Monterey Chicken | Air Fryer Smothered Chicken Recipe

Create an irresistible Monterey Chicken using the magic of your air fryer. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this mouthwatering combination of juicy grilled chicken, smoky bacon, melted cheese, and zesty barbecue sauce.

Why This Will Be Your Go-To Weeknight Meal

• Fast.
• Easy.
• Low Carb.

With just a handful of ingredients and the help of your trusty air fryer, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in the comfort of your own kitchen. The Air Fryer Monterey Chicken brings together the perfect blend of flavors and textures, with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, gooey melted cheese, and tangy barbecue sauce.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Chicken Breasts
• Bacon
• Monterey Jack Cheese
• Cherry Tomatoes
• Low Carb Barbecue Sauce
• Garlic Powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Green Onion

How To Make Monterey Chicken

1. Preheat the Air Fryer- Start by preheating your air fryer to 400F. Preheating ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and achieves that desirable crispy exterior.
2. Season the Chicken- In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with this flavorful mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
3. Wrap with Bacon- Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each chicken breast, securing it in place. The bacon will not only infuse a smoky flavor into the chicken but also keep it moist during the cooking process.
4. Air Fry the Chicken- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them for proper air circulation. Cook for approximately 20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F and the bacon turns crispy.
5. Add Cheese and Barbecue Sauce- Once the chicken is cooked, remove the basket from the air fryer and sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over each chicken breast. Drizzle the barbecue sauce generously on top of the cheese.
6. Air Fry Again- Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
7. Serve and Garnish- Carefully remove the Air Fryer Monterey Chicken from the basket and transfer it to a serving plate. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for an added touch of freshness and vibrant color.

Tips And Tricks

1. Use Thinly Sliced Chicken Breasts- Opt for chicken breasts that are relatively thin or consider butterflying them to ensure even cooking. Thinner pieces cook faster and more evenly in the air fryer.
2. Marinate the Chicken- For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in your favorite marinade for at least 30 minutes before seasoning and cooking. This will infuse the meat with delicious flavors and make it even more tender.
3. Experiment with Cheese- While Monterey Jack cheese is the traditional choice for Monterey Chicken, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese like cheddar, pepper jack, or even a combination of different cheeses. This allows you to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

Variations

• Southwest Monterey Chicken- Season the chicken with a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika for a southwestern flair. Top the chicken with pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack for a spicier kick. Serve with a side of black beans, corn salsa, and a dollop of sour cream for a complete southwestern meal.
• BBQ Ranch Monterey Chicken- Instead of using regular barbecue sauce, mix equal parts barbecue sauce and ranch dressing for a creamy and tangy flavor combination. Top the chicken with a blend of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses for a richer taste. Garnish with chopped green onions and crispy bacon bits for added texture and flavor.
• Hawaiian Monterey Chicken- Marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger for a tropical twist. Use a combination of Swiss and Monterey Jack cheeses for a milder, creamy flavor. Top the chicken with grilled pineapple rings and sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes before serving.
• Mediterranean Monterey Chicken- Season the chicken with a blend of dried oregano, garlic powder, lemon zest, and black pepper. Replace the barbecue sauce with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a spread of sun-dried tomato pesto. Top the chicken with crumbled feta cheese and chopped Kalamata olives. Serve with a side of Mediterranean-inspired couscous or a Greek salad.
• Buffalo Monterey Chicken- Season the chicken with a mixture of buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Use blue cheese crumbles instead of Monterey Jack cheese for that classic buffalo chicken flavor. Serve with a side of celery sticks and a creamy blue cheese dressing.

What To Serve With It

When it comes to serving Monterey Chicken, there are various delicious side dishes that can complement the flavors and create a well-rounded meal. Here are some popular options:

• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables- Steamed or roasted vegetables provide a nutritious and simple side dish. Choose vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, or asparagus. Season them with herbs, garlic, or a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.
• Fresh Garden Salad- A refreshing garden salad is always a great accompaniment to Monterey Chicken. Toss together a mix of crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and your favorite salad toppings. Dress it with a light vinaigrette or a creamy dressing of your choice.
• Rice or Quinoa- Serve Monterey Chicken with a side of cooked rice or quinoa for a satisfying and filling meal. You can opt for white rice, brown rice, wild rice, or even flavorful variations like cilantro-lime rice or lemon-herb quinoa.
• Baked Potato- Baked potatoes make a hearty and comforting side dish. Serve them with toppings such as sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, or bacon bits. You can also try sweet potatoes for a healthier twist.
• Corn on the Cob- Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a classic choice to pair with Monterey Chicken. Brush the corn with butter, sprinkle with salt, and cook until tender. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a burst of flavor.

How Long Does It Last?

The shelf life of Monterey Chicken depends on how it has been stored and handled. Here are some general guidelines:

If you have leftovers from a meal that has already been cooked, they should be stored promptly in the refrigerator

Wrap the chicken tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. Leftover Monterey Chicken can typically be consumed within 2-3 days.

Can You Freeze It?

If you'd like to extend the shelf life of Monterey Chicken, you can freeze it. It's best to freeze the chicken before adding the cheese and barbecue sauce. Wrap each chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or place them in freezer-safe bags.

Frozen Monterey Chicken can be stored for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

More Low Carb Chicken Recipes

• Instant Pot Butter Chicken
• Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
• Keto Tuscan Chicken
• Sesame Ginger Chicken
• Chipotle Chicken

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