There’s nothing quite like Baked Monterey Chicken to make dinner feel special without a ton of effort. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are topped with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a vibrant mix of tomatoes and green onions—creating a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious.

I first made this recipe on a busy weeknight when I was short on time but craving something flavorful and satisfying. To my surprise, it quickly became a family favorite. Now, it’s on regular rotation in my kitchen for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Monterey Chicken
Get ready to meet your new go-to chicken dinner! This Baked Monterey Chicken is packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make.
First, it’s quick and simple. From prep to table, you’ll have a mouthwatering, satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious without the hassle.
It’s also a family-friendly recipe. Even picky eaters love the combination of cheesy goodness and crispy bacon. Add a pop of fresh tomatoes and green onions on top, and you have a dish that everyone will devour.
Plus, it’s completely customizable. Whether you want to switch up the cheese, add extra toppings, or lighten things up, this recipe can be tailored to your tastes.
Finally, it’s versatile. Pair it with rice, pasta, or a simple green salad for a complete meal that feels as impressive as a restaurant dish—without the restaurant price.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Baked Monterey Chicken lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of textures and tastes.
Chicken Breasts – I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. Pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly and stay juicy. If you prefer, you can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Bacon – Crispy bacon adds a salty, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the melty cheese and tender chicken. Cook the bacon ahead of time to save prep time.
Cheese – Monterey Jack cheese is the star here, but feel free to mix it up. A combination of Monterey Jack and cheddar works beautifully, giving the dish an extra sharp, cheesy kick.
BBQ Sauce – A little BBQ sauce adds a smoky, tangy flavor that brings all the components together. Choose your favorite brand, or make your own homemade sauce if you prefer.
Tomatoes and Green Onions – Freshly chopped tomatoes and green onions add a burst of color and freshness that balances the rich, cheesy toppings.
Special Equipment – You’ll need a 9x13-inch baking dish and a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken evenly.
How to Make This Baked Monterey Chicken

Making Baked Monterey Chicken is incredibly easy, and the results are downright irresistible. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a winning meal in no time.
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish. This ensures the chicken doesn’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Next, prepare your chicken breasts. If they’re thick, pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This step ensures they cook evenly and stay tender. Season the chicken with a little salt and pepper on both sides for flavor.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. Once it’s cooled, crumble it into bite-sized pieces.
Place the chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish and brush each one generously with BBQ sauce. The sauce adds a tangy, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the toppings.
Now comes the fun part—layer on the toppings! Sprinkle each chicken breast with shredded Monterey Jack cheese, then add the crumbled bacon. Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
While the chicken bakes, dice your tomatoes and chop the green onions. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and top with the fresh tomatoes and green onions.
Let the dish rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This quick step helps the cheese set and makes the dish even easier to plate.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (though it’s rare with this dish!), here’s how to store and enjoy your Baked Monterey Chicken later:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure the chicken has cooled completely before storing.
- Freezer: You can freeze cooked Monterey chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. For a quicker option, use the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals until warm. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese and toppings to revive the flavors.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of Baked Monterey Chicken is how adaptable it is. Here are a few fun ways to switch things up:
- Change the Cheese – While Monterey Jack is the classic choice, you can experiment with cheddar, pepper jack, or even mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick – If you like a little heat, add a drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before baking. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce for an extra punch.
- Add Veggies – Add some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach on top of the chicken before baking for extra texture and nutrition.
- Swap the Protein – Not a fan of chicken breasts? Use boneless chicken thighs or even pork chops as a delicious alternative. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Lighten It Up – For a lower-calorie version, use turkey bacon and reduce the amount of cheese. You’ll still get all the flavors without the guilt!
Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own—experiment with your favorite toppings and flavors. After all, that’s the joy of cooking!
Ready to give your family a meal they’ll ask for again and again? This Baked Monterey Chicken is the perfect combination of easy, flavorful, and family-friendly. Serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad, and you’ll have a dinner that’s both impressive and effortless.
PrintBaked Monterey Chicken Recipe
Baked Monterey Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with crispy bacon, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and fresh green onions. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and is packed with protein and delicious flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts in the baking dish and brush with the honey-mustard mixture.
- Bake the chicken for 20 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Remove from the oven and top each chicken breast with shredded cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Return to the oven for 5 more minutes, or until the cheese melts.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- Serve with a side of steamed veggies or rice for a complete meal.
- Use pepper jack cheese for a spicier version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 540mg
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