If you’re searching for a quick, comforting, and flavor-packed dinner, 20-Minute Skillet Monterey Chicken is the perfect solution. This classic American-style dish brings together tender chicken breasts, smoky barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheese — all cooked in one skillet for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is its simplicity. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and a single pan, you can create a restaurant-style meal that feels indulgent but fits easily into a busy weeknight schedule.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This skillet Monterey chicken is designed for real life. It’s fast, satisfying, and incredibly versatile.
The chicken stays juicy thanks to quick stovetop cooking, while the barbecue sauce adds a sweet-smoky depth that pairs beautifully with salty bacon and creamy melted cheese. Everything comes together in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for family dinners, last-minute meals, or when you simply don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
To make this easy skillet Monterey chicken, you’ll need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 slices bacon
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ to ¾ cup barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)
- 1 to 1½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (or a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar)
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon slices and cook until crispy, turning occasionally. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Leave a small amount of bacon fat in the skillet for flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
If the chicken breasts are thick, gently pound them to an even thickness. This helps them cook faster and more evenly. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, until lightly golden. At this stage, the chicken does not need to be fully cooked through.
Step 4: Simmer Until Juicy
Carefully pour the chicken broth into the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let the chicken simmer for about 4–5 minutes, or until fully cooked and tender.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
Remove the lid and turn off the heat. Spread barbecue sauce evenly over each chicken breast. Crumble the cooked bacon and sprinkle it over the sauce, then top generously with shredded cheese.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Cover the skillet again for a minute or two, or place it briefly under a broiler until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish with diced tomato and sliced green onions. Serve immediately while warm and melty.
Serving Suggestions
This Monterey chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. It also works well with steamed broccoli or green beans to offset the richness of the sauce and cheese.
Tips for the Best Skillet Monterey Chicken
- Use thin or evenly pounded chicken breasts to keep cooking time short.
- Choose a barbecue sauce you love — smoky, sweet, or slightly spicy all work well.
- Don’t overcook the chicken; simmer just until it’s done to keep it juicy.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the chicken seasoning.
A Quick Dinner That Never Disappoints
20-Minute Skillet Monterey Chicken is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s rich, comforting, and incredibly easy, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. With bold flavors, simple steps, and minimal cleanup, this dish proves that a delicious homemade dinner doesn’t have to be complicated.