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Grilled Salsa Verde Chicken with Pepper Jack Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 78 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Description

This Grilled Salsa Verde Chicken with Pepper Jack is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Marinated in a zesty salsa verde blend and grilled to juicy perfection, topped with melted pepper jack cheese, and garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, this recipe delivers a delicious fusion of smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and 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 and Garnish

  • 4 slices pepper Jack cheese or as desired
  • fresh cilantro, finely minced, optional for garnishing
  • lime wedges, optional for serving


Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large zip-top plastic bag, combine chicken breasts, salsa verde, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag and massage to evenly coat the chicken. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavors.
  2. Preheat the Grill: Prepare the grill by oiling the grates to prevent sticking and preheat to medium-high heat, around 375-450°F (190-232°C).
  3. Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes on the first side until grill marks appear and the chicken begins to firm up. Flip and grill the second side for approximately 4 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  4. 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 cheese to melt for about 1 minute until gooey and slightly melted.
  5. Serve: Remove chicken from the grill, garnish with fresh minced cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side. Adjust seasoning as needed and enjoy warm.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken for longer than 30 minutes up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.
  • Use a grill thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked to safe internal temperature.
  • If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or broil in the oven as alternatives.
  • Oiling the grill grates helps prevent sticking and promotes even grilling.
  • Fresh cilantro and lime wedges add a bright, fresh contrast to the smoky grilled chicken.