This cheesy BBQ Bacon chicken is tender, juicy, and flavor-packed! Watch the video tutorial and see how easy it is to make this crowd-pleasing dinner recipe. This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy. We love one-pan chicken dinners like our Pizza Chicken, Chicken Marsala, and of course, this Monterey Chicken. They are a ‘sure thing’ at the dinner table and leftovers are rare.
Monterey Chicken Video
Watch Natasha transform the flavors of grilled chicken, zesty barbecue sauce, smoky bacon, and gooey Monterey jack cheese into the ultimate comfort food; Monterey Chicken.
Monterey Chicken Recipe
My husband Vadim’s first job was at Chili’s. While working there, he wore many hats- from busser to cook, he even served as a trainer. Chili’s was also where he took me on our first date – I think he was ‘flexing’ by taking me to where he worked, but it is a sweet memory for us. One of our favorite dishes on the Chili’s restaurant menu was this Monterey Chicken. It is essentially a grilled chicken breast, smothered with BBQ sauce, topped with bacon and melted cheese, and finished with diced tomatoes and green onions. I had so much fun recreating this Chili’s copycat recipe at home for all of you, especially because they no longer have this classic favorite on the menu. I was transported back to those sweet beginnings. You can read more about our love story in my new cookbook, Natasha’s Kitchen.
Ingredients
This easy recipe is a simple way to elevate a basic chicken breast in seconds. Layered with simple ingredients, the combination of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors in Monterey Chicken is reliably delicious.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts – you can use 2 large chicken breasts and cut them into 4 cutlets or pound out 4 smaller chicken breasts. Barbecue sauce – look for a sweet and thick barbecue sauce. Bacon – Applewood smoked bacon was used in Chili’s restaurant dish, which adds a savory, smoky flavor and crispy texture. You can cook the bacon in a skillet, or make Baked Bacon or Air Fryer Bacon. Cheese – we combine shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese. Tomatoes (diced) -fresh and juicy, they provide a burst of fresh flavor and color. Green onions – generously sprinkled on top for garnish and extra flavor.
How to Make Monterey Chicken
Cook Bacon – Cook bacon until browned and crisp (on the stovetop, or make either Oven-Baked Bacon or Air Fryer Bacon), so it’s ready when the chicken comes off the grill. Prep Chicken – Pound the chicken between two layers of plastic wrap until it reaches an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. Season all over with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Grill Chicken – Preheat the grill or large oiled oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken to the preheated grill or skillet and cook on the first side until nicely browned or charred, about 3-4 minutes. Flip and brush the cooked side with barbecue sauce. Once the chicken approaches an internal temperature of 165°F, flip it again and brush the second side with BBQ sauce. Once it reaches 165°F on a meat thermometer, remove from heat. If using a stovetop skillet, you can keep the chicken in the oven-safe skillet, or transfer it to a 9×13 casserole dish or rimmed baking sheet. Layer and Broil – Brush the top of the chicken again with barbecue sauce. Top with bacon, then sprinkle with cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted. Garnish and Serve – Serve warm, garnished with diced tomatoes and chives.
What to Serve With Monterey Chicken
No matter what you serve this with, the Monterey Chicken is the star of the show so you can pair it with simple sides such as:
Corn on the Cob Creamy Mashed Potatoes Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes Roasted Potatoes Caesar Salad Garden Salad Grilled Vegetables
If you missed out on Chili’s Monterey Chicken during its menu run, I hope you will try this irresistible copycat recipe and discover why it captured our hearts. It’s so easy to make and is incredibly flavorful.
More Restaurant Copycat Recipes
It’s always a treat to recreate restaurant-quality meals, especially when you could make them even better at home, for a fraction of the cost. We’ve compiled a selection of our favorite copycat recipes for you to try:
Zuppa Toscana Chicken Madeira Mongolian Beef Pasta e Fagioli Beet Salad Chicken Parmesan
