Lloyd orders one dish every time we go to Chili’s.
And by every time, I mean all 5 times we’ve been, which is 5 times too many for me.
No offense to chain restaurants, but they just don’t do it for me. There is nothing special about them. It’s like fast food, except you have to wait longer for it, and then you still have to tip. And if you make the terrible mistake of telling them it’s your birthday, you have to suffer through the restaurant’s butchered rendition of “Happy Birthday,” while the awkward staff claps like seals and brings you a lonely sliver of chocolate cake with one measly candle.
To make it worse, they expect you to share that one tiny piece of cake with your party of 6.
We’re getting off topic here.
Recently Lloyd and I popped into Chili’s for a quick dinner, as it was getting late and it was on the way home. I ordered a flavorless salad with grilled chicken. After scanning the menu and pretending he might order something different, Lloyd went for the Monterey Chicken.
He raved about the dish and asked if I thought I might be able to recreate it at home.
I love a challenge. Especially one that I knew I will win.
Monterey Chicken
Ingredients
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4 boneless chicken breasts
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1/2 C BBQ sauce
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8 slices crispy bacon
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1/2 C sharp cheddar cheese
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1/2 C Monterey Jack cheese
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1 Roma tomato, seeded and diced
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2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
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salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
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Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sauté in skillet until chicken is cooked through.
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Mix cheeses to create a “blend” of flavors.
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Place chicken breasts on a broiler pan. Divide the BBQ sauce evenly on top of each breast. Next, add two slices of bacon per breast, and top with cheese blend.
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Broil chicken in the oven until cheese is golden and bubbly.
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Top each breast with chopped tomatoes and chives.
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Serve atop Lime Cilantro Rice. (Recipe follows).
Cilantro Lime Rice
Ingredients
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1 tbsp butter
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2/3 cup white basmati rice
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1/4 C fresh cilantro
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2 C water
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 lime, juiced
Directions
- In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
- Add rice and lime juice and stir. Turn heat to medium-high.
- Slowly add water and salt, bringing to a boil.
- Once the rice starts to boil, cover, and simmer on low heat until rice is soft and water is absorbed.
- Add cilantro, fluff rice, and serve.
Not only was this dish outstanding, Lloyd told me it tasted exactly like Chili’s. That is the ultimate compliment coming from my fast-food-loving man!
This dish is almost too easy to call it an actual recipe. I had most of the ingredients on hand except for the Monterey cheese. (I have a drawer full of cheese- but I always seem to be out of the kind I need!)
I have never tried this myself at Chili’s but after one bite, it was easy to see why Lloyd orders it! It is the ultimate in man food- lean protein smothered in tangy bbq sauce, topped with smoky bacon, and finished with gooey, golden cheese! Such a simple combination but oh-so-flavorful!
Because this was such an easy dish to prepare, I decided to up the ante by serving it with rice- but not just any rice… Chipotle-inspired rice! I did a little research and decided to use basmati rice, which is known for its alluring aroma.
The verdict? I dig basmati rice.
Paired with just a pat of butter, lime, and cilantro, this rice was the perfect side! The citrus notes added a little something special, and I really enjoyed the texture!
I agree with you about chain restaurants – I so much prefer this! That rice looks just perfect! Have fun watching. =)
Saved to make when my hubs comes home again!
I dislike chain restaurants too. Except Chipotle, Panera, and Jimmy Johns.
The only time I willingly eat Chilis is when I’m stuck in an airport, I’m hungry, and have lots of time to kill!
I agree- I LOVE Panera! I also like chipotle, but prefer to make their dishes at home becaues of all the sodium. This is def a great meal for your hubby!
I HATE chain restaurants. Every now and then its ok but it always seems that it wasn’t worth the effort. Id much rather find great local dive then any chain. And Josh always orders the same darned thing whenever he makes us go to one too! Grr!
Looks like you did a great job with this chicken though.
Mmmm, this sounds really good! My mom and I always like to try and create takeout at home.
The chicken looks crispy and delicious!
This looks so delicious and light! I almost could smell the spring…
This is one of my favorite dishes there as well! I can’t wait to try it!
Lime and Cilantro delish! just sprinkle a little chipotle (the spice not the fast food joint
on there and it is a match made in heaven.
Nice images!
Sounds yummy! I’m sure it was better AND cheaper than Chili’s! I think all those restaurants- (applebees, chilis, TGI Fri) all their food tastes exactly the same. Like they all use the same grill.
Such a great point- they do all taste the same! I have to say that I do like the 99s buffalo tenders… and I like Bertucci’s enough… but I would never pick it over a quality Italian restaurant!
I’ll have to pick up the spice!
I know, I’d rather put that $40 spent on so-so food toward a GREAT meal somewhere else!
I don’t think I’ve been to Chilis since college, because all the boys wanted to go there! This recipe does sound tasty though, I love bbq sauce with monterey jack. Yum!
i’m with you on the chain thing – I’d rather make it at home. I just feel “off” after eating that food. Like I’m dragging around an anchor in my stomach…
This, on the other hand, sounds right up my alley. Love the cilantro-lime rice. Another great rice addition is chimichurri. Really spruces up the white stuff!
That is too funny about the ‘cheese drawer’- it’s the exact same for me. The one I need is the one I’m out of, go figure.
I already had something planned, but this is calling my name…and I think the boy will really like it too!
And that looks awesome- love that it has everything that I have in my fridge. This MIGHT just be what I make for dinner tonight
Can’t wait to see those scones!!!!
Looks wonderful! So colorful and healthful. Love it! Great photos, too, BTW!
That *is* the ultimate compliment! I have long wanted to imitate the rice at Chipotle — your version here might come pretty close!
That looks really amazing!
Oh I completely agree with you on chain restaurants — Chili’s, Applebee’s, Friday’s… they’re all the same and nothing special. Your version, on the other hand, loooks quite tasty!
Wow this dish looks so fresh and delicious and probably half the calories than the dish at Chili’s! I agree… not a huge fan of chain restaurants, would rather give my money to some local restaurants. Thanks for sharing!
I despise 90% of chain restaurants. Especially American ones (TGI Fridays, 99, Applebees, etc.) Yuck.
Your version of Moneterey Chicken looks awesome!
I haven’t been to Chili’s in so long! I try to avoid those restaurants which is pretty easy living in NYC. It gets a little harder when I go to visit my Parent’s since there isn’t the same restaurant selection in suburbia.
LOoks like something my husband would like (minus the bacon)…he loves chicken and bbq sauce!
You can tell that a meal is delicious when it has so many colors! That looks delicious! I honestly love anything with cheese and bacon but on top of cilantro-lime rice!? I’m drooling.
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This is my Hubby’s favorite to order at Chili’s too!! Haha! Must be a man thing, I will totally have to try this soon! Thanks!
This looks great! All you need is the margarita
I have a version of this rice in my blog, too. We aren’t big chain people either.
Sounds great and I love the green plate!
That looks great and I am not a big fan of chain rest. either. If I’m gonna spend my dime on a rest. I want it to be something special that I can’t get at home!
I’m so glad you stopped by!
Thanks for the kind words. I love when a new follower comments. 
Isn’t it fun to take a good idea which was executed in a mediocre fashion, i.e. most chain restaurants, and make it better and your own? Great recipe, we’re sure it’s absolutely delicious!