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Honey Mustard Monterey Chicken Bake

honey mustard Monterey chicken bake - featured image

This easy, cheesy family dinner features juicy chicken breasts baked with a sweet-tangy honey mustard sauce, smoky bacon, and gooey Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 68 slices cooked bacon, chopped
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or oil.
  2. Place chicken breasts in the baking dish. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and rub to coat.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder. Taste and adjust for sweetness or tanginess.
  4. Pour about 2/3 of the honey mustard sauce over the chicken, spreading evenly. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving.
  5. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
  6. Remove from oven. Sprinkle chopped bacon over the chicken, then top with Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese.
  7. Return to oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to brown. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with reserved honey mustard sauce and sprinkle with parsley or chives before serving.

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheese and pound chicken breasts to even thickness. If using chicken thighs, increase baking time by 5-10 minutes. Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra golden cheese, but watch closely. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Always check bacon and mustard labels for gluten if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey mustard chicken, Monterey chicken bake, cheesy chicken bake, family dinner, easy chicken recipe, bacon chicken, gluten-free chicken, weeknight dinner