Hey guys, are you looking for a delicious and easy weeknight meal? Then look no further! This 20-Minute Skillet Monterey Chicken recipe is exactly what you need. It’s packed with flavor, super quick to make, and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Trust me, this will become a family favorite!

Why You'll Love This Monterey Chicken Skillet

This Monterey chicken skillet is a game-changer for busy weeknights. I mean, who doesn't love a meal that's ready in just 20 minutes? But it's not just about the speed; this dish is incredibly flavorful. The combination of juicy chicken, smoky bacon, tangy barbecue sauce, and creamy Monterey Jack cheese is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means fewer dishes to wash! We all appreciate that, right? Seriously, guys, cleanup is a breeze, and you can spend more time relaxing or doing the things you love.

Another great thing about this skillet Monterey chicken recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to suit your taste. Add some veggies like bell peppers or onions for extra nutrients, or use a different type of cheese if you prefer. The possibilities are endless! And if you're watching your carbs, you can serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. It’s a win-win situation. The ease of customization ensures that even picky eaters will find something to love in this dish. I’ve made it with different sauces, cheeses, and even added a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Each time, it’s been a hit!

Ingredients for Your Monterey Chicken Skillet

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to make this amazing Monterey chicken skillet. The ingredients are simple and straightforward, making it easy to throw together even on the busiest of days.

• Chicken breasts: The star of the show! I usually use boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook quickly and evenly. About 1.5 pounds should do the trick.
• Bacon: Because everything is better with bacon, right? Cooked and crumbled, it adds a smoky, savory flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Four slices are usually enough.
• Barbecue sauce: Use your favorite brand! Whether you like it sweet, tangy, or spicy, the barbecue sauce is what gives this dish its signature flavor. About half a cup should be perfect.
• Monterey Jack cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and has a mild, buttery flavor that ties everything together. You'll need about 1 cup, shredded.
• Olive oil: Just a tablespoon or two to sauté the chicken.
• Spices: A simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder is all you need to season the chicken. Feel free to add a pinch of paprika or onion powder if you're feeling adventurous!

I always make sure to have these ingredients on hand because this dish is a lifesaver on those nights when I just don't have the time or energy to cook a complicated meal. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover bacon you might have in the fridge. Trust me, once you have these ingredients ready, you're well on your way to a delicious and satisfying dinner!

How to Make 20-Minute Skillet Monterey Chicken

Okay, guys, let's get cooking! This Monterey chicken skillet is so easy to make, you won't believe it. Follow these simple steps, and you'll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time.

1. Prep the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook faster and more evenly. Season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it's cooked through and lightly browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the bacon and barbecue sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the cooked and crumbled bacon and barbecue sauce. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce.
4. Melt the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken mixture. Cover the skillet and let it cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool slightly. Serve the Monterey chicken immediately. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions, if desired.

And that's it! You've just made a delicious and satisfying Monterey chicken skillet in just 20 minutes. I usually serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple salad for a complete meal. But honestly, it's so good, you can even eat it straight from the skillet! Just be careful not to burn your tongue.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Monterey Chicken Skillet

To make sure your Monterey chicken skillet turns out perfect every time, here are a few tips and tricks I've learned over the years:

• Use a good quality skillet: A cast-iron skillet is ideal because it distributes heat evenly and retains heat well. But any large skillet will work. Just make sure it's oven-safe if you want to broil the cheese for an extra bubbly topping.
• Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Cook it just until it's cooked through and lightly browned. It will continue to cook a bit when you add the barbecue sauce and cheese.
• Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly shredded cheese melts much better and tastes better too.
• Adjust the barbecue sauce to your liking: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, use a honey barbecue sauce. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a spicy barbecue sauce.
• Add some veggies: Bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms all work well in this dish. Sauté them in the skillet before adding the chicken.
• Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the chicken and bacon ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, simply heat the olive oil in the skillet and continue with the recipe.

Variations on Monterey Chicken Skillet

One of the best things about this Monterey chicken skillet recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few variations to try:

• Spicy Monterey Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken or use a spicy barbecue sauce for a little extra heat.
• Ranch Monterey Chicken: Instead of barbecue sauce, use ranch dressing. This gives the dish a creamy, tangy flavor.
• Pesto Monterey Chicken: Use pesto instead of barbecue sauce for a fresh, herbaceous twist.
• Mushroom and Swiss Monterey Chicken: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and use Swiss cheese instead of Monterey Jack.
• Chicken Bacon Ranch: This simple recipe uses ranch dressing and bacon to season the chicken and veggies, topped with a sprinkle of cheese.

The possibilities are endless! Feel free to experiment with different sauces, cheeses, and toppings to create your own unique Monterey chicken skillet.

Serving Suggestions for Your Monterey Chicken Skillet

This Monterey chicken skillet is delicious on its own, but it's even better when served with the right sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Rice: White rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice all work well.
• Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or a simple salad are all great choices.
• Potatoes: Mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or sweet potato fries are all delicious accompaniments.
• Bread: Garlic bread, dinner rolls, or cornbread are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

I also like to serve it with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for extra flavor and creaminess. And if you're feeling fancy, you can garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, guys! A quick, easy, and delicious Monterey chicken skillet recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does. And don't forget to experiment with different variations and serving suggestions to make it your own. Happy cooking!