1. Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Season the Chicken:
- Prepare the Chicken: Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Air Fry: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Add the Toppings
- Top with Barbecue Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and brush each chicken breast with a generous amount of barbecue sauce.
- Add Bacon and Cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the chicken breasts. Top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or your cheese blend of choice).
- Return to Air Fryer: Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook at 375°F (190°C) for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Serve
- Garnish: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve hot with your favorite sides such as steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or mashed potatoes.
Tips for Success
- Ensure Even Cooking: Make sure the chicken breasts are of uniform thickness for even cooking. You can pound them to an even thickness if needed.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Crispier Bacon: If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, cook it in advance and crumble it just before adding it to the chicken.
Variations
Customize your Air Fryer Monterey Chicken with these variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or use a spicy barbecue sauce for extra heat.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheese blends, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for varying flavors.
- Additional Toppings: Add sautéed onions or mushrooms for extra layers of flavor.
Conclusion
You’ve just made a deliciously crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Monterey Chicken that brings the classic Chili’s dish right to your kitchen. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, offering a healthier alternative to traditional cooking methods without sacrificing taste.
Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this mouthwatering meal with your family and friends. Bon appétit!