Why You’ll Love This Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken Recipe

Hey there, food lovers! Are you ready for a flavor explosion that’s as quick to make as it is satisfying to eat? This Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken recipe is your new weeknight go-to. Imagine juicy, perfectly grilled chicken breasts, bursting with the bright, vibrant flavors of salsa verde, and topped with melty pepper jack cheese. Sounds amazing, right? It is!

What makes this recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of zesty, spicy, and cheesy goodness. The salsa verde adds a layer of complexity with its tomatillos, chiles, and herbs, while the pepper jack cheese provides a delightful sharpness and creamy texture. The grilling process imparts a smoky char that elevates the entire dish. And let’s not forget the simplicity – this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, leaving you with more time to enjoy your delicious meal.

This recipe is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a summer barbecue, or even a light lunch. The vibrant green salsa verde and the bright citrus notes make it feel incredibly fresh and summery. It’s the kind of dish that evokes feelings of warmth, relaxation, and pure culinary joy. You’ll love the satisfying chew of the chicken, the zing of the salsa, and the delightful stretch of melted pepper jack cheese. Trust me, your taste buds are in for a treat!

What You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, fresh ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s dive into the ingredient list:

1 1/2 lbs Chicken breasts, thin boneless skinless: Choose thin chicken breasts for even cooking and faster grilling time. Thicker breasts may require longer grilling.
1 Cilantro, Fresh: Fresh cilantro is essential for that authentic salsa verde flavor. Its bright, herbaceous notes perfectly complement the other ingredients.
1 Lime: The lime juice adds a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the cheese and the spice of the salsa verde. Freshly squeezed is always best!
2 tbsp Lime juice: This enhances the citrusy brightness of the dish and helps tenderize the chicken.
12 oz Salsa verde: Choose your favorite brand or make your own for ultimate flavor control. Look for a salsa verde with a good balance of heat and acidity.
1 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the dish.
1 tsp Salt: Salt is essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing all the flavors.
3 tbsp Olive oil: Olive oil adds moisture and flavor to the chicken, ensuring it stays juicy and delicious.
1 tsp Cumin: Cumin provides a warm, earthy undertone that perfectly complements the other spices.
4 slices Pepper jack cheese: The pepper jack cheese adds a delightful sharpness and creamy texture, melting beautifully on the grilled chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get ready to grill up some deliciousness! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this amazing Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken:

Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them sear properly on the grill. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and cumin. Tip: Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
Marinate (optional but recommended): In a shallow dish, whisk together the olive oil and lime juice. Add the salsa verde and gently toss the chicken breasts to coat them evenly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. Tip: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean the grates to prevent sticking. Tip: A clean grill is essential for perfectly grilled chicken.
Grill the chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Add the cheese: During the last minute of grilling, place a slice of pepper jack cheese on top of each chicken breast. Close the grill lid to allow the cheese to melt. Tip: If the cheese melts too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
Garnish and serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately and enjoy! Tip: Serve with your favorite sides, such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken turns out perfectly every time:

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. This is the best way to ensure it’s cooked through and safe to eat.
Don’t overcrowd the grill. Give the chicken breasts enough space to cook evenly. If necessary, grill them in batches.
Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. Thicker breasts will require longer grilling time.
If you prefer a less spicy dish, use a mild salsa verde. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with this recipe and make it your own! Here are a few variations you can try:

Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few slices of jalapeño to the marinade for extra heat.
Add some veggies: Grill some bell peppers or onions alongside the chicken for a heartier meal.
Change the cheese: Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even a Mexican blend would also be delicious.
Make it a bowl: Serve the grilled chicken over a bed of rice or quinoa with extra salsa verde and your favorite toppings.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or portobello mushrooms marinated in the salsa verde.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either microwave it for 1-2 minutes, or pan-fry it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until heated through. For best results, reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken. Freezing is possible; wrap tightly in freezer-safe wrap and then place in a freezer bag. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about this recipe:

Can I use a different type of salsa verde? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different brands or homemade versions. Just make sure it’s a salsa verde you enjoy the flavor of.
What if I don’t have a grill? You can cook this chicken in a skillet or bake it in the oven. For the skillet method, cook over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side. For baking, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
How long does the marinated chicken last in the refrigerator? The marinated chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, for the best flavor, it’s best to grill it within a few hours of marinating.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can certainly marinate the chicken ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided you use gluten-free salsa verde (always check labels).

The Final Word

This Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. The combination of juicy grilled chicken, zesty salsa verde, and melty pepper jack cheese is simply irresistible. So, fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and prepare to be amazed! Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your culinary creations!

Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken Recipe

Grilled chicken breasts marinated in salsa verde, topped with pepper jack cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 25

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

Grill Gas or charcoal grill
Mixing bowl

Ingredients

Meat

1.5 lbs Chicken breasts thin, boneless, skinless

Produce

1 Cilantro Fresh
1 Lime

Condiments & Spices

2 tbsp Lime juice
12 oz Salsa verde
1 tsp Black pepper freshly ground
1 tsp Salt

Oils & Dairy

3 tbsp Olive oil
1 tsp Cumin
4 slices Pepper jack cheese

Instructions

Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
In a bowl, combine salsa verde (ing_5), lime juice (ing_4), olive oil (ing_8), cumin (ing_9), salt (ing_7), and pepper (ing_6).
Add chicken breasts (ing_1) to the bowl and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Top each chicken breast with a slice of pepper jack cheese (ing_10) during the last minute of grilling.
Garnish with fresh cilantro (ing_2) and lime wedges (ing_3) before serving.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder to the marinade.

Zesty Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken