The BEST Grilled Monterey Chicken

Monterey Jack cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: cheddar cheese

Part-skim mozzarella reduces fat while maintaining meltiness.

bacon

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: pork belly

Turkey bacon has fewer calories and fat.

barbecue sauce

🥗Healthier: homemade sauce

💰Cheaper: ketchup + vinegar

Homemade sauce can be lower in sugar.

chicken breasts

🥗Healthier: chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: bone-in chicken

Thighs are juicier and often less expensive.

Season the chicken breasts with grande gringo Mexican seasoning, coating both sides well and patting it in to stick.

Let the seasoned chicken rest while firing up the grill to 325°F using cherry pellets for mild smoke.

Spray the grill rack with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then lay the chicken breasts directly on the rack.

Close the grill lid and cook the chicken for about 15-20 minutes.

Insert a probe thermometer into the thickest part of the largest chicken breast to monitor the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F.

When the internal temperature reaches about 157°F, transfer the chicken breasts to an iron skillet, keeping the probe in.

Top the chicken with barbecue sauce, allowing it to glaze over the chicken as it cooks.

Close the grill lid and let the chicken reach 165°F, checking the temperature with the probe.

Once at 165°F, remove the skillet from the grill, wearing hand protection due to the heat.

Top each chicken breast with chopped cooked bacon and a mix of grated cheddar and Jack cheese.

Return the skillet to the grill to melt the cheese, which should take less than 5 minutes.

Check the chicken to ensure the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Garnish with thinly sliced green onions before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens