Welcome to the ultimate guide for making delicious Air Fryer Monterey Chicken! This dish features juicy chicken breasts topped with smoky bacon, melted cheese, and a flavorful barbecue sauce. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for weeknights or any time you want something tasty and satisfying. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Air Fryer Monterey Chicken is a flavorful, juicy, and cheesy dish that’s easy to make. The air fryer ensures the chicken is cooked to perfection, while the toppings add a delicious blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar)
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small tomato, diced
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Prepare the Chicken
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
Season the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Spray with Olive Oil:
Lightly spray the chicken breasts with olive oil to help them stay moist during cooking.
2. Cook the Chicken
Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching.
Air Fry:
Cook the chicken at 380°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
3. Add Toppings
Add Barbecue Sauce:
Brush the cooked chicken breasts with barbecue sauce.
Add Cheese and Bacon:
Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese over each chicken breast. Place two slices of crispy bacon on top of the cheese.
4. Melt the Cheese
Air Fry Again:
Return the topped chicken breasts to the air fryer and cook at 380°F (190°C) for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve
Add Fresh Toppings:
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and place on a serving plate. Top with thinly sliced red onions and diced tomatoes.
Garnish:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for added flavor and color.
Serve:
Serve the Air Fryer Monterey Chicken hot, with your favorite sides like a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Monterey Chicken
Even Cooking: Ensure the chicken breasts are of similar size and thickness for even cooking. Pound them to an even thickness if necessary.
Crispy Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy to add a nice texture contrast to the dish.
Cheese Choices: Use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack and cheddar for added flavor.
Variations to Try
Spicy Monterey Chicken: Add sliced jalapeños on top for a spicy kick.
Hawaiian Style: Add pineapple slices on top of the cheese for a sweet and savory twist.
Herb Infused: Mix fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the barbecue sauce for added depth of flavor.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Monterey Chicken is a delicious and easy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its juicy chicken, smoky bacon, melted cheese, and tangy barbecue sauce, it’s sure to be a hit.
Key Takeaway
The secret to perfect Air Fryer Monterey Chicken lies in cooking the chicken to the right temperature and adding flavorful toppings. By following this guide, you’ll create a delicious and satisfying meal every time.
We hope you found this guide helpful and inspiring. Enjoy your Air Fryer Monterey Chicken!