Sharing is caring!

This Slow Cooker Monterey Chicken is tender, cheesy, and loaded with BBQ flavor! Topped with bacon, tomatoes, and scallions for an easy family-favorite dinner.

This dinner is one of those “everyone licks the plate” kinda meals.

You know those slow cooker recipes that take barely any effort but taste like you cooked all day with a secret restaurant recipe? That’s this Slow Cooker Monterey Chicken. Tender chicken slow-cooked in smoky BBQ sauce and tomatoes, topped with gooey melted cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh tomatoes and scallions. It’s one of those meals that feels comforting but also fancy enough to serve when company comes over.

And the best part? It’s so easy. A quick sear on the chicken (which you can totally skip if you’re short on time), a few pantry ingredients, and the slow cooker does the rest. This one has major Applebee’s vibes but with way more flavor and no waiting in line. 

There’s something about this dinner that just makes everyone happy. I swear, the first time I made this Slow Cooker Monterey Chicken, my husband went back for seconds before I even sat down, and my picky eater asked if we could have it again tomorrow. That basically never happens around here.

I love meals like this, the ones that feel a little extra but secretly take almost no effort. This one’s smoky, cheesy, saucy, and topped with bacon (because duh, everything’s better with bacon). You just throw it in the slow cooker, do life, and come back to a dinner that tastes like you worked way harder than you did. And it’s so good over mashed potatoes, my kids request it weekly.

Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, rice, or stuffing it into a sandwich, this recipe is a cozy, cheesy, family favorite we keep in rotation year-round.

What is Slow Cooker Monterey Chicken?

Monterey Chicken is a BBQ chicken dish typically served in casual restaurants. It’s known for its juicy chicken base, layered with tangy BBQ sauce, melted cheese, bacon crumbles, and fresh toppings like diced tomatoes and scallions.

This slow cooker version takes all that deliciousness and makes it totally weeknight-friendly, no oven, no fuss, just let the slow cooker do its thing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-packed with pantry staples – BBQ sauce, canned tomatoes, cheese, bacon… what’s not to love?

• Family-approved – Smoky, cheesy, bacon-y? Everyone’s on board.

• Slow cooker magic – Set it and forget it. Let it cook while you handle everything else.

• Flexible serving options – Over mashed potatoes, in a sandwich, even chopped up in a rice bowl.

• Meal prep friendly – Make it ahead, and it reheats beautifully.

When to Serve This Monterey Chicken

• Cozy weeknight dinner (especially on busy days)

• Weekend family meal with garlic mashed potatoes

• Game day with a side of fries or rolls

• Meal prep lunches with rice and roasted veggies

• Something hearty but no-fuss when company’s coming

Ingredients 

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts – You can use thighs if you prefer!

• 1 tsp garlic powder – Adds that savory depth.

• 1 tsp onion powder – Boosts the flavor even more.

• 1 tsp smoked paprika – Brings the smoky BBQ vibes.

• ½ tsp pepper + ½ tsp salt – Balance and seasoning.

• 2 cups BBQ sauce, divided – Use your favorite brand/flavor.

• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained – Adds a little zip.

• 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled – Crispy, salty, and perfect on top.

• 4 slices colby jack cheese – Melty and rich.

• 1 tomato, diced – Freshness and color.

• 4 scallions, diced – A little crunch and mild onion flavor.

How to Make Slow Cooker Monterey Chicken

1. Season the chicken
   Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over both sides of each chicken breast.

2. Quick sear (optional but tasty)
   Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and brown the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side. It locks in flavor and gives a nice golden crust.

3. Layer in the slow cooker
   Add the chicken to the slow cooker. Pour 1 cup of BBQ sauce over the top and add the drained tomatoes with green chiles.

4. Cover and cook
   Cook on low for 4–6 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

5. Finish strong
   About 10 minutes before serving, remove about half of the liquid from the slow cooker to prevent sogginess.

6. Layer on the toppings
   Add the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce over the chicken. Top each piece with a slice of cheese, followed by bacon, diced tomato, and scallions.

7. Melt it down
   Cover and cook for 10 more minutes, just until the cheese is perfectly melted and everything is hot.

8. Serve it up!
   Use a big spoon to scoop each loaded chicken breast onto a plate or over your favorite side dish. Enjoy that cheesy, smoky deliciousness!

Substitutions

• BBQ sauce – Use honey BBQ, chipotle, spicy, or even homemade.

• Colby jack cheese – Swap for Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack.

• Canned tomatoes – Sub with fire-roasted or regular diced tomatoes if needed.

• Scallions – Use red onion or chives for a slightly different twist.

• Chicken thighs – Totally fine and extra juicy.

Variations

• Spicy kick – Add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

• Tex-Mex style – Add corn and black beans, then top with avocado and sour cream.

• Low carb version – Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

• Make it a sandwich – Shred the chicken and pile it on toasted buns with extra sauce and slaw.

Tips & Tricks

• Searing the chicken adds more flavor but isn’t required if you’re in a rush.

• Removing some of the liquid at the end helps prevent the cheese and toppings from getting watery.

• Use a slotted spoon when serving to avoid excess liquid.

• Cook your bacon ahead of time or use real bacon crumbles for a shortcut.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but you’ll need to add 1–2 hours to the cook time, and always make sure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I cook this on high?
You can! Cook on high for 2.5–3.5 hours, but low is better for tenderness.

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
Sweet and smoky sauces are perfect, but go with your family’s favorite! You can even use spicy or Carolina-style if you love tang.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes, you can prep it the night before, refrigerate, then pop it into the slow cooker in the morning.

Serving Ideas

• Over mashed potatoes with steamed green beans

• With rice and roasted broccoli

• On buns with coleslaw and pickles

• Over cornbread stuffing for fall vibes

• With sweet potato fries and a big side salad

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.

• Shred leftovers and use for wraps, quesadillas, or BBQ chicken sandwiches.

• Make ahead tip: Season and brown the chicken the night before to save time in the morning.

Did you make this SLOW COOKER MONTEREY CHICKEN, tell me how you liked it in the comments! For more delicious family friendly recipes you can follow me on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK 

Craving cozy, cheesy, and easy slow cooker meals? These comforting dishes are perfect for busy weeknights and full of family-approved flavor!

• Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu
  Juicy chicken slow cooked with ham, Swiss cheese, and a creamy sauce, all topped with buttery stuffing for a rich and easy meal.

• Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles
  Sweet and savory chicken cooked to perfection with noodles and vegetables in a flavorful honey garlic sauce.

• Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice
  Creamy, cheesy, and comforting—this chicken and rice dish is a simple set-it-and-forget-it dinner.

• Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
  Classic pot pie flavor meets slow cooker convenience in this hearty casserole topped with golden biscuits.

• Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles
  Comfort in a bowl—tender chicken, thick egg noodles, and vegetables in a creamy, savory broth.

• Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
  Shredded slow-cooked chicken smothered in rich, savory gravy—an easy and delicious comfort food meal perfect over mashed potatoes.

This Slow Cooker Monterey Chicken is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again, simple ingredients, big flavor, and it always gets rave reviews at the dinner table. If you’re looking for something cozy, cheesy, and fuss-free, this one’s a keeper.

Throw it in the crockpot, live your life, and come back to a dinner that tastes like you worked way harder than you did.