I’ve always believed that weeknight dinners should be equal parts quick, flavorful, and satisfying—and that’s exactly why this Air Fryer Monterey Chicken has become a staple in my kitchen. The juicy chicken breast is seasoned just right, topped with smoky bacon, melty cheese, and a pop of freshness from tomatoes and green onions. Every bite is a perfect balance of savory, cheesy comfort with a little crunch from the bacon.
The best part? The air fryer does all the hard work for me. No standing over a stove, no splattering oil—just tender chicken and golden toppings ready in minutes. It’s one of those recipes that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly easy to whip up at home, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and casual weekend meals.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this dish—they cook quickly in the air fryer while staying juicy and tender. Flattening them slightly ensures even cooking and the perfect surface for all those delicious toppings.
Seasonings: A simple mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika brings out the chicken’s natural flavor while adding a warm, slightly smoky note that pairs beautifully with the cheese and bacon.
Bacon: Crisp, smoky bacon is one of the stars of Monterey Chicken. It adds a satisfying crunch and savory depth that balances the richness of the cheese. You can cook it ahead of time in a skillet or even in the air fryer before starting the chicken.
Barbecue sauce: A thin layer of tangy, slightly sweet barbecue sauce ties all the flavors together. It’s the “secret glue” of the dish, giving the chicken that irresistible flavor punch.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and gives the chicken a gooey, golden topping. You can also mix cheddar with Monterey Jack for a creamier melt and mild flavor contrast.
Tomatoes: Diced fresh tomatoes add a juicy, bright bite that cuts through the richness of the cheese and bacon, keeping each bite balanced and fresh.
Green onions: Sliced green onions provide a mild onion flavor and a pop of color that makes the finished dish look as good as it tastes.
Ingredients List
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar/Monterey Jack mix)
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced
How to Make Air Fryer Monterey Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. If they’re thick, gently pound them to an even thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Step 2: Air fry the chicken
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 3: Add the toppings
Spread barbecue sauce over each chicken breast. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top, then add the crumbled bacon. Return the chicken to the air fryer for another 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Garnish and serve
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and top with diced tomatoes and sliced green onions. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Pre-cook the bacon before starting the chicken to save time.
- Use freshly shredded cheese—it melts better than pre-shredded.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; leave space for air to circulate.
- Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack if you want a different flavor profile.
- Add a small pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasonings if you like a little heat.
- Serve with a fresh green salad, roasted veggies, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and are even juicier. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as they may cook faster.
Do I have to use barbecue sauce?
Not at all—you can skip it or replace it with honey mustard or a light ranch drizzle for a different flavor twist.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, add toppings and reheat in the air fryer until warm and cheese is melted.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes. This keeps the bacon crisp and the cheese melty without drying out the chicken.