Description
This Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful main course featuring tender boneless chicken breasts marinated in a zesty salsa verde blend, seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and garlic. Grilled to perfection and topped with melted pepper jack cheese, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, this dish combines smoky, cheesy, and tangy elements for a delicious Mexican-American inspired meal perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or weekend barbecue.
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
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, combine salsa verde, olive oil, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Marinate the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and place them in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour half of the salsa verde marinade over the chicken, coating each breast evenly. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes up to 4 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, discarding the excess marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring thorough cooking.
- Add salsa verde and cheese: In the final 2 minutes of grilling, spoon some of the reserved salsa verde over each chicken breast, then top each with a slice of pepper jack cheese. Close the grill lid to allow the cheese to melt perfectly.
- 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 such as rice or grilled vegetables.
Notes
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent cooking results.
- Serve with rice, grilled vegetables, or tuck the chicken into tortillas for tasty tacos.
- For additional heat, opt for a spicy salsa verde or add sliced jalapeños to the marinade or as a topping.
