Chicken Snack Sticks Recipe | Savory & Protein-Packed
Craving a cheesy, creamy, and flavor-packed chicken dinner that feels like a restaurant-style treat? My Bonanza Chicken Monterey Recipe is the ultimate comfort food you need to try. With juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich Monterey sauce made with sour cream, mayo, cheddar, Monterey Jack, green chilies, and spices, this dish is an explosion of flavor in every bite. The best part? It’s oven-baked to perfection, making it a hearty and satisfying family meal.
This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even when you’re entertaining guests. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be a regular on your menu!
Chicken Preparation
Getting the chicken perfectly seasoned and seared is the secret to the rich flavor of this dish. Here’s how I do it:
- Preheat Oven: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your chicken bakes evenly once it’s ready to go in.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Sear for Flavor: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear for about 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked yet; they’ll finish baking in the oven.
- Set Aside: Once seared, transfer the chicken to a plate while you prepare the Monterey sauce.
Making the Monterey Sauce
This creamy, cheesy sauce is the star of the recipe. It’s what makes Bonanza Chicken Monterey so indulgent and irresistible.
- Mix the Base: In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Add Cheeses: Stir in the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. These melt into the sauce, creating that gooey, rich texture.
- Spice It Up: Add ground cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. This gives the sauce its Tex-Mex flair with just the right amount of kick.
- Fresh Flavors: Fold in green chilies, sliced black olives, and chopped cilantro for brightness and texture.
- Blend Well: Mix everything until creamy and well incorporated.
This Monterey sauce is not only perfect for chicken, but you’ll find yourself wanting to drizzle it over nachos, tacos, or even roasted veggies.
Baking the Chicken
Now that both the chicken and the sauce are ready, it’s time to bring everything together in the oven.
- Arrange the Chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts back into your skillet (if oven-safe) or transfer them to a greased baking dish.
- Pour the Sauce: Generously spoon the Monterey sauce over each chicken breast, making sure they are fully coated.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The sauce should be bubbling and the cheese beautifully melted.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer for accuracy to avoid overcooking.
Garnishing and Serving
The final touches make this dish truly shine. Here’s how I like to finish it:
- Fresh Cilantro & Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped cilantro and sliced green onions over the baked chicken for a burst of freshness.
- Cheese Lovers’ Tip: If you want extra cheesiness, add a sprinkle of cheddar or Monterey Jack on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Serving Suggestions: This Bonanza Chicken Monterey pairs perfectly with:
- Steamed rice or cilantro-lime rice
- Roasted vegetables or a light side salad
- Warm tortillas or crusty bread to soak up the sauce
- Steamed rice or cilantro-lime rice
Storage Instructions
Keeping your Bonanza Chicken Monterey fresh means you can enjoy it even on busy days. Here’s how I store it:
Refrigeration
- Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. This helps keep the sauce creamy instead of drying out.
Freezing
- If you’d like to freeze it, allow the chicken to cool completely.
- Transfer into a freezer-safe container or bag, removing excess air.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.
Bonanza Chicken Monterey Recipe
Ingredients
Video
Notes
Required Kitchen Tools
To make this Bonanza Chicken Monterey recipe smooth and stress-free, I recommend having these tools ready:- Large Skillet or Cast-Iron Pan – Perfect for searing the chicken before baking.
- Mixing Bowls – To combine the creamy Monterey sauce.
- Whisk or Spatula – For mixing the sauce evenly.
- Oven-Safe Baking Dish or Skillet – Essential for finishing the dish in the oven.
- Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – For prepping your chicken, chilies, and herbs.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – To get your ingredient proportions spot-on.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re juicier and add even more flavor, though you may need to adjust the baking time slightly since thighs can cook faster than breasts.
Can I make Bonanza Chicken Monterey ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prep the sauce and sear the chicken in advance. Store both separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
How spicy is this recipe?
It has a mild to medium heat from the green chilies, cayenne pepper, and chili powder. If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. If you like it fiery, add extra chilies or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
What sides go best with Bonanza Chicken Monterey?
This dish pairs beautifully with cilantro-lime rice, roasted vegetables, or even mashed potatoes. For a Tex-Mex flair, serve it with warm tortillas and a fresh side salad.
Can I freeze this dish after baking?
Yes, you can freeze fully cooked Bonanza Chicken Monterey. Just let it cool, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven before serving.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
The classic combo is cheddar cheese + Monterey Jack cheese for richness and meltiness. You can also experiment with pepper jack if you want a spicier kick, or mozzarella for extra gooey texture.
Conclusion
My Bonanza Chicken Monterey Recipe is a true comfort food masterpiece, juicy chicken breasts baked in a creamy, cheesy Monterey sauce with just the right amount of spice. It’s rich, indulgent, and guaranteed to impress at the dinner table.
Whether you serve it with rice, veggies, or bread, this dish is all about bringing bold Tex-Mex flavors into your kitchen. The best part? It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough to wow your guests.
So go ahead, grab your skillet, whisk up that Monterey sauce, and let your oven work its magic. Trust me, one bite of this cheesy, flavorful chicken, and you’ll understand why it’s called Bonanza Chicken Monterey.
Sophia Smith is a passionate home baker and dessert enthusiast who loves sharing her favorite recipes, baking tips, and kitchen secrets. Through Roses Baking Passion, she inspires others to bake with love and creativity every day.
