Updated on September 29th, 2025
Grilled chicken always tastes amazing, but when you add smoky homemade barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, and melted pepper jack cheese, it becomes something special. This BBQ pepper jack chicken recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for warm weather cookouts. The sauce comes together quickly on the stovetop with ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and Worcestershire, giving the chicken a tangy-sweet glaze before topping it with bacon and cheese.
Why this recipe works
- Homemade BBQ sauce: A quick stovetop sauce with ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar coats the chicken in layers of rich flavor.
- Customizable cheese: Pepper jack adds a mild kick, but swapping in cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella keeps the dish versatile for everyone.
- Balanced texture: Juicy grilled chicken topped with crunchy bacon and melted cheese creates a satisfying mix of flavors and textures.
- Simple process: Using basic pantry ingredients and straightforward steps makes this recipe approachable even on busy weeknights.
- Crowd appeal: This BBQ pepper jack chicken recipe combines classic flavors that please kids and adults alike, making it great for gatherings.
Serving suggestions
- Backyard dinner: Serve with corn on the cob and potato salad for an easy summer barbecue meal.
- Light side: Pair with a fresh green salad or grilled asparagus to balance the richness of the chicken.
- Sandwich style: Slice the chicken and layer onto toasted buns with lettuce and extra BBQ sauce for a hearty sandwich.
- Comfort pairing: Mashed potatoes or mac and cheese complement the smoky sauce and cheesy topping beautifully.
- Game day platter: Cut into strips and serve with dipping sauces for a fun appetizer option at parties.
BBQ pepper Jack chicken recipe
Fire up the grill with this BBQ pepper jack chicken recipe. Tender chicken with barbecue sauce, bacon, and melted cheese for a flavorful dinner.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Units
Scale
BBQ sauce-
- 1/2 cup Heinz ketchup
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
Other-
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices cooked bacon
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
Instructions
- In a saucepan combine all of the ingredients for the BBQ sauce. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. Set aside.
- Lightly grease the grates of an outdoor grill. Heat the grill to medium-heat heat. Add the chicken breasts to the grill and cook turning frequently. During the last 10 minutes of cooking baste the chicken breasts on both sides with the bbq sauce multiple times. Cook until the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. During the last few minutes of cooking top each chicken breast with 2 slices of cooked bacon and 1 slice of pepper jack cheese. Cook until the cheese has melted.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 446
- Sugar: 13.9 g
- Sodium: 1295.2 mg
- Fat: 23.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 17.3 g
- Protein: 20.6 g
- Cholesterol: 82.6 mg