Bring Home the Flavors of Texas: Copycat Chili’s Monterey Chicken Recipe

Craving a restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your home? Look no further than this copycat recipe for Chili's famous Monterey Chicken. Originally a staple at the well-loved restaurant chain, this dish combines the bold flavors of barbecue sauce, crisp bacon, and melted Monterey Jack cheese, delivering a savory experience that’s hard to beat. Perfect for a family dinner or a hearty solo meal, this Monterey Chicken recipe brings a taste of Chili’s straight to your kitchen.

Photo bySilly Girl's Kitchen

Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a smoky barbecue sauce, topped with gooey melted cheese, and crispy bacon. This Southern-style dish captures the essence of comfort food. Whether you’ve enjoyed this dish in a Chili's restaurant before or it's your first time trying it, you're going to love this homemade version. Best of all, it’s easy to make with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry!

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese (or a Monterey Jack/Cheddar blend), freshly shredded
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (choose a thick, sweet variety)
• 1 tomato, diced (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced thin (optional)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp avocado or canola oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9x13” baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of wax paper and pound them to an even thickness, about ½ inch. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown, then transfer them to the baking dish.
4. Add the Toppings: Spread a generous amount of barbecue sauce over each chicken breast. Top with crumbled bacon and shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
5. Bake: Bake the chicken in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with diced tomatoes and green onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions:

Pair this Monterey Chicken with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or roasted sweet potatoes. You can even turn it into a sandwich by placing the chicken between a toasted bun!

Conclusion:

This copycat recipe for Chili’s Monterey Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your home. It’s a crowd-pleaser, packed with flavor, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you're in Texas or elsewhere, this dish offers a taste of Southern comfort that’s hard to resist.

Did you try this recipe? Leave a comment and let me know how it turned out for you! Don’t forget to follow me for more delicious recipes like this one.

Sources:

Easy Monterey Chicken Recipe (Chili's Copycat) - An Edible Mosaic™

Try This Fantastic Copycat Chili's Monterey Chicken Recipe (momswhothink.com)

Chili's Monterey Chicken Recipe - The Dinner-Mom