Description
Monterey Chicken is a flavorful baked chicken dish marinated in a sweet and savory blend of honey, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Topped with crispy applewood smoked bacon, tangy barbecue sauce, melted Monterey Jack cheese, fresh diced Roma tomatoes, and green onions, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Toppings
- 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 the honey, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the marinade. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight to enhance flavor.
- Bake Chicken: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the marinated chicken breasts into a 9×13-inch baking dish, covering the dish with foil to retain moisture. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked through.
- Cook Bacon: While the chicken bakes, fry the applewood smoked bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat, drain on paper towels, and roughly chop once cooled. Set aside for topping.
- Assemble and Broil: Once the chicken is cooked, remove the foil and spread barbecue sauce evenly over each breast. Sprinkle chopped bacon and shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top. Preheat your oven’s broiler to high and place the assembled chicken under the broiler, cooking briefly until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with freshly diced Roma tomatoes and chopped green onions for a fresh finish. Serve immediately and enjoy the savory, cheesy, and slightly sweet Monterey Chicken.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Keep an eye on the broiler to prevent burning the cheese.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked.
- Applewood smoked bacon adds a distinct smoky flavor; substitute with your favorite bacon if desired.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
