Crock Pot Monterey Chicken is a classic restaurant menu item, now effortlessly brought to your home kitchen! Imagine tender chicken, slow-cooked to perfection in a rich BBQ sauce with savory onions, then crowned with melted cheese, crisp bacon, and fresh green onions. This dish is truly a symphony of flavors and textures, making it an instant family favorite.
Slow Cooker Monterey Chicken: An Effortless Weeknight Delight
If you’ve ever savored the iconic Chili’s Monterey Chicken or longed for Outback Steakhouse’s famous Alice Springs Chicken, then get ready to fall in love with this homemade Crock Pot Monterey Chicken recipe. It’s a remarkably easy, flavor-packed dinner that brings all those beloved restaurant tastes right to your table, without any of the fuss. Juicy chicken breasts slowly simmer in a vibrant, tangy BBQ sauce, absorbing incredible depth of flavor. Once cooked, they’re transformed into a culinary masterpiece with a generous topping of crispy bacon, a blanket of melted cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh garnishes. With such an irresistible combination, how could anyone resist?
“We love all your crockpot recipes but this is one of our new favorites! So easy and everyone loved the flavor!
– Lily”
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Monterey Chicken Recipe
This Monterey Chicken recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s a testament to the magic of slow cooking. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a wholesome, homemade meal without being tied to the stove. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your regular rotation:
- Unbeatable Flavor: The combination of smoky BBQ sauce, zesty green chiles, and savory spices creates a complex flavor profile that perfectly complements the chicken.
- Incredibly Easy: With minimal prep time, your slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing you to focus on other tasks while dinner cooks itself.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the familiar and comforting flavors of chicken, bacon, and cheese. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with various side dishes, from mashed potatoes to a simple green salad, making it a flexible option for any meal.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level, cheese type, or even the protein to suit your family’s preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
This flavorful chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. I highly recommend serving it with creamy Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes and fresh green beans, as seen in the photos, for a complete and satisfying meal. Other excellent choices include steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus, or some fluffy Garlic Butter Rice. For soaking up all that delicious sauce, consider a bed of brown rice or egg noodles. A crisp garden salad also adds a refreshing contrast.
Absolutely, you can skip the browning step if you’re really pressed for time. While it’s not strictly required for cooking the chicken through, browning does add a lovely golden color to the chicken and helps to seal in some of the natural juices, contributing to a more appealing presentation and slightly richer flavor. If you choose to skip it, the chicken will still be tender and delicious.
Yes, you certainly can adapt this recipe for the oven. Simply toss everything except the bacon and cheese into a baking dish. Bake uncovered at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 30 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, sprinkle the bacon and cheese over the chicken and return it to the oven briefly, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Then, serve immediately.
You bet! To prepare on the stovetop, first, add the seasoned chicken breasts to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook on both sides until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Next, pour in the BBQ sauce, Rotel (drained tomatoes with green chiles), and any additional herbs or spices you desire. Lower the heat to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Finally, add the cooked bacon and cheese just before serving. You can cover the skillet briefly to help the cheese melt perfectly.
Leftovers of this Crock Pot Monterey Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken (without the fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months. When reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or extra BBQ sauce to prevent drying out.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Monterey Chicken
Crafting this incredible slow cooker dish requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few tips and substitutions:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These are ideal for their lean protein and tender texture when slow-cooked. For a richer flavor and moist result, you could easily substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Adjust cooking time slightly if using thighs.
- Garlic Powder: A staple spice that adds a foundational aromatic flavor to the chicken.
- Onion Powder: Complements the garlic powder, contributing another layer of savory depth to the seasoning blend.
- Smoked Paprika: This is a key ingredient for that delicious, subtle smoky flavor reminiscent of grilling. While regular paprika can be used in a pinch, I highly recommend smoked paprika for its unique character.
- BBQ Sauce: The heart of the sauce! Use your favorite brand, whether it’s sweet, spicy, or tangy. For an extra special touch, consider making some Homemade BBQ sauce.
- Tomatoes with Green Chiles (like Rotel): These add a fantastic boost of flavor and a touch of mild heat. Draining them beforehand prevents the dish from becoming too watery. If you prefer a spicier kick, opt for a hot variety of Rotel or use a chunky, flavorful salsa as a substitute.
- Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon provides a wonderful salty crunch. I typically cook and chop fresh bacon, but pre-packaged bacon pieces can be a convenient shortcut when you’re short on time.
- Colby Jack Cheese Slices: This cheese melts beautifully and adds a creamy, mild flavor. Feel free to use your favorite cheese; Mozzarella, Pepper Jack (for more spice), Gouda, or Provolone are all excellent melting cheese options that would work well. Shredded cheese can also be used.
- Fresh Tomato (diced): This is an optional garnish for serving, adding a burst of freshness and color. If you forget to pick some up at the store, don’t worry, the dish is still incredibly delicious without it.
- Green Onions (sliced): Another optional fresh garnish that provides a mild oniony bite and bright color. If you’re not a fan of green onions, simply omit them.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken to perfection. Adjust to your taste.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Crock Pot Monterey Chicken
Get ready to create a mouth-watering meal with these easy-to-follow instructions. The slow cooker truly makes this recipe foolproof!
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by patting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts completely dry with a paper towel. This step helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes a nicer sear.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of pepper, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Generously season both sides of each chicken breast with this aromatic mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Brown the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and brown them for approximately 2 minutes on each side. Remember, the goal here is to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and add a layer of flavor, not to cook the chicken all the way through.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Carefully place the browned chicken breasts into a 5-6 quart slow cooker.
- Add Sauce and Chiles: Pour 1 cup of your chosen BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken breasts. Then, spoon the drained 10-ounce can of tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel) on top of the chicken.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The cooking time can vary based on your slow cooker and the thickness of your chicken breasts, so using a meat thermometer is always the best way to ensure doneness.
- Add More BBQ Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, remove the lid and pour the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce over the chicken breasts. This adds another layer of fresh, vibrant BBQ flavor.
- Top with Cheese: Place a slice of Colby Jack cheese (or your preferred cheese) on top of each chicken breast.
- Garnish and Melt: Generously top each chicken breast with the crumbled bacon, diced fresh tomatoes, and sliced green onions. Cover the slow cooker again and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy!: Your magnificent Crock Pot Monterey Chicken is now ready! Serve immediately with your favorite sides and prepare for rave reviews.
Craving More Slow Cooker Recipes?
If you loved this easy and delicious slow cooker recipe, you’re in luck! We have a wide array of other fantastic Crock Pot creations that are perfect for any occasion. Explore these popular choices for more effortless and flavorful meals:
- Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
- Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken
- Crock Pot Crack Chicken
- Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan
- Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy
- Crock Pot Chicken and Ranch
- Crock Pot Angel Chicken
- Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
- Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
Crock Pot Monterey Chicken
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5 minutes
6 hours
6 hours 5 minutes
4
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups BBQ sauce (divided use)
- 10 ounce can tomatoes with green chiles, drained (like Rotel)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 slices Colby Jack cheese
- 1 tomato, diced
- 4 green onions, diced
Instructions
- Pat dry 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with a paper towel.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon pepper and ½ teaspoon salt. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with this seasoning mixture.
- In a large skillet over medium high heat, brown both sides of the chicken for about 2 minutes (or until browned, we’re not cooking all the way through, just giving the chicken some color.)
- Add the browned chicken to a 5-6 quart slow cooker.
- Pour 1 cup BBQ sauce over the chicken. Then add 10 ounce can tomatoes with green chiles, drained on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours (or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F degrees).
- Top the chicken breasts with the remaining cup of BBQ sauce.
- Add a slice of Colby Jack cheese to the top of each of the chicken breasts.
- Top each one with bacon, chopped tomatoes and sliced green onions.
- Cover and let cook 10 more minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- Then serve!
Video
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Dinner, Main Course
American
Nutrition
Calories:
825kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
66g
|
Protein:
63g
|
Fat:
33g
|
Sodium:
2498mg
|
Fiber:
3g
|
Sugar:
51g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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There you have it – a simple yet sensational Crock Pot Monterey Chicken recipe that’s bound to become a staple in your home. This dish delivers on flavor, convenience, and pure comfort, making it ideal for busy families or anyone looking for a hearty, satisfying meal. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and prepare to enjoy a taste of restaurant-quality goodness right from your own kitchen. Happy cooking!