Description
Monterey Chicken is a flavorful baked chicken dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts marinated in a sweet and savory mixture of honey, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic. It is topped with crispy applewood smoked bacon, tangy barbecue sauce, and melted Monterey Jack cheese, then broiled to bubbly perfection. Finished with fresh diced Roma tomatoes and chopped green onions, this dish offers a delicious balance of sweet, smoky, and savory tastes perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Toppings and Garnishes
- 8 slices applewood smoked bacon
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a large sealable bag or bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and ensure they are fully coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Bake Chicken: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the marinated chicken breasts in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with foil to retain moisture and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cook Bacon: While the chicken bakes, fry the applewood smoked bacon in a skillet until it is crispy. Remove the bacon, drain on paper towels, then roughly chop it into pieces. Set aside for topping.
- Assemble and Broil: Once chicken is done baking, carefully remove the foil. Spread barbecue sauce evenly over each chicken breast. Sprinkle the cooked, chopped bacon over the sauce, then top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Turn the broiler on high, place the baking dish under the broiler, and broil until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, about 3 to 5 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly diced Roma tomatoes and chopped green onions. Serve immediately for the best combination of flavors and textures.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Use tongs when broiling to prevent splattering from the barbecue sauce.
- Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce and bacon to your preference.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
