Monterey Chicken Skillet has become my go-to for a weeknight lifesaver, and I’m so excited to share it with you! I remember the first time I made this, the kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of sizzling chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and melting cheese. It’s that perfect combination of savory and slightly sweet that just makes your taste buds sing. This easy Monterey chicken skillet is seriously a dream come true when you need a delicious meal on the table fast. Forget complicated steps; this is a true quick and easy chicken skillet dinner that tastes like you spent hours on it. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Monterey Chicken Skillet
This dish is a winner for so many reasons!
- Amazing Flavor: The combination of savory seared chicken, sweet barbecue sauce, and gooey Colby Jack cheese is simply irresistible.
- Super Speedy: With only 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cook time, this quick Monterey chicken skillet is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy Choice: Lean chicken breast and the ability to control sodium make this a satisfyingly healthy option.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, common ingredients that won’t break the bank.
- Family Approved: Even picky eaters will devour this cheesy, saucy chicken.
- Minimal Cleanup: As a fantastic one-pan Monterey chicken, you’ll spend less time scrubbing pots and more time enjoying your meal.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to your favorite cheeses or a spicier sauce.
Ingredients for Monterey Chicken Skillet
Gather these simple ingredients for a delicious chicken skillet with Monterey sauce. This Monterey chicken recipe uses staples you likely already have!
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts – about 6-8 ounces each, pounded to about 1/2-inch thickness for even cooking.
- 1/2 cup chicken stock – this helps create a flavorful sauce and steams the chicken perfectly.
- 4 tablespoons barbecue sauce – your favorite kind works, but a smoky hickory or sweet mesquite really shines.
- 4 ounces Colby Jack cheese, shredded – this melty cheese is key to that classic Monterey chicken topping!
- 1 tomato, diced – for a fresh, bright garnish.
- 2 green onions, sliced – adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
- Salt and pepper (optional) – to taste, if you like a little extra seasoning.
How to Make Your Monterey Chicken Skillet
Let’s walk through exactly how to make Monterey chicken skillet that’s bursting with flavor. This is where the magic happens, turning simple ingredients into an incredible Monterey chicken one pot meal.
- Step 1: Preheat your large skillet over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot to get a good sear on the chicken, which locks in the juices and adds fantastic flavor.
- Step 2: Prepare your chicken breasts. If they’re a bit thick, gently pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This ensures they cook through quickly and evenly. Season them with salt and pepper if you’re using them.
- Step 3: Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re beautifully golden brown. That sizzle is the sound of deliciousness starting!
- Step 4: Pour the 1/2 cup chicken stock into the hot skillet. You’ll hear a satisfying sizzle and see steam rise. Immediately cover the skillet and let the chicken cook through for about 4-5 minutes. This steaming method keeps the chicken incredibly moist.
- Step 5: Turn off the heat. This is crucial to prevent the cheese from burning. Now, spread the 4 tablespoons barbecue sauce evenly over the top of each seared chicken breast.
- Step 6: Generously top each sauce-covered chicken breast with the 4 ounces Colby Jack cheese, shredded. Make sure it covers the chicken nicely for that gooey, cheesy finish.
- Step 7: Carefully slide the skillet under your broiler for just 30 seconds to 1 minute. Keep a close eye on it – you only want the cheese to melt and get slightly bubbly, not burn. The aroma at this stage is incredible!
- Step 8: Remove the skillet from under the broiler. Garnish with the freshly 1 tomato, diced, and the 2 green onions, sliced. These fresh toppings add a lovely contrast in color and texture.
- Step 9: Serve your masterpiece immediately. This quick chicken skillet dinner is best enjoyed hot off the stove!
Pro Tips for the Best Monterey Chicken Skillet
Elevate your skillet chicken game with these simple tricks. They ensure your Monterey chicken skillet turns out perfectly every time, making it a truly memorable meal.
- Pound Uniformly: For the most even cooking and tender results in your quick Monterey chicken skillet, always pound your chicken breasts to a consistent thickness.
- Don’t Overcrowd: If your skillet isn’t large enough for all four chicken breasts without touching, sear them in batches. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature, leading to steamed, not seared, chicken.
- Broiler Watch: The broiler step is fast! Keep a very close eye on the cheese to prevent it from burning. A minute is usually plenty of time for that perfect melt.
What’s the secret to a perfect Monterey Chicken Skillet?
The secret to an authentic Monterey chicken skillet lies in searing the chicken properly first, then steaming it in the stock for ultimate moisture. Finishing under the broiler guarantees that irresistible, melted cheese topping.
Can I make Monterey Chicken Skillet ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken breasts (pound and season) and dice your toppings a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Cook the chicken and add toppings just before serving for the freshest taste.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Monterey Chicken Skillet?
A common pitfall is not preheating the skillet enough, leading to pale chicken. Also, avoid burning the cheese by turning off the heat before adding sauce and cheese, and watching the broiler closely.
Best Ways to Serve Monterey Chicken Skillet
This versatile Monterey chicken skillet is delicious on its own, but it truly shines when paired with complementary sides. For a classic American diner feel, serve it over fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up any extra sauce. If you’re craving something a bit more vibrant, consider adding a side of Monterey chicken with black beans and corn – it’s a fantastic combination that adds texture and Southwestern flair. Alternatively, a simple side salad or some steamed broccoli makes a great accompaniment, highlighting the rich flavors of this quick and easy chicken skillet dinner.
Nutrition Facts for Monterey Chicken Skillet
This healthy Monterey chicken skillet offers a balanced meal, but keep in mind these are approximations. The exact nutritional content for your quick Monterey chicken skillet can vary based on the specific barbecue sauce and cheese you use, as well as the leanness of your chicken breasts.
- Calories: Approx. 300-350
- Fat: Varies based on chicken cut and cheese amount
- Saturated Fat: Varies based on cheese amount
- Protein: High
- Carbohydrates: Varies
- Fiber: Low
- Sugar: Varies based on barbecue sauce
- Sodium: Can be controlled by using low-sodium barbecue sauce and optional salt
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Your Monterey Chicken Skillet
Leftovers of this amazing skillet Monterey chicken dinner are a treat! First, let your cooked Monterey chicken cool down completely at room temperature for about an hour. This is important for food safety and to prevent condensation inside your storage container. Once cooled, transfer the chicken and any remaining sauce to an airtight container. You can refrigerate your delicious Monterey chicken recipe leftovers for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully. Remove any fresh toppings like tomatoes and green onions, then wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating is simple! For the best results, gently reheat your Monterey chicken skillet in a skillet over medium-low heat, allowing the sauce to warm through and the cheese to melt slightly again. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first. Enjoy your flavorful meal all over again!
Frequently Asked Questions About Monterey Chicken Skillet
What is Monterey chicken skillet?
A Monterey chicken skillet is a popular American dish featuring pan-seared chicken breasts topped with barbecue sauce and melted cheese, often Colby Jack, and finished with fresh toppings like tomatoes and green onions. It’s known for being a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
What is the best Monterey chicken skillet recipe?
The best Monterey chicken skillet recipe is one that balances ease of preparation with incredible flavor. Key elements include perfectly seared chicken, a good quality barbecue sauce, melty cheese, and fresh garnishes for contrast. This recipe you’re reading is designed to be that perfect balance, offering a delicious outcome with minimal effort, ideal for beginners and busy cooks alike.
Can I use different kinds of cheese for my Monterey Chicken Skillet?
Absolutely! While Colby Jack is traditional and melts beautifully, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Pepper Jack adds a nice kick, shredded cheddar offers a sharper flavor, and even a blend of mozzarella and cheddar can be delicious. The goal is a cheese that melts well and complements the barbecue sauce.
How can I make this a spicy Monterey chicken skillet?
To add some heat to your spicy Monterey chicken skillet, you have a few options. You can use a spicy barbecue sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chicken before searing, or top the melted cheese with some sliced jalapeños. Pepper Jack cheese also contributes a nice level of heat.
Variations of Monterey Chicken Skillet You Can Try
This Monterey chicken skillet is incredibly versatile, and you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary needs! For those who love a little heat, transforming it into a spicy Monterey chicken skillet is simple: opt for a spicy barbecue sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper before searing the chicken. If you’re watching your carbs, a low-carb Monterey chicken skillet is achievable by skipping the traditional toppings that add carbs and focusing on extra cheese and perhaps some sautéed bell peppers and onions. To make a delicious gluten-free Monterey chicken skillet, simply ensure your barbecue sauce is certified gluten-free, as the other ingredients are naturally free of gluten. You can also experiment with different cheeses like Pepper Jack for an extra kick or even a smoky Gouda for a new flavor profile.
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Amazing Monterey Chicken Skillet in 10 mins
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A quick and flavorful Monterey Chicken Skillet recipe featuring seared chicken breasts topped with barbecue sauce, melted Colby Jack cheese, fresh tomatoes, and green onions. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 4 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- 4 ounces Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 tomato, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Pound chicken breasts to desired thickness and season with salt and pepper if using.
- Sear chicken on both sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Pour chicken stock into the skillet, cover, and cook for 4-5 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Turn off the heat. Spread barbecue sauce over each chicken breast.
- Top evenly with shredded Colby Jack cheese.
- Slide skillet under the broiler for 30 seconds to 1 minute until cheese is melted.
- Garnish with diced tomato and sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a different flavor, use pepper jack or mozzarella cheese.
- Use hickory-style barbecue sauce for a smokier taste.
- Serve over rice or with roasted vegetables for a heartier meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
- To freeze, remove fresh toppings, seal chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 300-350 (will vary based on specific ingredients)
- Sugar: Varies based on barbecue sauce
- Sodium: Can be controlled by using low-sodium barbecue sauce and optional salt
- Fat: Varies based on chicken cut and cheese amount
- Saturated Fat: Varies based on cheese amount
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies
- Trans Fat: Minimal
- Carbohydrates: Varies
- Fiber: Low
- Protein: High
- Cholesterol: Varies
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