Description
Monterey Chicken Skillet is a flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender chicken breasts rubbed with a smoky BBQ spice blend, simmered in a rich tomato and red wine sauce, and topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese and fresh toppings. This easy stovetop meal brings together bold spices, creamy cheese, and vibrant garnishes for a comforting and delicious dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 lb. boneless and skinless chicken breast
- 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 seed
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Toppings (Optional)
- Sliced green onions
- Diced avocado
- Cherry tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh parsley or cilantro leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the BBQ spice rub: In a small bowl, whisk together smoked paprika, black pepper, sea salt, ground coriander seed, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper until thoroughly combined.
- Rub the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a clean cutting board and rub all sides evenly with the prepared BBQ spice blend, ensuring they are well-coated with the seasoning.
- Heat the oil and cook chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for approximately 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through, adjusting time based on thickness.
- Set chicken aside: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pan and set aside on a plate to keep warm.
- Deglaze pan: Pour in red wine or chicken broth into the hot pan, stirring and scraping the brown bits from the bottom with a wooden spatula. Simmer until the liquid is reduced by half.
- Add tomato puree: Stir in the tomato puree to the pan and whisk to combine, creating a rich sauce.
- Simmer with chicken: Reduce the heat to low and return the chicken breasts to the pan, spooning sauce over them to coat thoroughly.
- Add cheese and finish cooking: Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly on top of the chicken. Continue cooking on low heat until the cheese melts and the sauce bubbles gently, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add toppings and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions, diced avocado, chopped cherry tomatoes, and fresh parsley or cilantro leaves as desired. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Monterey Chicken Skillet!
Notes
- Red wine can be substituted with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount for preferred heat level.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Monterey Chicken, Skillet Chicken, BBQ Spiced Chicken, Tomato Sauce Chicken, One-Pan Dinner
