Description
This Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dinner option featuring marinated boneless, skinless chicken breasts grilled to perfection and topped with melted pepper jack cheese. The tangy salsa verde combined with aromatic spices creates a savory Mexican-inspired main course that’s perfect for summer grilling and pairs wonderfully with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa verde
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping and Garnish
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine the chicken breasts with salsa verde, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Ensure the chicken is well coated in the marinade. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high and lightly brush the grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place on the grill and cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
- Add Cheese and Melt: During the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking, place a slice of pepper jack cheese on each chicken breast. Close the grill lid to allow the cheese to melt evenly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired, then serve hot with your choice of side dishes.
Notes
- This dish pairs perfectly with rice, grilled vegetables, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- For a spicier kick, use a hot salsa verde or add diced jalapeños to the marinade.
- Be sure not to overcook the chicken to maintain juiciness and tenderness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
