This Monterey Jack Unfried Chicken is a chicken recipe that’s destined to go on repeat! Buttery, cheesy bread crumbs make a crunchy outer layer that gives way to the most tender, juicy chicken ever! With just 10 minutes prep time and about 15 minutes in the oven, it’s super fast and easy to make, too.
The magic ingredient in this Monterey Jack Unfried Chicken is – stay with me now – mayonnaise!
Yep – a thin layer of mayo, spread over each piece of chicken, basically melts into each piece for the most incredibly moist chicken with no actual mayonnaise flavor. Plus it really grabs the breadcrumb mixture for a nice crunchy layer that sticks to – and stays on – the chicken.
This chicken is inspired by the popular Hello Fresh unfried chicken and uses the same magical mayo method as my Baked Panko Crusted Chicken. This Monterey Jack Unfried Chicken is super cheesy and, with the bonus of Ranch seasoning mix, easier and even MORE full of flavor!
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- Dinner in less than 30 minutes – Monterey Jack Unfried Chicken takes under a half hour to make, which means a healthy dinner can be on the table fast! It’s the perfect entree recipe for weeknights.
- Easy to make – With only a few ingredients and just 10 minutes prep time, this crispy unfried chicken is effortless to put together.
- Absolutely delicious – It doesn’t get much better than juicy, flavorful chicken with a cheesy, crunchy coating!
What is Unfried Chicken?
Unfried chicken is baked, not fried. It tastes as good as fried, though! With a crunchy outer layer covering full-of-flavor, juicy chicken, the secret to unfried chicken is a thin smear of mayo that helps the buttery breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken (and makes the chicken nice and moist!) Then, it’s baked to golden crispy perfection.
Recipe Notes
This Monterey Jack Unfried Chicken recipe is as simple as promised! Just a a few ingredients and less than 30 minutes for a family friendly meal.
In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use for how to make Monterey Jack Unfried Chicken to get the absolute best and most delicious results.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Chicken – You’ll want boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets, which are chicken breast pieces that are cut thin. Thin chicken cooks faster for a juicier result. You can ask your grocery store butcher for cutlets, or you can make them yourself by cutting your chicken breast horizontally into 1/4-1/2″ thick pieces (2-4 pieces per chicken breast).
- Mayonnaise – You want real mayo here (not light or Miracle Whip) because the oil is important for keeping the chicken juicy while helping crisp up the coating.
- Salt & pepper
- Butter – Mixing the breadcrumbs with butter helps them get nice and crunchy when baked.
- Bread crumbs – You’ll want Panko breadcrumbs here if at all possible. Why Panko? These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are more coarse than standard breadcrumbs, for the crunchiest coating possible.
- Ranch seasoning – Another secret weapon! Ranch seasoning adds a ton of flavor. Grab a packet from the store or make homemade ranch seasoning for a delicious, money-saving option that can be used in so many recipes.
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Pico de Gallo – This fresh, chunky salsa is the perfect finishing touch for this crispy unfried chicken. Bonus: It’s easy to make homemade pico de gallo, if you like!
Make sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full quantities and ingredients list.
Recipe Variations
If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!
- Gluten-Free Unfried Chicken– Swap in gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs. .
- Unfried Chicken Tenders– Use chicken tenders instead of cutlets, reducing the baking time.
- Cheddar Ranch Unfried Chicken- Swap the Monterey Jack cheese for sharp cheddar.
- Cornflake Unfried Chicken- Replace the bread crumbs with a cup of crushed cornflakes.
- Unfried Chicken Parmesan- Swap the Monterey Jack cheese for Parmesan shreds, then top with a slab of mozzarella and heat it until melted. Then, instead of pico de gallo, scoop warm marinara sauce over the top before serving.
Recipe Step by Step
I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make Monterey Jack Unfried Chicken.
Melt the butter in a medium bowl and mix in the bread crumbs, ranch seasoning, and Monterey Jack cheese.
Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper and place on a baking sheet.
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the top of each chicken breast.
Spoon the bread crumb and cheese mixture over the top of the chicken,
Bake on the top rack of the oven until the chicken is cooked through.
Spoon pico de gallo over the top and serve.
Recipe Tips
- Start with thin chicken cutlets – This is key! You want thin chicken so that it can cook hot and fast for the juiciest result. See the info in the ingredients section for how to create chicken cutlets from boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or just ask your butcher for them!)
- Spread the mayo THIN – You only want to use a very thin layer of mayonnaise on Monterey Jack Unfried Chicken. This is not a case of more is better! The thin layer helps ensure the crumbs get crisp – too much, and they can become soggy.
- Give them space – Make sure your chicken is placed on a large baking sheet or you can even divide it between two sheets. You want each piece to have lots of space so that the chicken crisps up instead of steaming, which could happen if it’s too crowded.
Recipe Short Cuts
If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here are a few ideas that can help make this recipe even faster!
- Make-ahead tips – Prep your chicken cutlets ahead of time and keep them in a fridge, tightly wrapped or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days in advance.
- Pre-shredded cheese – Grab already-shredded Monterey Jack so you can avoid the step of having to grate it yourself.
- Store-bought Ranch seasoning – Buy a packet of Ranch to use if you’re short on time.
What to Serve with Monterey Jack Unfried Chicken
Since this protein-based dinner has the delicious flavors of Monterey Jack cheese, crunchy ranch-seasoned breadcrumbs, and juicy chicken, it will pair well with many of your favorite classic side dishes.
Choose one or several of these side dishes to create a wholesome, well-rounded dinner. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.
Side Dish Ideas
- Potatoes are the perfect side for this chicken! Try Boursin mashed potatoes, herb-roasted potatoes, or our very favorite mashed potatoes.
- For a healthy dose of veggies that goes well with this crispy chicken, try these perfect oven-roasted vegetables or garlic-Parmesan roasted broccoli.
- Don’t forget the bread! This classic garlic bread is perfect, or if you’re in the mood for more cheese, try our gooey pesto cheese bread!
Monterey Jack Unfried Chicken Leftovers
If you have leftovers after making this recipe, then it is your lucky day! They save and reheat well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.
To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
Leftover Recipes
Here are a few ways to repurpose those leftovers and give them a delicious makeover!
- Unfried Chicken Caesar Salad– Top a fresh Caesar salad or Caesar Pasta Salad with leftover chopped unfried chicken for a delicious protein boost.
- Unfried Chicken Sandwich– Smear a sub bun with mayo and top with leftover chicken. Add tomato, lettuce, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Simple Chicken Cordon Bleu– Top leftover chicken breasts with slices of smoked deli ham and a slice of Swiss cheese and heat until warmed through.
Recipe FAQ’s
What are chicken cutlets?
Chicken cutlets are thin cuts of chicken breast. Boneless, skinless chicken breast is cut horizontally into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick pieces.
Can I use another cut of chicken for unfried chicken?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless thighs, slicing them thin just like you would chicken breast. Chicken tenders work well, too, you’ll just want to reduce the cooking time because they will cook faster.
More EASY Baked Chicken Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!
You can check out all of my easy chicken recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.
Monterey Jack Unfried Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into thin cutlets (about 6)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- salt and pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 4 ounces shredded monterey jack cheese, (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup pico de gallo
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425˚F.
- Season chicken cutlets on each side with salt and pepper. Then lay them flat on a baking sheet. Spread a very thin coating of mayonnaise on the top side of each chicken breast.
- In a medium bowl, melt the butter. Mix in the panko bread crumbs and ranch seasoning and stir until combined. Then stir in the monterey jack cheese.
- Spoon the panko topping over each chicken breast to cover the top of the chicken.
- Bake on the top rack for 12-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, 165˚F internal temp.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and top with a scoop of pico de gallo. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Chicken: Substitute chicken tenders (reduce the cooking time to account for smaller pieces of chicken).
- Panko breadcrumbs: Swap in gluten-free Panko for GF chicken.
- Monterey Jack cheese: Cheddar or Parmesan are both good substitutes.
Leave a Reply