, and a smaller amount of cheese or a lower-fat variety. Pairing it with plenty of veggies and a fresh salad also balances the meal nicely.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, the Monterey Chicken with Bacon, Barbecue Sauce, and Melted Jack Cheese Recipe is your new go-to. With its perfect harmony of smoky bacon, tangy sauce, and creamy cheese, it’s a foolproof way to impress yourself and those you’re cooking for. Give it a try, and watch it quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
Print
Monterey Chicken with Bacon, Barbecue Sauce, and Melted Jack Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Monterey Chicken is a flavorful baked chicken dish featuring marinated boneless skinless chicken breasts topped with tangy barbecue sauce, crispy applewood smoked bacon, and melted Monterey Jack cheese, finished with fresh diced tomatoes and green onions for a colorful and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Toppings and Garnish
- 8 slices applewood smoked bacon
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a large sealable bag or bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Soak the Chicken: Add chicken breasts to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to infuse flavors.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Arrange Chicken in Dish: Place the marinated chicken breasts into a 9×13-inch baking dish evenly spaced.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake the chicken for 30 to 40 minutes until fully cooked, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Cook Bacon: While the chicken bakes, cook the applewood smoked bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
- Chop Bacon: Roughly chop the cooked bacon and set aside for topping.
- Prepare to Broil: Remove the foil from the baked chicken and spread barbecue sauce evenly over each breast.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle chopped bacon and shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the barbecue-coated chicken breasts.
- Broil: Turn the oven broiler to high and broil the chicken until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned, about 2 to 4 minutes—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish: Remove from oven and garnish each chicken breast with diced Roma tomatoes and chopped green onions for freshness and color.
- Serve: Plate the Monterey Chicken warm and enjoy your delightful, cheesy, and savory chicken dinner.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if time permits.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust broiling time to prevent the cheese from burning.
- Serve with a side of rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
