Looking for a delicious and easy recipe to spice up your weeknight dinner? Look no further than this Grilled Salsa Verde Chicken with Pepper Jack! Packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The salsa verde adds a tangy kick to the chicken, while the melted pepper Jack cheese adds a creamy finish.
- Quick prep time: With just a few simple ingredients, you can have this dish on the table in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: This recipe is great for meal prepping lunches or dinners for the week ahead.
Ingredient Notes:
- Thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts: These cook quickly and evenly on the grill.
- Salsa verde: I recommend using Trader Joe’s brand for the best flavor.
- Olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, black pepper: These ingredients add depth and seasoning to the dish.
- Pepper Jack cheese: Adds a spicy kick and creamy texture.
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges: Optional for garnishing and serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, mix together the salsa verde, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Marinate the chicken breasts in the salsa verde mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Top each chicken breast with a slice of Pepper Jack cheese and cover the grill until melted.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Helpful Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños to the salsa verde mixture.
- Serve the chicken over a bed of rice or with a side of grilled vegetables.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain juices.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Serving Suggestions:
This Grilled Salsa Verde Chicken pairs perfectly with a side of Mexican rice, grilled corn on the cob, and a refreshing margarita.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out the chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in chicken can be used, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. - Can I use a different type of cheese?
Feel free to substitute Pepper Jack cheese with your favorite cheese, like cheddar or Monterey Jack. - Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Conclusion:
Next time you’re looking for a simple and flavorful meal, give this Grilled Salsa Verde Chicken with Pepper Jack a try. Your taste buds will thank you! Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy every bite.
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Grilled Salsa Verde Chicken with Pepper Jack
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Grilled Salsa Verde Chicken with Pepper Jack recipe features juicy chicken breasts marinated in salsa verde, olive oil, lime juice, and spices, then grilled to perfection and topped with gooey pepper Jack cheese. Serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a burst of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 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
- 4 slices pepper Jack cheese, or as desired
- fresh cilantro finely minced, optional for garnishing
- lime wedges, optional for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix salsa verde, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- Add cheese: Place a slice of pepper Jack cheese on each chicken breast during the last minute of grilling until melted.
- Serve: Garnish with minced cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less salsa verde.
- Feel free to customize by adding additional toppings like avocado or pico de gallo.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with cheese
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg