Description
Juicy grilled chicken breasts topped with smoky BBQ sauce, melted Monterey Jack cheese, crispy turkey bacon, fresh tomatoes, and green onions. This restaurant-quality Monterey chicken comes together in just 30 minutes and delivers bold, satisfying flavors perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
FOR THE CHICKEN:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
FOR THE MARINADE:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
FOR THE TOPPINGS:
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
4 strips turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 green onions, sliced
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1. Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to even 3/4-inch thickness using meat mallet.
2. Pat chicken completely dry with paper towels and trim any excess fat.
3. In bowl or ziplock bag, combine marinade ingredients: olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, and oregano.
4. Add chicken to marinade and let sit for 15 minutes to 2 hours in refrigerator.
5. Remove chicken from refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature.
6. Cook turkey bacon until crispy, then crumble. Halve tomatoes, shred cheese, and slice green onions.
7. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F) or preheat oven to 400°F.
8. For grilling: Oil grates, then grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
9. Brush chicken with BBQ sauce during last 2 minutes of cooking on each side.
10. Top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese and close grill lid for 1-2 minutes until melted.
11. For oven method: Sear chicken in oven-safe skillet for 3-4 minutes per side, brush with BBQ sauce, transfer to oven and bake 10-15 minutes until 160°F internal temperature.
12. Add cheese and return to oven for 2-3 minutes until melted.
13. Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 5 minutes tented with foil.
14. Top with crumbled turkey bacon, cherry tomatoes, green onions, and fresh cilantro.
15. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
Remove chicken at 160°F internal temperature—it will reach safe 165°F while resting.
Pound chicken to even thickness to prevent overcooking thin ends.
Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before cutting to retain juices.
Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze cooked chicken (without toppings) for up to 3 months.
For extra moisture, brine chicken in saltwater solution for 1 hour before marinating.
Use instant-read thermometer for perfect doneness every time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Dinner
- Method: Grilling, Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: monterey chicken, grilled chicken, bbq chicken, cheese topped chicken, restaurant chicken recipe