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Easy Monterey Chicken Bake with melted cheese and bacon in white baking dish

Easy Monterey Chicken Bake: How to Make It in 30 Minutes

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This Easy Monterey Chicken Bake is the ultimate weeknight dinner – juicy chicken breasts smothered in melted Monterey Jack cheese, crispy bacon, and your choice of tangy BBQ sauce or creamy ranch. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a foolproof family favorite that delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup cooked turkey bacon, crumbled
  • ¼ cup BBQ sauce OR ranch dressing
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1️⃣ Prep

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
  • Pat chicken dry and arrange in dish.

2️⃣ Season

  • In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Sprinkle evenly over both sides of chicken.

3️⃣ Top & Bake

  • Spread 1 tbsp BBQ sauce or ranch over each breast.
  • Sprinkle with bacon, then cheese.
  • Bake uncovered 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

4️⃣ Finish

  • Broil 1-2 minutes for golden cheese (optional).
  • Garnish with parsley and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

✔ Make Ahead: Assemble (unbaked) and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add 5 mins baking time.
✔ Substitutions:

  • Cheese: Pepper Jack, cheddar, or mozzarella
  • Sauce: Honey mustard or buffalo sauce
    ✔ Storage: Keeps 3 days refrigerated or 2 months frozen.
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg