Description
This Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken is a quick and flavorful meal featuring thin-sliced chicken breasts marinated in a zesty salsa verde mixture and grilled to perfection. Topped with melted pepper jack cheese and fresh cilantro, it’s perfect for a vibrant weeknight dinner or summer barbecue.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken 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
Topping and Garnish
- 4 slices pepper Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro, finely minced (optional, for garnishing)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, combine salsa verde, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade base.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the thin-sliced chicken breasts to the marinade bowl, tossing them to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure a nice sear and even cooking.
- Grill Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding any excess marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the meat is cooked through.
- Add Cheese: During the last minute of grilling, place a slice of pepper Jack cheese on each chicken breast. Close the grill lid to allow the cheese to melt perfectly over the hot chicken.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest briefly to retain its juices. Garnish with finely minced fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer, up to 2 hours, will enhance the flavor and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- If you don’t have a grill, this recipe can also be prepared using a grill pan or broiler with careful attention to cooking times.
- Adjust the salt and spices to your preference for a milder or more robust flavor.
- For a lower-fat option, omit the cheese or substitute with a lighter cheese variety.
