Monterey Chicken

Monterey Chicken is a delicious and hearty dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with tangy BBQ sauce, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh toppings. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and can be made keto-friendly by using sugar-free BBQ sauce. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a family favorite.

Tips:

1. Flatten the Chicken: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly.
2. Oven-Safe Skillet: Using an oven-safe skillet makes it easy to transfer the chicken from the stovetop to the oven for melting the cheese.
3. Customize Toppings: Feel free to add or substitute toppings like avocado or jalapeños for extra flavor.
4. Serve with Sides: Pair with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes to complete the meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (use sugar-free BBQ sauce for Keto)
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
• 4 pieces of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

1. Prepare Chicken:

• Preheat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. While the skillet is heating, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness if they are thick. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

1. Cook Chicken:

• Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are no longer pink in the center.

1. Add BBQ Sauce and Cheese:

• Turn off the heat. Pour BBQ sauce evenly over each chicken breast. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top of the chicken.

1. Bake:

• Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

1. Top and Serve:

• Remove the skillet from the oven and top the chicken with crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions:

• Enjoy this Monterey Chicken with a side of steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Customization:

• For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken breasts in the BBQ sauce for an hour before cooking.
• To make it spicier, add a pinch of chili flakes to the BBQ sauce or use pepper jack cheese.

Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures in this Monterey Chicken dish, perfect for any occasion!