Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken Recipe
This Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken recipe features tender, thin-sliced chicken breasts marinated in a zesty salsa verde blend, grilled to perfection, and topped with melted pepper Jack cheese. It’s a flavorful, quick, and easy meal perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners.
- Author: Luna
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Halal
Marinade and Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 breasts)
- 12 ounces salsa verde (Trader Joe’s recommended)
- 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 and Garnish
- 4 slices pepper Jack cheese (or as desired)
- Fresh cilantro, finely minced (optional, for garnishing)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
- Mix Marinade: In a large bowl, combine salsa verde, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and black pepper thoroughly to create the marinade base.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the thin-sliced chicken breasts to the marinade bowl. Toss well to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, preparing it for cooking the chicken evenly and achieving a slight char.
- Prepare Chicken for Grilling: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and discard the remaining marinade to avoid flare-ups on the grill.
- Grill Chicken: Place chicken on the heated grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is cooked through.
- Add Cheese: In the last minute of grilling, place a slice of pepper Jack cheese on each breast and close the grill lid to melt the cheese evenly.
- Rest Chicken: Remove chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy bites.
- Serve and Garnish: Optionally garnish with freshly minced cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side to add a fresh, tangy finish.
Notes
- For best results, use thin-sliced chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and quicker grilling time.
- The salsa verde can be store-bought or homemade as per your preference.
- Adjust salt and spices according to your taste.
- If you don’t have a grill, this recipe can be adapted to a grill pan or broiler.
- Letting the chicken rest after grilling helps keep it juicy and flavorful.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with cheese (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: grilled chicken, salsa verde chicken, pepper jack chicken, summer grill recipe, Mexican chicken, easy chicken dinner