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Copycat Chili's Monterey Chicken

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  • #1925

Try your hand at making Chili's Monterey Chicken! This tasty recipe features juicy chicken breast smothered in cheese and bacon. Ready in under 20 minutes, it's an excellent option for busy night dinners.


serves/makes:
  
ready in:
  under 30 minutes
Rating: 5/5

5 reviews

ingredients

1 boneless skinless chicken breast
salt and pepper
2 teaspoons barbecue sauce
2 slices well cooked bacon, drained and chopped
1/4 cup shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese
diced fresh tomatoes
chopped green onions

directions

Preheat the broiler.

Pound the chicken with a mallet between two pieces of waxed paper until it is equal thickness. Season as desired with salt and pepper.

Heat an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease the skillet. Add the chicken and cook, turning as needed, until cooked through.

Brush the chicken with the barbecue sauce. Sprinkle with the cheese and bacon. Place the skillet in the oven and heat under the broiler until the cheese melts.

Transfer the chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle with the chopped tomatoes and chives. Serve immediately.

recipe tips


To prevent the chicken from sticking to the skillet, make sure it is well-greased before cooking.

For an extra kick of flavor, add a sprinkle of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the chicken before cooking.

Drizzle extra barbecue sauce on top before serving for added flavor.

If you prefer a spicier version, use pepper jack cheese or add sliced jalapenos as a topping.

common recipe questions


Can I use other types of cheese?

Feel free to substitute the Cheddar Jack cheese with your favorite cheese such as mozzarella, Gouda, or Swiss.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

You can use turkey bacon as a healthier alternative to regular bacon.

What other toppings can I add?

You can customize Monterey Chicken with additional toppings like sliced avocado, diced red onions, jalapenos, or cilantro.

Can I grill the chicken instead of using the broiler?

You can grill the chicken on an outdoor grill or a stovetop grill pan instead of using the broiler.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F when measured with a meat thermometer.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

If using pre-cooked chicken, simply reheat it in the skillet, then add the toppings and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

How should I store leftovers?

Leftover Monterey Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I freeze Monterey Chicken?

It's not recommended to freeze Monterey Chicken as the texture of the cheese may change upon thawing.


nutrition data

316 calories, 16 grams fat, 2 grams carbohydrates, 38 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in carbs.
Show full nutritional data (including Weight Watcher's Points ®, cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, and diabetic exchanges)


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reviews & comments

  1. Hollyzmom REVIEW:

    I thought this recipe was really good, and quite fast for a weeknight- which I LOVE. I cheated and microwaved my bacon to save time. I love the Chili's version, but I have to say this was really delish!

  2. Guest Foodie REVIEW:

    This was wonderful. Because we like things spicy, instead of tomatoes on top I sliced some jalepenos and put those on before broiling. I also marinated the chicken breast in italian dressing for about an hour and grilled the chicken to almost done before putting it under the broiler to the melt the cheese. Turned out juicy and very tasty

  3. mamamia REVIEW:

    This is a great recipe; my family loves it! Instead of frying bacon and making a mess in my kitchen, I use real bacon bits and it turns out just as good!!

  4. Guest Foodie REVIEW:

    This is one of our favorite dishes at Chili's. I cooked it lastnight and it was just like eating it at Chili's. The one thing I did differently is instead of cold chopped tomatoes, I used Rotel and put it under the broiler with the cheese. It was great and I am excited to prepare it for my entire family. Thanks for the great recipes!! Debbie

  5. Heather REVIEW:

    This recipe was very excellent! It tasted just like the Monterey Chicken at Chili's.

Please note:
This is a copy cat recipe submitted to CDKitchen by a third-party. This recipe is not an original recipe unless specifically stated and is considered only to be an acceptable "clone" to the original for the home cook to attempt to duplicate. Please also note that many nationwide restaurant chains vary their menus and ingredients by region so the version provided may not be similar to what you may have tried before. All trademarks referenced are property of their respective owners.

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