Description
Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish with tender, grilled chicken marinated in tangy salsa verde, cumin, and lime. Topped with melty pepper Jack cheese, this dish offers a perfect balance of heat and cheesiness. It’s a quick, easy, and delicious meal that will spice up your weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
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
4 slices pepper Jack cheese (or as desired)
Fresh cilantro, finely minced (optional, for garnish)
Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine salsa verde, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and toss them to coat evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding any excess marinade.
- Grill the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- During the last minute of grilling, place a slice of pepper Jack cheese on each chicken breast. Close the grill lid to melt the cheese.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with freshly minced cilantro and serve with lime wedges, if desired.
Notes
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, richer flavor.
For a milder version, use a mild salsa verde or reduce the amount used in the marinade.
Experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or Gouda for different flavors.
Serve with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad to round out the meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 90mg