When Tara and I started dating one of the things she liked having for dinner was Monterey Chicken. It’s a copycat version of a menu item that Chili’s used to serve. The chicken is grilled and covered in BBQ sauce and melted cheese . It’s topped with crumbled bacon, green onions and tomatoes. While Chili’s no longer has this on their menu you can still make this copycat version at home.
I admit, grilling is one of the cooking methods I am working on but still needs improvement. Tara is the Grill Master at the house. She usually grills while I do the inside prep work for meals. I especially like when she grills chicken breasts. They always stay juicy and full of flavor. This Monterey Chicken recipe is a really good reason to continue practicing my grilling skills.
Monterey Chicken Notes:
- It’s a great recipe that doesn’t need writing down. Make it a couple times and you’ll have it memorized.
- This is a quick grill recipe is great for weeknight cooking.
- Using the grill allows you to keep the house a little cooler during the hot summer months.
- If you prefer to not grill your chicken, sautéing, using an indoor grill, or baking is always an option as another cooking method.
- While I give measurements, they are not really needed. You can make this recipe for 4 or 6 people as easily as for 2 people or just yourself.
- Don’t have bacon cooked? Use real bacon bits out of the bag. It works just fine for this recipe.
- Serve extra BBQ Sauce on the side for dipping. I like using these condiment cups like the restaurants use. They’re fun for grown-ups and kids. The also allow for portion control.
- Serve Monterey Chicken with sides like Sautéed Green Beans or Corn and Avocado Salad.
Monterey Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Breasts
- Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper
- 1/2 to 1 Cup of your favorite BBQ Sauce. This BBQ Sauce is gluten free as of the time of this post
- 1 Cup of shredded cheese – Monterey Jack. Cheddar or a blend of the two
- 4 Slices of Bacon, Cooked and crumbled
- 1 Small Tomato, diced
- 2 Green Onions, sliced
Instructions
- Coat chicken breasts with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill chicken over medium high heat for about 5-8 minutes or until cooked through. Chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°.
- Once the chicken is cooked, top each chicken breast with BBQ sauce and shredded cheese.
- Remove the chicken from the grill once the cheese has melted.
- Top with Crumbled Bacon, Tomatoes, and green Onions and serve.
I have made this before! Ruby Tuesday’s used to have it on their menu YEARS ago (maybe 15-20) and I copied it. I haven’t made it in quite a while. I may have to do it again very soon! And it has bacon, so…
It’s a great recipe for grilling!