Description
This Monterey Chicken Skillet is a bold, cheesy one-pan dinner made with BBQ-spiced chicken breasts simmered in a rich tomato sauce and topped with melted Monterey Jack. Finished with fresh cherry tomatoes, avocado, and herbs, it’s an easy 30-minute meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- In a small bowl, whisk together all BBQ spice rub ingredients.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook 4–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Pour red wine or chicken broth into the skillet. Simmer while scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in tomato puree and whisk until smooth. Reduce heat and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese over chicken.
- Cover and cook on low until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly.
- Remove from heat, add desired toppings, and serve hot.
Notes
- Pound thick chicken breasts for even cooking.
- For less heat, reduce or omit cayenne pepper.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Great served over rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg