Oh, Monterey Chicken Skillet, how you’ve saved my sanity on so many frantic weeknights! This dish is like a warm hug for your taste buds—smoky bacon, gooey cheese, and tangy barbecue sauce all come together in a symphony of flavors. Who knew a skillet could hold so much comfort?
Steps
- Place pre-cooked chicken, pasta, and undrained Rotel tomatoes into a large skillet. Add chicken broth and mix well. Cover with a lid, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook bacon in a separate skillet until crispy, then drain on a paper towel and crumble into pieces. If you don’t have bacon, you can skip this step.
- After 15 minutes, check the pasta. If it’s not tender, simmer for another 5 minutes with the lid on. If tender but too liquidy, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to evaporate excess moisture.
- Drizzle BBQ sauce over the cooked pasta and sprinkle with shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Cover the skillet again and let it sit on low heat until the cheese melts.
- Once the cheese is melted, remove from heat. Garnish with crumbled bacon and sliced green onions before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded pre-cooked chicken (approximately 1/2 rotisserie chicken)
- 1 can (10 oz.) diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1/2 lb. fusili pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 3 slices bacon
- 2 green onions, sliced
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3485kcal | Carbohydrates: 281.58g | Protein: 253.34g | Fat: 147.18g | Sodium: 12498.78mg | Fiber: 12.18g
FAQ
- What is Monterey Chicken Skillet?
- Monterey Chicken Skillet is a flavorful one-pan dish that combines elements like smoky BBQ sauce, salty bacon, creamy Monterey Jack cheese, tomatoes, and green chiles. It’s a pasta dish inspired by the classic Monterey Chicken recipe, offering a delicious blend of tastes in each bite.
- Can I make Monterey Chicken Skillet without Rotel tomatoes?
- Yes, if Rotel tomatoes are unavailable, you can substitute them with a 15 oz. can of plain diced tomatoes. If you want the addition of green chiles, you can also add canned diced green chiles separately.
- Is it necessary to use bacon in this recipe?
- While bacon adds a savory and crispy element to the dish, it is not essential. The BBQ sauce and cheese provide significant flavor, so you can omit the bacon if you prefer or if you’re looking to reduce costs.
- What if I don’t have pre-cooked chicken ready?
- If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken on hand, you can quickly cook some chicken breasts or thighs before starting the recipe. Alternatively, store-bought rotisserie chicken is a convenient option that works well in this dish.
- How do I ensure the pasta is cooked properly in the Monterey Chicken Skillet?
- To achieve perfectly cooked pasta, ensure that it simmers on low heat with the skillet covered for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the pasta is still firm after 15 minutes, continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes. If there’s excess liquid, remove the lid and let it simmer until the liquid evaporates.
Tips
- Opt for Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken available at most grocery stores. This not only speeds up the cooking process but also adds a rich, roasted flavor to your dish.
- Adjust the Heat Level: If you prefer a milder dish, substitute Rotel tomatoes with a can of plain diced tomatoes. You can also add canned diced green chiles separately to control the spice level according to your taste.
- Customize the Bacon: While bacon adds a savory crunch to the dish, it’s optional. If you don’t have any on hand or want to cut costs, the BBQ sauce and cheese provide plenty of flavor on their own.
- Monitor the Liquid: Keep an eye on the liquid in the skillet as the pasta cooks. If there’s excess liquid after the pasta is tender, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to evaporate it, ensuring the sauce is perfectly thickened.
Equipment
- Large skillet with a tight-fitting lid
- Tongs (for turning bacon)
- Cheese grater (if not using pre-shredded cheese)
