Monterey Chicken (Like Chilis)

This recipe is similar to Chili's Monterey Chicken. It's a simple recipe that can be cooked a few different ways.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts*

your favorite chicken seasonings (I use pepper, garlic powder and Lawry's chicken and poultry rub)

1/4 cup oil (I use canola or cottonseed)

1/4 cup bbq sauce (I use Sweet Baby Rays)

1 cup shredded monterey/cheddar cheese

1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon*

1/4 cup chopped tomatoes

2 tablespoons chopped scallions or chives

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees

Rinse your chicken breasts, pound them a little flat and pat dry

Sprinkle your seasonings lightly and rub into the chicken.

Heat oil on medium high heat in a pan, and saute the chicken until it's browned. You can also use a George Foreman grill and forgo the oil.**

Transfer your chicken into an oven-safe pan that you've sprayed with non-cook spray, or added a little oil to, or you can leave your chicken in the frying pan if it's oven safe.

Brush about 1 tablespoon of BBQ sauce on each breast.

Top each breast with 1/4 cup cheese

Sprinkle each breast with 2 tablespoons of bacon

Place the pan in the oven, and let this bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. You can also use the broiler if you're comfortable with that. That will only take about 3-4 minutes.

When you're ready to serve, sprinkle each breast with 1 tablespoon tomatoes and 1/2 tablespoon scallions.

This is best served with loaded mashed potatoes (potatoes with bacon, cheese and scallions), steamed broccoli and garlic bread.

* To make this recipe vegetarian, I've used Morningstar Farms Mealstarters Chik'n Strips or new Grillers Chik'n and Bacon. Simply cook according to the package, and swap out for the meat. Just as delicious!

**For a smokier taste, you can instead grill the chicken instead of sauteing and then put it in the oven for the final steps.