Creating Chili’s Monterey Chicken is as easy as following these simple steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken: Flatten the chicken breasts slightly with a meat mallet for even cooking.
3. Season the Chicken: Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil, and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Once seared, place the chicken in a baking dish.
6. Add Barbecue Sauce: Pour the barbecue sauce evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
7. Add Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle the shredded monterey jack and cheddar cheese on top of the sauce. Then, add the crumbled bacon evenly over the cheese.
8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
9. Garnish: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

These straightforward steps will help you prepare this amazing dish effortlessly.