Non-cheat days are a bit dull, especially when I’m trying to stick to my diet. After a long day, chicken breasts can quickly become repetitive. Recently, I decided to switch things up by baking the chicken and topping it with creamy Monterey Jack cheese. The thought of that cheese melting beautifully over the chicken made my mouth water!
While it baked, I could hardly wait to taste it, and I’m pretty sure my mom couldn’t resist either. She popped into the kitchen and sneaked a taste of my creation before asking for the recipe! I guarantee that this simple yet delicious dish will transform those boring chicken breasts into a family favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it!
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What is Monterey Jack Cheese?
Monterey Jack cheese is a semi-hard cheese that originated in California. It’s made from cow's milk and is known for its smooth, creamy texture with a mild, buttery flavor. Monterey Jack melts exceptionally well, making it ideal for a variety of dishes like quesadillas, casseroles, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese refers to Monterey Jack cheese that has been grated into fine pieces. This makes it easier to melt and distribute evenly in recipes like pizzas, nachos, or baked dishes.
What does Monterey Jack Cheese taste like?
Monterey Jack cheese has a mild, buttery flavor with a slightly tangy finish. It's creamy and smooth, with a subtle sweetness, and it doesn't have an overpowering sharpness. Younger versions are mellow, while aged versions (sometimes called “Dry Jack”) develop a nuttier and more complex flavor profile.
Monterey Jack Cheese Baked Chicken Recipe
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 4 skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Steps:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown, but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet.
- Prepare the Monterey Jack Cheese Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and sour cream.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts back in the skillet (or transfer them to a baking dish if your skillet is not oven-safe). Spread the Monterey Jack cheese and sour cream mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Bake: Place the skillet or baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Side dish options to pair with Monterey Jack Cheese Baked Chicken:
- Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes – crispy, savory, and perfectly complements the creamy chicken.
- Simple Green Salad – fresh, with a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Steamed Vegetables – broccoli, green beans, or carrots for a healthy, vibrant addition.
- Garlic Butter Rice – fluffy, aromatic rice to soak up the cheesy sauce.
- Sauteed Spinach – a quick and nutritious option with a hint of garlic for added flavor.
Notes:
- For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sour cream and cheese mixture.
- Monterey Jack melts beautifully, so this dish will have a creamy, cheesy topping that’s both mild and delicious.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 26g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
This recipe beautifully highlights the mild, creamy goodness of Monterey Jack cheese while keeping things simple and tasty! Chicken breasts are no longer a boring option for me, and I think you should definitely try it today!
Want more simple recipes like this Monterey Jack Cheese Baked Chicken? Follow So Damn Delish to explore endless effortlessly-tasty dishes!
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Make Life Simple With Monterey Jack Cheese Baked Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Looking for a flavorful way to prepare your chicken breasts? You’re gonna love this delicious Monterey Jack Cheese Baked Chicken recipe by So Damn Delish!
Ingredients
- 4 skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown, but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet.
- Prepare the Monterey Jack Cheese Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and sour cream.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts back in the skillet (or transfer them to a baking dish if your skillet is not oven-safe). Spread the Monterey Jack cheese and sour cream mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Bake: Place the skillet or baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Side dish options to pair with Monterey Jack Cheese Baked Chicken:
- Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes – crispy, savory, and perfectly complements the creamy chicken.
- Simple Green Salad – fresh, with a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Steamed Vegetables – broccoli, green beans, or carrots for a healthy, vibrant addition.
- Garlic Butter Rice – fluffy, aromatic rice to soak up the cheesy sauce.
- Sauteed Spinach – a quick and nutritious option with a hint of garlic for added flavor.
Notes
- For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sour cream and cheese mixture.
- Monterey Jack melts beautifully, so this dish will have a creamy, cheesy topping that’s both mild and delicious.
Nutrition
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 26g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
4 Comments
Quick and easy recipe! I added a sprinkle of paprika for some extra flavor, and it turned out delicious. Thanks for this fantastic meal idea with Monterey Jack Cheese!
I can’t believe how good this Monterey Jack Cheese Baked Chicken dish is for such little effort! I paired it with a simple salad, and it made a perfect weeknight dinner. Highly recommend trying it!
This was a hit with the whole family! The chicken came out tender, and the melted Monterey Jack Cheese on top was heavenly. I’ll definitely be making this again!
Wow, this Monterey Jack Cheese Baked Chicken exceeded my expectations! The cheese brought a wonderful creaminess. It’s going into my regular rotation!