Monterey Chicken
Try this Monterey Chicken recipe
Try this Monterey Chicken recipe
- salt & pepper to taste
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (i used cutlets marinade about 20-30 min then stir fried)
- 1/4 c. bar-b-que sauce ( i use jack daniels)
- 1/4 c. real bacon bits
- 1 c. colby and jack cheese shredded (or whatever kind)
- 1 14 oz. can rotel tomatoes drained (canned with green chilies added)
- sliced green onions
- Carbohydrate 17.7323513274336 g
- Cholesterol 107.6175 mg
- Fat 17.2562 g
- Fiber 2.48927548606992 g
- Protein 35.554175 g
- Saturated Fat 7.5904375 g
- Serving Size 1 1 (311g)
- Sodium 1036.9248 mg
- Sugar 15.2430758413637 g
- Trans Fat 3.6227825 g
- Calories 370 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Pound out chicken breasts to flatten (you don't have to do this with the cutlets).
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Dump the marinaded chicken into a skillet and stir fry until done, place on a baking sheet or casserole dish covered with foil.
- Top each chicken breast with one tablespoon barbecue sauce, 1/4 c. cheese, 1/4 c. tomatoes, green onions and one tablespoon of bacon bits, then sprinkle a little more cheese on top.
- Place in oven and bake until cheese is melted (about 10-12 minutes).
My Favorite Weeknight Meal: Monterey Chicken
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, after-school activities, and the never-ending laundry pile, the last thing I want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I've developed a love for quick, easy recipes that don't compromise on flavor. My Monterey Chicken is a perfect example – it's ready in under an hour and tastes like something you'd order from a fancy restaurant.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. I often adapt it based on what I have on hand. Sometimes I use different types of cheese, or swap the bacon bits for some crispy pancetta. The key is the marinade – a simple blend of olive oil, soy sauce, and Montreal Steak Seasoning that infuses the chicken with incredible flavor. It's a game-changer, trust me. The chicken breasts are first stir-fried to ensure they're fully cooked, before getting the oven treatment. The melting cheese is my favorite part, and the combo of sweet BBQ sauce, zesty tomatoes, and salty bacon creates a truly irresistible flavor profile.
I usually double the recipe to have leftovers for lunch the next day. It reheats beautifully and is just as delicious cold as it is warm. The Monterey Chicken is a recipe that has become a staple in my household, a welcome relief on busy weeknights. It's quick, it's easy, it's delicious – everything a busy mom could want. Give it a try, and I'm confident it will become a favorite in your family too. It's so versatile and adaptable that it's pretty much fail-proof. Let me know how yours turns out!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little kick.
- Different cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, cheddar, or Monterey Jack (of course!).
- Add some veggies: Sautéed bell peppers or onions would be a delicious addition.
- Make it a sheet pan meal: Roast everything together on a single sheet pan for even easier cleanup.
- Meal prep: Marinate the chicken ahead of time for even faster weeknight cooking.
Beyond the Recipe:
This recipe isn't just about a quick meal; it's about the ease and joy of cooking for my family. It's about finding that balance between healthy eating and convenience, something we all strive for in our busy lives. The simple act of preparing a tasty meal brings us together, creating memories and strengthening our bonds. It's a small act, but it's one that makes a big difference.
Cooking, for me, is more than just sustenance; it's an expression of love and care. And this Monterey Chicken? It's a delicious way to show that love, one bite at a time.
