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 BreastsBaconMonterey Jack CheeseCherry TomatoesLow Carb Barbecue SauceGarlic PowderPaprikaSaltBlack PepperGreen Onion
How To Make Monterey Chicken
Tips And Tricks
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 ChickenAir Fryer Chicken TendersKeto Tuscan ChickenSesame Ginger ChickenChipotle Chicken
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