Description
This Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken recipe features boneless, skinless chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful salsa verde blend with spices, then grilled to juicy perfection and topped with melted pepper jack cheese. Finished with fresh lime juice and cilantro, this Mexican-American dish is easy, vibrant, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual weekend grilling.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 6 ounces each
- 1 cup salsa verde
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings and Garnish
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1/2 lime
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and place them in a shallow dish or resealable bag. In a small bowl, mix together the salsa verde, olive oil, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour half of this mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to develop flavor.
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. This ensures even cooking and nice grill marks on the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, discarding any excess liquid. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, signaling the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
- Add Cheese and Salsa Verde: In the last 2 minutes of grilling, spoon some of the reserved salsa verde marinade over each chicken breast. Top each piece with a slice of pepper jack cheese. Close the grill lid and cook until the cheese melts, about 1-2 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill, drizzle with fresh lime juice, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with your favorite sides like rice, grilled vegetables, or as a filling in tortillas for tacos.
Notes
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for more uniform cooking.
- Serve this dish alongside rice, grilled vegetables, or tucked into tortillas for delicious tacos.
- For a spicier kick, use a spicy salsa verde or add sliced jalapeños when grilling.
