Description
Monterey chicken brings savory southwest charm to your dinner table with melted cheese and crispy bacon. Juicy chicken breasts topped with zesty flavors promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Seasoning and Oil:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Toppings and Sauce:
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a blend of Monterey Jack and Cheddar)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Sliced jalapenos (optional)
- Red onion rings (optional)
- Fresh lime wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
- Craft a flavor base by combining salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, then evenly massage this seasoning blend across the chicken breasts.
- Ensure uniform thickness by gently pounding the chicken, creating an optimal surface for consistent cooking at 375°F (190°C).
- Drizzle olive oil over the seasoned chicken to enhance moisture and promote a golden exterior when grilling or baking.
- Select your cooking method: grill at medium-high heat or roast in the preheated oven, cooking for approximately 6-8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Apply a generous layer of barbecue sauce across the surface of the nearly-cooked chicken, creating a tangy glaze.
- Sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese over the sauced chicken, allowing it to melt and create a creamy, luxurious topping during the final 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- Enhance the dish’s visual appeal and freshness by scattering halved tomatoes, chopped green onions, and fragrant cilantro across the melted cheese.
- Optional: Add extra zest with sliced jalapeños or crisp red onion rings for additional flavor complexity.
- Finish by garnishing with bright lime wedges, which provide a citrusy contrast to the rich, savory chicken.
- Plate alongside complementary sides like garlic mashed potatoes or roasted seasonal vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Select a high-quality barbecue sauce with balanced sweetness and tanginess to enhance the chicken’s flavor profile.
- Pound chicken evenly to ensure consistent cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
- Choose lean, boneless chicken breasts for faster cooking and easier preparation.
- Opt for fresh Monterey Jack cheese for superior melting and creamier texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee precise doneness and food safety.
- Customize toppings based on dietary preferences or seasonal availability.
- Swap barbecue sauce with low-sugar alternatives for a healthier version.
- Marinate chicken beforehand in citrus or herb-infused liquids for extra moisture and depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (using the oven method)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg