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–+ servings
Crockpot Cheesy BBQ Monterey Chicken 1

Crockpot Cheesy BBQ Monterey Chicken

Juicy chicken slow-cooked in a sweet and smoky BBQ-tomato sauce, finished with gooey cheese and bacon. This slow cooker monterey bbq chicken recipe eliminates the need to hover over the stove while creating a meal that tastes like you've spent hours perfecting it.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 385 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker/Crockpot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts approximately 2 pounds
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce sweet and smoky variety recommended
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey for a natural alternative
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional for heat lovers
  • 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • 6 strips bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 3 green onions thinly sliced
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) until thoroughly combined.
  • Lightly spray your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner. Place the seasoned chicken at the bottom of the pot in a single layer.
  • Pour the BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and shreds easily with two forks.
  • While the chicken is nearing completion, cook and crumble the bacon and slice the green onions.
  • When the chicken is fully cooked, shred it with two forks directly in the crockpot. Then sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. Replace the crockpot lid and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
  • Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and sliced green onions over the melted cheese just before serving.

Notes

For a healthier version, use low-sugar BBQ sauce, reduced-fat cheese, and turkey bacon.
You can serve this over rice, as a sandwich filling, or wrapped in tortillas.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 42gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 720mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 11g
Keyword Slow Cooker, BBQ Chicken, Monterey Chicken, Crockpot Chicken, Cheesy Chicken
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