Description
This Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken is a flavorful, quick dish featuring juicy marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection, topped with melted pepper jack cheese and fresh, tangy salsa verde. Ideal for a tasty weeknight dinner or casual gathering, this recipe offers a delicious blend of zesty and cheesy elements with a smoky grilled finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup salsa verde (fresh or store-bought)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts with salsa verde, olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is well-coated. Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, preparing it for cooking the chicken evenly with a nice char.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cook each side for about 6 to 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
- Add Cheese Topping: In the final few minutes of grilling, sprinkle the shredded pepper jack cheese evenly over each chicken breast. Close the grill lid and allow the cheese to melt thoroughly, creating a flavorful, gooey topping.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices. Slice and serve with extra salsa verde, if desired, for an extra zesty kick.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh salsa verde or a high-quality store-bought version.
- Letting the chicken rest after grilling helps keep it moist and tender.
- You can substitute pepper jack cheese with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- If grilling is not an option, cook the chicken under a broiler, topping with cheese in the final minutes.
- Adjust seasoning and lime juice according to your taste preferences.
