Experience a flavor upgrade with this moist and flavorful keto Monterey Chicken recipe! Featuring ingredients like bacon, green onions, and tomatoes, this saucy chicken dish packs a punch. This recipe is easy to follow, perfect for the solo keto dieter, and guarantees bold flavors in every bite. If you’re feeling hungry, Chef Jenn is here to share tips that will help you master this delicious keto chicken recipe every time!
Are you a chicken lover but wish to avoid leftovers? This low-carb chicken recipe for one is tailored for you! It boasts maximum flavor, minimal preparation, and nearly no net carbs, allowing you to indulge in something delicious quickly. Want more servings? No worries! This recipe is easily scalable for double or even quadruple servings! If you’re craving something bursting with flavor, this is reminiscent of Chili’s Monterey Chicken!
Ingredients to Prepare Keto Monterey Chicken
- Digital meat thermometer
- Avocado oil or olive oil
- Chicken breast – see my tips below
- Keto-friendly BBQ sauce
- 1-2 strips of bacon
- Green onion
- Diced fresh tomatoes
- Monterey jack cheese
- Salt and pepper
Buying Chicken
Chicken is a popular meat in the USA, and for good reason. It’s budget-friendly, straightforward to prepare, and incredibly tasty. However, shopping for chicken when cooking for one can be somewhat challenging. Here are my suggestions for successfully executing this keto recipe:
- Opt for individually quick frozen (IQF) chicken breasts. These come frozen and can be stored in your freezer, allowing you to thaw only what’s needed for your meal.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts tend to cost more than bone-in pieces. Both types work, but I personally prefer the flavor of bone-in chicken, which may take slightly longer to cook but is well worth it for the taste.
- Purchasing larger packs of chicken typically results in savings compared to smaller packages. Consider investing in a vacuum sealer to store any excess chicken for later use.
- Always check the ingredient label on chicken! You might be surprised to find that many products have added “seasoning” solutions, often high in sodium and unnecessary fillers. Aim for chicken with a single ingredient: chicken.
Cooking Keto Monterey Chicken for One
- Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper, then heat oil in a hot oven-safe skillet (like a cast iron skillet). Sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side to achieve color, without fully cooking it through.
- Add your favorite sugar-free BBQ sauce and cheese on top of the chicken. Transfer to a preheated 375°F oven and bake for roughly 15-20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F as checked with a digital meat thermometer.
- While the chicken is cooking, fry the bacon until crispy. Drain the excess fat and set aside the bacon.
- Chop the fresh tomato and green onion.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, sprinkle the crispy bacon, green onion, and diced tomato over the top. For a final touch, broil the chicken for a minute or two to warm the toppings.
- Serve the dish and enjoy!
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- Avoid overcooking the chicken! There’s nothing more disappointing than dry chicken breasts. Use a digital meat thermometer for accurate readings; remove the chicken from heat as soon as it hits 165°F.
- If you prefer using chicken thighs, you can prepare them similarly, but be mindful to adjust the cooking duration for boneless pieces, as they’ll take less time to cook.
- Spice things up by adding a dash of chili flakes or chipotle powder for additional heat!
- Pay attention to BBQ sauce ingredients – if you can’t find a satisfactory store-bought option, consider making your own.
- If you’re strict about carbs, you don’t need to worry about the few tomatoes in this meal.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties! While Monterey Jack is the classic choice for this dish, feel free to substitute it with pepper jack, smoked gouda, mozzarella, or any cheese you prefer!
- For extra flavor, consider using pico de gallo instead of plain tomatoes to top off your Monterey Chicken!
- Love avocados? Add some diced avocado and a dollop of sour cream on each chicken breast before serving, transforming it into Monterey Chicken with Avocado!
- Feel free to use turkey bacon as a substitute for pork bacon if you wish.
- Enhance the flavor even further by incorporating green chilies!
- Prep the bacon beforehand to cut down on meal prep time.
What to Serve with Keto Monterey Chicken for One
I like to pair this bold-flavored keto chicken dish with a simple vegetable side, such as air fryer broccoli with garlic & parmesan or a tasty air fryer asparagus option. Bring your favorite veggies, like these everything bagel seasoning cucumber boats, into this meal to create a delightful and hearty dining experience!
Common Questions
Absolutely! Instead of using an oven, preheat your air fryer to 380°F and cook the chicken for about 12-14 minutes. Ensure you check with your digital meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. The internal temperature should be 165°F.
Yes! You can definitely prepare this Monterey Chicken ahead of time. Just prepare all ingredients, including browning the chicken, and then finish it in the oven when you’re ready to eat!
Technically yes, but it can be tricky. Chicken breasts can become dry when frozen unless they’re part of a casserole or another moist dish. If you’re okay with the possibility of a bit of dryness and mushy tomatoes, feel free to freeze this!
Enjoy More Easy Keto Recipes!
I’m always exploring new recipes in the kitchen, and while I have plenty of successful creations, there are always some that aren’t as popular. However, here are a few of my all-time favorites: