Description
This easy skillet Monterey chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with smoky bacon, tangy barbecue sauce, and melted cheese for a flavorful weeknight dinner. Cooked entirely on the stovetop, this dish is quick to prepare and topped with fresh tomatoes and green onions for a vibrant finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Bacon and Sauce
- 6 slices bacon
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ to ¾ cup barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)
Toppings
- 1 to 1½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (or a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar)
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the bacon slices. Cook until crispy, turning occasionally to ensure even browning. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave a small amount of bacon fat in the skillet for enhanced flavor.
- Prepare the Chicken: If the chicken breasts are thick, gently pound them to an even thickness to ensure faster and more even cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Brown the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side until they develop a light golden crust. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
- Simmer Until Juicy: Carefully pour the chicken broth into the skillet with the chicken. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer for 4–5 minutes or until fully cooked through and tender.
- Add the Toppings: Remove the lid and turn off the heat. Spread barbecue sauce evenly over each chicken breast, then crumble the cooked bacon evenly on top. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken breasts.
- Melt the Cheese: Cover the skillet again for 1–2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt gently. Alternatively, place the skillet briefly under a broiler until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the cheesy chicken with diced tomato and thinly sliced green onions. Serve immediately while warm and melty.
Notes
- For even cooking, pounding the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness is recommended.
- Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce to suit your taste preference.
- Use a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese for a richer flavor if desired.
- When melting cheese under the broiler, watch closely to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop or in a microwave.
