Description
This Grilled Salsa Verde Chicken with Pepper Jack is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend cookout. Tender chicken breasts are marinated in a zesty salsa verde mixture, grilled to perfection, and topped with melted pepper Jack cheese for a creamy, spicy finish. Garnished with fresh cilantro and served with lime wedges, this recipe offers a delicious Mexican-inspired meal with vibrant flavors and a satisfying smoky char.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 12 ounces salsa verde
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt or more, to taste
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Toppings & Garnishes
- 4 slices pepper Jack cheese or as desired
- Fresh cilantro, finely minced, optional for garnishing
- Lime wedges, optional for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large zip-top plastic bag, combine the thin-sliced chicken breasts with salsa verde, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Seal the bag and massage gently to coat the chicken evenly. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat the Grill: Prepare your grill by oiling the grates to prevent sticking. Preheat it to medium-high heat to ensure a nice sear when the chicken is placed on it.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts directly onto the hot grill. Cook for about 5 minutes on the first side without moving, then flip and cook for another 4 minutes on the other side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Add Cheese: Reduce the grill heat to low. Place a slice of pepper Jack cheese on each chicken breast. Close the grill lid and allow the cheese to melt for about 1 minute, creating a creamy, spicy topping.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and transfer to serving plates. Garnish with freshly minced cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side. Adjust seasoning to taste with additional salt or pepper, if desired.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours if time allows to enhance flavor.
- You can substitute pepper Jack cheese with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder taste.
- If you don’t have a grill, this recipe can be adapted to a grill pan or broiler in the oven.
- Serve with warm tortillas or a side of rice and beans for a complete meal.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature using a meat thermometer.
