Hey guys! Are you looking for a quick, easy, and delicious dinner recipe that doesn't require you to spend hours in the kitchen? Look no further! This Skillet Monterey Chicken recipe is your answer. It’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of juicy chicken, smoky bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, and melted Monterey Jack cheese is simply irresistible. 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 several reasons. First off, the speed is unbeatable. In just 20 minutes, you can have a complete, flavorful meal on the table. No more stressing about what to cook after a long day at work or school. Secondly, the ingredients are simple and readily available. You probably already have many of them in your pantry and fridge. Chicken breasts, bacon, BBQ sauce, and Monterey Jack cheese are the stars of this dish, and they all come together beautifully. Thirdly, the taste is incredible. The smoky bacon, sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, and creamy Monterey Jack cheese create a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Plus, it’s a versatile dish. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or some fluffy rice for a complete meal. Finally, cleanup is a breeze since it’s all made in one skillet. Less time washing dishes means more time relaxing and enjoying your evening!

Ingredients for Your Monterey Chicken Skillet

To make this amazing Skillet Monterey Chicken, you'll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Let’s break it down:

• Chicken Breasts: The foundation of our dish. You’ll need about two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Make sure they are of even thickness so they cook evenly. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer, but the cooking time might vary slightly.
• Bacon: Adds that irresistible smoky flavor. Four slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled, will do the trick. You can use any type of bacon you like, but I recommend thick-cut bacon for extra flavor.
• BBQ Sauce: The tangy and sweet component that brings everything together. Use your favorite BBQ sauce – whether it’s a classic smoky flavor, a sweet honey BBQ, or a spicy chipotle version. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect match.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, mild flavor. About a cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese is perfect. If you don’t have Monterey Jack, you can substitute with mozzarella, provolone, or even a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
• Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon or two to help cook the chicken and keep it from sticking to the skillet.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken and bring out the flavors. Adjust to your taste.
• Optional Garnishes: Chopped green onions or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

With these ingredients in hand, you're all set to create a mouthwatering Skillet Monterey Chicken that will impress your family and friends!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Skillet Monterey Chicken

Alright, let's get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Skillet Monterey Chicken:

1. Prep the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear. Season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Cook the Bacon: While the chicken is cooking, cook the bacon in a separate pan until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
4. Add BBQ Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour BBQ sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let the chicken simmer in the BBQ sauce for a couple of minutes to absorb the flavor.
5. Add Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken, covering it completely. Then, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the cheese.
6. Melt the Cheese: Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent the cheese from burning.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Skillet Monterey Chicken

To ensure your Skillet Monterey Chicken turns out perfect every time, here are some helpful tips and tricks:

• Even Chicken Thickness: Make sure your chicken breasts are of even thickness. If they are uneven, you can pound them with a meat mallet to flatten them out. This will ensure they cook evenly and prevent some parts from being overcooked while others are undercooked.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. If the skillet is too crowded, the chicken will steam instead of sear, resulting in a less flavorful dish. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) before removing it from the skillet.
• Crispy Bacon: For the best flavor and texture, make sure your bacon is cooked until crispy. Crispy bacon adds a delicious crunch to the dish.
• Cheese Melting: Keep a close eye on the cheese while it’s melting to prevent it from burning. If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat or remove the skillet from the heat for a minute or two.
• Versatile Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your favorite flavor combination. You can also add a touch of honey, brown sugar, or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
• Rest the Chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.

Serving Suggestions for Your Monterey Chicken

Now that your Skillet Monterey Chicken is ready, it’s time to think about serving it. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• Roasted Vegetables: Serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini. Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds a healthy component to the meal.
• Fresh Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a great way to balance the richness of the chicken. Consider a simple green salad, a Caesar salad, or a tomato and cucumber salad.
• Fluffy Rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all the delicious BBQ sauce. You can use white rice, brown rice, or even flavored rice like cilantro-lime rice.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with chicken. Add some garlic or cheese to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a perfect summer side dish for Skillet Monterey Chicken.
• Garlic Bread: Serve the chicken with a side of garlic bread for a comforting and satisfying meal.
• Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with the Skillet Monterey Chicken for a hearty and filling dish.

Variations to Try with Your Skillet Monterey Chicken

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Spicy Monterey Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a spicy kick. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce.
• Chicken and Veggie Skillet: Add your favorite vegetables to the skillet along with the chicken. Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini are all great options.
• Monterey Chicken Quesadillas: Shred the cooked chicken and use it as a filling for quesadillas along with the Monterey Jack cheese and bacon. Serve with salsa and sour cream.
• Monterey Chicken Salad: Dice the cooked chicken and add it to a salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a creamy dressing.
• Monterey Chicken Sliders: Serve the chicken on slider buns with a dollop of coleslaw for a fun and tasty appetizer or snack.

Get Ready to Enjoy Your Skillet Monterey Chicken

There you have it – a delicious, easy, and quick Skillet Monterey Chicken recipe that you can make in just 20 minutes! This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. The combination of juicy chicken, smoky bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, and melted Monterey Jack cheese is simply irresistible. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering meal. Happy cooking!