Description
Monterey Chicken Skillet is a flavorful, cheesy one-pan dinner featuring BBQ-spiced chicken breasts simmered in a rich tomato sauce and topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese. Finished with fresh cherry tomatoes, avocado, and herbs, this easy 30-minute meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delightful blend of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil
- 1/2 cup red wine or chicken broth
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
BBQ Spice Rub:
- 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced green onions
- Diced avocado
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Mix the BBQ Spice Rub: In a small bowl, whisk together all BBQ spice rub ingredients until well combined.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the BBQ spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts to ensure full flavor coverage.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 4–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Deglaze the Skillet: Pour red wine or chicken broth into the hot skillet. Simmer the liquid while scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the flavors.
- Add Tomato Puree: Stir in tomato puree and whisk until the sauce is smooth. Reduce heat and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer with Chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top to coat them.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the chicken. Cover the skillet and cook on low heat until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Top with desired garnishes such as sliced green onions, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve hot.
Notes
- Pound thick chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper from the BBQ rub.
- Use freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese for a smoother melt compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
