Chili’s Copycat Monterey Chicken
A savory dish featuring grilled chicken topped with barbecue sauce, melted cheese, and crispy bacon, perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Pound to an even thickness for optimal cooking.
- 1 cup barbecue sauce Feel free to choose your favorite brand.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese You can use any cheese you prefer.
- 4 strips crispy bacon Optional; can substitute with turkey bacon.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For grilling the chicken.
- to taste salt and pepper For seasoning the chicken.
- to garnish chopped green onions or parsley For added flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat.
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
Cooking the Chicken
- Drizzle olive oil on the grill and place the chicken breasts on it.
- Grill each side for about 6-7 minutes or until fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Adding Sauce and Cheese
- Once the chicken is cooked, drizzle barbecue sauce over each piece generously.
- Top with shredded cheese and cover the grill to allow the cheese to melt for about 2-3 minutes.
Crisping the Bacon
- Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, following package instructions if using turkey bacon.
Final Assembly
- Remove the chicken from the grill, top with crispy bacon, and sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley.
Serving
- Place the grilled Monterey Chicken on plates and serve alongside your favorite sides.
Notes
For ingredient substitutions, try different barbecue sauces like honey or spicy variants. Pounding the chicken is essential for even cooking and juiciness.