Copycat Chili's Monterey Chicken
Recipe Overview
Overview
This Copycat Chili’s Monterey Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of the restaurant right into your kitchen. The recipe starts with chicken breasts, which are pounded to an even thickness for tender, juicy results. Seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, the chicken is then cooked to perfection, either on the stovetop or grilled for that extra smoky flavor. The addition of barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, and a generous layer of cheese transforms this dish into a comforting meal that everyone will love.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way it allows for customization. You can easily swap out the cheese or add different toppings based on your preferences. The final touch of broiling the chicken ensures that the cheese melts beautifully, creating a deliciously gooey topping that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and crispy bacon. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
This Monterey Chicken is not just a meal; it’s a nostalgic trip back to those fun nights at Chili’s. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Plus, the leftovers reheat wonderfully, making it a great option for lunchboxes or quick dinners throughout the week.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise into cutlets and pound between plastic wrap.
Tip: Pounding the chicken tenderizes it and allows for faster and more even cooking.
Season chicken with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
Preheat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the hot skillet.
Add chicken breasts in a single layer and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes.
Flip chicken and brush the top generously with barbecue sauce.
Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes on the second side.
Flip chicken again and brush the second side with barbecue sauce.
Remove chicken from heat once it reaches 165°F.
Tip: For an extra layer of smoky flavor, try cooking the chicken over a grill.
Arrange cooked chicken in an oven-safe skillet or casserole dish.
Brush the top of the chicken with another layer of barbecue sauce.
Top with cooked bacon crisscrossed over each piece of chicken.
Mix equal parts Monterey Jack cheese and shredded cheddar cheese.
Divide cheese evenly over the chicken.
Tip: Using a blend of Monterey Jack cheese and shredded cheddar cheese enhances flavor.
Tip: Have your toppings ready to go since the dish finishes cooking quickly under the broiler.
Prepare diced tomatoes and fresh chives for garnish.
Tip: Keep an eye on the cheese while broiling, as it melts quickly.
Tip: Garnish with diced tomatoes and green onions for fresh flavor and color.
Pop the skillet into the oven and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is melted.
Serve the chicken with creamy mashed potatoes and a simple side salad.
Add a pat of butter to the mashed potatoes before serving.
Tip: If you have a grill available, grilling adds a little bit of smoky flavor.
Place a piece of chicken in the center of the plate.
Lift the chicken to show the cheese pull.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Almond Milk
Ingredient: Eggs
→ Substitution: Flaxseed Meal + Water
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
Got a Recipe Question? Ask Away!
Interesting Tidbits
- •Pounding chicken breast helps tenderize the meat and ensures even cooking.
- •Using a grill adds a smoky flavor that enhances the dish.
- •Broiling the chicken with cheese creates a bubbly, gooey topping.
- •Diced tomatoes and fresh chives add freshness and color to the dish.
