4-Ingredient Sheet Pan Monterey Chicken

There are some days that ‘fast food’ isn’t even fast enough…wouldn’t you agree? Between school and sports and work and home and all the other pressures of life – sometimes, I don’t even have time to drive through a drive-through for dinner.

(and honestly, I really don't want a drive-through dinner even if I had time for it -- don't you agree?)

I try to anticipate a few busy dinners like this every week by having some basic ingredients on hand so that when I’m rushed I can still throw a homemade meal together in under 30 minutes.

This recipe is one of my dinnertime heroes! Not only is it easy to assemble and quick to the table, the kids ALL love it. It is the trifecta of dinnertime perfection. So here’s what you’ll need for this 4-Ingredient Sheet Pan Monterey Chicken :

boneless skinless chicken thighs
BBQ sauce
grated colby-jack or cheddar cheese
diced raw bacon (optional)
if you have time for some additional color, add a few small hot peppers and garnish with chopped scallion (I wish I’d added a little pop of green – but I was legitimately too busy!!)
salt and pepper

Preheat the oven to 400° and spray a rimmed baking sheet with non-stick spray. Evenly space chicken thighs (*flattened out) in the prepared pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top with BBQ sauce and grated cheese. Sprinkle with diced bacon and red peppers.

Bake 25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and cheese is bubbly.

Garnish with chopped scallions (optional and kind of unneccesary if your are SUPER busy).

Serves 6

*by flattened out, I simply mean unfold the chicken as you place it in the pan. ((It’s typically tri-folded in the package))

Tender, juicy and so flavorful – this chicken is certain to be a quick crowd pleaser. Serve with a side salad or mashed potatoes or a can of green beans and you’ve got yourself a meal!