Grilled Chicken Bacon Melt Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for your new favorite weeknight dinner: the Grilled Chicken Bacon Melt. This smoky, cheesy, crave-worthy dish transforms simple chicken breasts into something truly special, thanks to crisp bacon, a spicy jalapeno twist, and gooey cheese all perfectly finished on the grill. Whether you’re channeling summer cookout vibes or just looking to impress your family, the Grilled Chicken Bacon Melt will have everyone around the table asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Putting together the Grilled Chicken Bacon Melt might just be the easiest, most rewarding thing you’ll cook this week. Each ingredient plays a starring role, lending its flavor, texture, or color to make these melts utterly irresistible.

• Chicken breasts: These are the hearty base; thin chicken cutlets work especially well for quick cooking and the right serving size.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon brings unbeatable smoky flavor and a salty, crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.
• Sargento® Blends™ 4 Cheese Southwest Slices: This zesty cheese blend gives the melt its gooey, flavorful finish—feel free to swap in your favorite meltable cheese if you like.
• Jalapeno (optional): Thin slices add just the right amount of zing for spice lovers—leave them off or substitute with bell peppers for a milder version.
• Seasoned salt: A quick sprinkle infuses the chicken with tons of flavor in seconds.
• Olive oil: Use this to keep the chicken juicy and help the seasonings cling to every bite.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Bacon Melt

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Whether you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, you want those grates hot enough to get perfect grill marks on your chicken, but not so hot that they scorch. If you’re using a grill pan indoors, let it get nicely preheated as well.

Step 2: Season and Prep the Chicken

Lay out your chicken breasts (if they’re especially thick, consider butterflying or pounding them to even thickness) and sprinkle both sides generously with seasoned salt. Drizzle both sides with olive oil, smoothing it over with your hands or a brush to be sure every inch is coated. This step helps lock in moisture and adds that savory, golden crust as your Grilled Chicken Bacon Melt cooks.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken Cutlets

Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the grill. Grill each side for about 5 minutes, resisting the urge to peek too often—this helps achieve those beautiful sear marks. The chicken is ready to flip when it naturally releases from the grill. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F for juicy, fully-cooked results.

Step 4: Layer on the Bacon

Turn off the heat or move your chicken pieces to the cooler side of the grill. Immediately arrange one to two crispy bacon halves on each piece of chicken. This is where that irresistible sizzling bacon aroma starts mingling with the grilled chicken—it’s heavenly!

Step 5: Turn Up the Heat with Jalapenos

Next, layer 2–3 thin jalapeno slices (or as many as your heart desires) over the bacon. The heat is optional but highly recommended for anyone who loves a little excitement in their Grilled Chicken Bacon Melt. Even if you usually shy away from spice, the grilling process mellows the jalapeno just enough to be pleasantly zesty.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

Gently lay a Sargento® Blends™ 4 Cheese Southwest Slice on top of the bacon and jalapenos. Close the grill lid for 2–3 minutes so the cheese melts into every crevice, enveloping the other toppings in pure, stretchy perfection.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Carefully remove your now-melty, piping hot creations from the grill. Serve immediately for maximum gooeyness—get ready for enthusiastic cheers when your family or friends spot their Grilled Chicken Bacon Melt waiting on the plate!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Bacon Melt

Garnishes

A little something extra can really make your Grilled Chicken Bacon Melt shine. Try a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, an extra drizzle of olive oil, or even a scattering of sliced green onions for color and freshness. If you like things saucy, a dollop of sour cream or your favorite barbecue sauce adds fun flavor contrast and brings a vibrant finish.

Side Dishes

These melts pair beautifully with just about anything. Go classic with thick steak fries or a heap of sweet potato wedges. A cool, creamy coleslaw can balance out the richness, while a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette keeps things light and fresh. If you’re feeling bold, char some corn on the cob on the grill for a full-on cookout extravaganza!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Grilled Chicken Bacon Melt into sliders by using smaller chicken cutlets on mini buns for a party-worthy platter. Another fun idea: slice the finished chicken and lay it over a leafy salad with tortilla strips, avocado, and a chipotle ranch drizzle. Or stuff it in a grilled wrap for the ultimate lunch upgrade. The options are as fun as they are tasty!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Grilled Chicken Bacon Melt (lucky you!), let the chicken cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld and deepen as they sit, which honestly makes the leftovers almost as delicious as the first bite!

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked, fully assembled chicken melts. Wrap each portion tightly in foil, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind the texture of the cheese and bacon might change slightly after freezing, but all the essential flavors stick around.

Reheating

To bring your Grilled Chicken Bacon Melt back to life, pop it in a 350 degree F oven, covered loosely with foil, for about 15 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melty again. You can also reheat it for a couple of minutes in the microwave—just go low and slow to keep the chicken juicy.

FAQs

Can I make Grilled Chicken Bacon Melt with boneless thighs?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs are just as delicious and often even juicier than breasts. Adjust your cooking time accordingly, as thighs might take a minute or two longer to cook through.

What other cheeses work well for Grilled Chicken Bacon Melt?

If you can’t find Sargento® Blends™ 4 Cheese Southwest Slices, try Colby Jack, pepper jack, provolone, or even a sharp cheddar. Any cheese that melts beautifully and adds a pop of flavor will do the trick!

Is there a good vegetarian alternative?

Swap the chicken for thick slices of grilled eggplant or portobello mushrooms, and use plant-based bacon. With all the same toppings and seasonings, you’ll get a wonderful, hearty vegetarian version of the Grilled Chicken Bacon Melt.

Can I make this without a grill?

Definitely! Use an indoor grill pan or even a regular skillet. Cook the chicken as you normally would, then add the toppings and cover the pan with a lid to melt the cheese.

How spicy is the Grilled Chicken Bacon Melt?

The heat level is totally up to you—you can leave out the jalapenos for zero spice or add extra slices for more kick. The Southwest cheese also adds just a bit of warmth, but nothing overpowering.

Final Thoughts

If you love quick meals with big flavors, give the Grilled Chicken Bacon Melt a try. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but tasty enough to turn dinner into a celebration. Once you experience that molten cheese, smoky bacon, and juicy chicken all stacked together, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Enjoy every bite!

Print