Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine with the most mouthwatering Air Fryer Monterey Chicken you've ever tasted! Imagine perfectly crispy chicken breasts, glazed with tangy barbecue sauce, smothered in melted Monterey Jack cheese, and topped with crispy bacon bits – all prepared in just 30 minutes with minimal effort. This recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that combines restaurant-quality flavor with home-cooking convenience.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispy exterior.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures proper cooking and helps create a golden-brown exterior.
- Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, brush each chicken breast generously with barbecue sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the sauced chicken breasts and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and slightly bubbly.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Top the chicken with crumbled bacon and chopped green onions just before serving.
- Serve hot with additional barbecue sauce on the side if desired, and pair with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crisp exterior that locks in maximum flavor.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken every single time. The internal temperature should hit exactly 165°F (74°C).
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and that gorgeous golden-brown finish.
- For extra flavor, consider using a homemade barbecue sauce or experimenting with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack.
- Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is incredibly juicy and tender.
- For a low-carb option, choose a sugar-free barbecue sauce and serve with cauliflower rice or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 145mg
