Cheesy Monterey Chicken is a classic BBQ chicken dish made famous by Chili’s Restaurant. It typically features grilled or pan-fried chicken breast, generously topped with crispy bacon, a savory BBQ sauce, a melty blend of cheeses (often Monterey Jack, hence the name), and diced tomatoes. At Chili’s, it’s traditionally served alongside comforting mashed potatoes, a rich black pepper gravy, and seasonal vegetables. The great news is, this beloved cheesy bacon BBQ chicken dish can be easily replicated in your own kitchen using either grilled chicken breast or pan-fried chicken for that perfect sear.

Beyond the traditional methods, there are various ways to prepare and assemble this dish, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary preferences or preferred cooking style. For instance, you can create a lighter version by making air-fryer Monterey chicken, which significantly reduces the amount of oil used. Alternatively, baking this chicken casserole instead of pan-frying offers a similar reduction in fat while still delivering on flavor and texture, making it a versatile option for any meal plan.

The beauty of cheesy BBQ chicken lies in its versatility, pairing wonderfully with a wide array of side dishes. Here is an expanded list of tasty accompaniments to complete your next Monterey Chicken meal, ensuring a balanced and satisfying dinner:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes or savory red-skinned garlic mashed potatoes for a classic comforting side.
• Outback Broccoli and Cheese or a medley of your favorite seasonal vegetables for a fresh, wholesome touch.
• Hearty rice and beans, offering a filling and flavorful option.
• Warm quesadillas or soft, fluffy Naan Bread, perfect for soaking up all that delicious BBQ sauce.
• Classic Mac and Cheese, a universally loved comfort food that complements the rich flavors of the chicken.
• Crusty French Bread, ideal for mopping up any leftover sauce.
• A refreshing and creamy Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad, providing a light contrast to the rich chicken.
• Crispy Oven-Baked Potato Wedges, seasoned to perfection.
• A tangy and fresh Summer Slaw Recipe to add a bright crunch.
• Sweet Fresh Corn on the cob or savory baked beans for a true BBQ experience.
• Golden French Fries or a creamy Potato Salad, offering familiar and satisfying choices.

If you’ve whipped up a batch of cheesy bacon BBQ chicken and find yourself with delicious leftovers, rejoice! This dish is incredibly versatile and can be creatively repurposed into exciting new meals. Here are some fantastic ideas to give your leftover chicken bake a second life:

• Chicken BBQ Melts: Simply layer the chopped leftover chicken with extra cheese between slices of your favorite bread and grill until golden and gooey.
• Homemade BBQ Pizza: This is a fan favorite! Spread your pizza crust with a thin layer of BBQ sauce, then top it with a generous amount of Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar), the chopped leftover BBQ chicken, thinly sliced purple onions, and a final drizzle of additional BBQ sauce. Bake until bubbly and golden.
• Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken Sandwich: Create an epic sandwich by piling the chicken onto homemade Hamburger buns, adding fresh green leafy lettuce and juicy tomato slices. For an extra kick of flavor, dip it into a creamy ranch dressing.
• Loaded BBQ Chicken Fries: A truly indulgent treat! Take a generous portion of crispy French fries, smother them with a warm cheddar cheese sauce, then top with chopped BBQ chicken and sprinkle with crumbled bacon bits.
• Baked BBQ Chicken Potato Casserole: A hearty and satisfying casserole! If you have leftover baked potatoes, cube them (skins removed) and place them into a baking casserole dish. Layer with a splash of water (to keep it moist), the shredded BBQ chicken, more BBQ sauce, and a generous topping of cheese. Bake until thoroughly heated and bubbly.

The most important rule for cooking chicken is to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees it’s safe to eat and perfectly cooked. The exact cooking time for chicken breast can vary significantly based on its thickness. For a standard chicken breast fillet, it typically takes anywhere from 3-6 minutes per side when pan-searing. In this specific recipe, where the chicken breast is sliced in half crosswise (creating thinner cutlets), it usually requires only about 2-3 minutes of searing per side. Since this BBQ chicken breast dish is finished in the oven, it’s perfectly acceptable if the chicken is slightly undercooked after searing on the stovetop; it will continue to cook through and reach the safe internal temperature while baking with the cheese.

Cheesy BBQ chicken is incredibly adaptable, offering a myriad of delightful variations to suit any taste preference or cooking method! You can easily experiment with different cheeses, like swapping Monterey Jack for Swiss cheese, or opting for bacon bits as a garnish instead of baking full slices with the chicken. Here are some creative ideas to transform this versatile BBQ chicken dish, whether you’re baking it in the oven or slow-cooking it:

• Crockpot BBQ Chicken: For a hands-off approach, make this easy cheesy BBQ chicken in a slow cooker. Simply place skinless chicken breasts in a 5-quart crockpot, top with your favorite BBQ sauce, a layer of sliced bacon, and Swiss cheese (or Monterey Jack). You’ll likely need to half this recipe to fit comfortably in a 5-quart slow cooker.
• Pineapple Bacon BBQ Chicken: Add a tropical twist by incorporating one 20 oz can of drained pineapple chunks. You can even save the pineapple juice for another recipe, like a refreshing fruit pizza.
• Spicy Bacon BBQ Chicken: If you love a kick of heat, top the chicken with thinly sliced purple onions and fiery pickled jalapeños before baking.
• Loaded Potato BBQ Chicken: Have leftover baked potatoes? Cut the cooked potatoes into cubes and layer them in the baking dish first, then arrange the chicken on top as per the instructions. Bake until the potatoes are thoroughly heated and the chicken is cooked.
• Skinny BBQ Chicken: For a lighter, “un-fried” version, layer uncooked chicken breasts over a bed of thinly sliced raw onions. As the chicken bakes and releases its juices, the onions will soften and infuse the dish with flavor without added oil.
• Instant Pot BBQ Chicken: Avoid stovetop splatters! Use your Instant Pot to fry the chicken breasts in batches. Simply use the sauté function, and you can even do this outdoors by plugging the unit in, keeping your kitchen clean. The deep pot contains oil splatters much better than a shallow pan.
• BBQ Chicken Grilled: If you have leftover grilled chicken, this dish is a fantastic way to repurpose it! Simply assemble the cooked grilled chicken with sauce, bacon, and cheese, then bake until heated through and cheese is melted.

Cheesy BBQ chicken is an effortlessly easy chicken dinner that’s also perfect for preparing as a freezer meal. For exceptionally juicy and tender chicken, consider a quick pre-marinade in a baking soda solution – a restaurant trick for perfect texture! I also like to cut each chicken breast in half crosswise, then pound it lightly with a meat mallet, and often slice each piece in half again. This not only yields a generous batch perfect for feeding many but also ensures that once you taste this cheesy BBQ chicken, you’ll understand why making plenty is absolutely essential (it tends to vanish incredibly quickly!).

Follow these straightforward steps to create your delicious BBQ chicken with cheese and bacon:

1. First, preheat a 12-inch skillet over high heat.
2. Rub each chicken breast generously with paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides to build a flavorful crust.
3. Drizzle in about 3 tablespoons of sunflower or avocado oil into the hot pre-heated skillet.
4. Pan sear and cook both sides of the seasoned chicken for approximately 2-3 minutes per side. It’s perfectly fine if the chicken is slightly undercooked at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the oven with the cheese.
5. Using kitchen tongs, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pan and transfer the chicken to a large casserole dish or sheet pan.
6. Continue frying the remaining chicken in batches, typically 4 chicken breasts at a time, until all are seared.
7. Spread about 1 heaping tablespoon of creamy BBQ sauce evenly over the top of each seared chicken breast. Then, layer with a slice of cooked bacon and a generous sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
8. Bake in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 20-25 minutes. This step ensures the chicken finishes cooking through and the cheese melts into a wonderfully gooey, golden topping.
9. Remove the casserole from the oven and, if desired, garnish with vibrant, freshly diced tomatoes and thinly sliced scallions for a fresh finish.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Chef’s Note: To give your BBQ chicken an extra boost of juiciness and tenderness, try this quick marinade trick. Cut the chicken breasts into cutlets first, then soak them in a solution of 2 teaspoons of baking soda, 2 tablespoons of white distilled vinegar, and 2 cups of water. This acts as a fantastic, quick meat tenderizer, a secret often used in restaurants! Allow the chicken to marinade for at least 20 minutes before draining and proceeding with the recipe instructions above.

For this chicken recipe, I personally prefer using a homemade Kansas-style BBQ sauce because of its rich, complex flavor and perfect creamy consistency. However, the ideal BBQ sauce for this dish is one that strikes a delightful balance between sweet and tangy. Brands like Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce are excellent store-bought options that fit this description perfectly. You’re looking for a creamy and easily spreadable barbecue sauce that is packed with a ton of robust flavor, as it forms the delicious base of this Monterey Chicken.

Absolutely! This BBQ chicken bake is fantastic for make-ahead meal prep. To prepare it in advance, layer all the cooled ingredients into a baking dish. While you can opt to leave the chicken uncooked to shorten initial prep time, I recommend grilling or searing the chicken in a skillet first. This step helps the chicken rub adhere better and creates a more appealing color and texture; otherwise, the chicken breasts might appear poached after baking. Once the chicken is seared and cooled, assemble the layers in the specified order, cover the dish tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

When it’s mealtime, this Monterey chicken bake can be reheated directly from the cold fridge into a hot oven! Simply bake it at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil, for 30-45 minutes. Continue baking until the cheeses are thoroughly melted, bubbly, and the BBQ glaze is piping hot, ensuring a deliciously fresh-ttasting meal even after refrigeration.

If you find yourself with any delicious leftovers, rest assured that they reheat wonderfully! Just keep in mind that excessive reheating, particularly in a toaster oven, can sometimes dry out the cheese. To prevent this, it’s best to cover the dish – either with plastic wrap if you’re microwaving the chicken or with aluminum foil if you’re using a conventional oven or toaster oven. The cooked chicken can be stored safely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.

To reheat chicken: For quick reheating, microwave in 30-second intervals until the chicken is hot through. Alternatively, for a more even reheat, place leftovers into a casserole pan with a splash of water, cover it tightly, and reheat at 350°F (175°C) until thoroughly hot and bubbly.

This chicken recipe is incredibly freezer-friendly, making it an excellent choice for efficient meal prep! You can freeze unbaked Cheesy BBQ Chicken breasts, complete with barbecue sauce and cheese. For best results, use a disposable 13×9 pan, and layer the casserole ingredients in the order given in the recipe. It’s crucial to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly cooled before assembling the casserole for freezing; this prevents the cheese from melting prematurely and helps maintain its texture. Once assembled, cover the pan tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, you can often bake directly from frozen (adding extra baking time) or thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as usual.

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  Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with the salt, pepper, and paprika blend. Set them aside while you prepare your skillet.
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  Heat a 12-inch skillet over high heat. Drizzle in 3 tablespoons of sunflower or avocado oil. Once hot, sear each side of the chicken for 2-3 minutes until golden. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, as it will finish baking in the oven.
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  Using kitchen tongs, transfer the seared chicken pieces onto a large baking sheet or casserole dish. Continue to fry the remaining chicken breasts in batches until all are seared.
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  Spoon 1 heaping tablespoon of your creamy BBQ sauce over the top of each chicken breast, ensuring it’s well coated.
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  Top each chicken breast with one slice of cooked bacon (you can break it in half if preferred), then generously sprinkle with the shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
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  Bake the chicken in your preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 20-25 minutes. This will ensure the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
• Once out of the oven, garnish your cheesy BBQ chicken with freshly diced tomatoes and sliced green onions, if desired, for a burst of fresh flavor and color. Serve immediately and enjoy!

• Optimal Chicken Preparation: To maximize servings and ensure even cooking, I recommend slicing larger chicken breasts in half crosswise to create thinner cutlets. For adult-sized portions, you can stop there. If you’re looking to stretch the meal further or prefer smaller pieces, slice the cutlets in half again.
• Make-Ahead & Freezer Meal Option: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! You can reserve half of the assembled chicken for another weeknight dinner by placing it into a 13×9 disposable pan. Crucially, ensure all ingredients are completely cooled before assembling and freezing, covered tightly with foil, for up to 3 months.
• Perfectly Cooked Bacon: For crispy, perfectly cooked bacon every time, follow my detailed Oven-Baked Bacon Instructions. This method simplifies cooking larger batches.
• Quick Meat Tenderizer for Juicy Chicken: For incredibly tender and juicy chicken, try this fast and effective marinade trick: Add 2 teaspoons of baking soda, 2 tablespoons of white distilled vinegar, and 2 cups of cold water to your sliced chicken breasts. Let them soak for at least 20 minutes before draining thoroughly and proceeding with the recipe. This is a game-changer for chicken texture!

Nutrition per serving (Estimated)