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Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken Recipe

Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken Recipe

4.9 from 29 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

  1. Mix Marinade: In a large bowl, combine salsa verde, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and black pepper thoroughly to create the marinade base.
  2. 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.
  3. Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, preparing it for cooking the chicken evenly and achieving a slight char.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

Keywords: grilled chicken, salsa verde chicken, pepper jack chicken, summer grill recipe, Mexican chicken, easy chicken dinner