This Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken is a tasty dish that’s bursting with flavor! Tender chicken is grilled to perfection, topped with zesty salsa verde, and melted pepper jack cheese.
I love how this recipe brings the heat without being too spicy. Serve it with a side of rice or fresh veggies, and you’ve got a meal that’s not just delicious but pretty easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier dish. Just adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a bit longer.
Salsa Verde: This green salsa adds a zesty kick! You could swap it for a regular tomato salsa if that’s what you have on hand. Just know it’ll change the flavor a little.
Pepper Jack Cheese: I love using pepper jack for that creamy, spicy flavor. If you can’t find it, Monterey Jack or even cheddar will work well—just keep in mind, the heat level will vary.
Spices: Garlic, onion powder, and cumin are essential for flavor. If you’re out of these, fresh garlic and onions can be used instead. Just adjust the amounts to your taste!
Fresh Cilantro: Cilantro adds freshness to the dish. If you’re not a fan, try parsley or omit it entirely. A squeeze of extra lime juice can also brighten things up.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Grilled Perfectly?
Getting perfectly grilled chicken can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll achieve great results every time. Start by marinating the chicken. This not only adds flavor but also helps keep it moist during grilling.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps to develop those lovely grill marks.
- When grilling, cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F internally. Using a meat thermometer helps take the guesswork out.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling. This keeps it juicy, as the juices redistribute.
- For the cheese, add it during the last few minutes of cooking and close the lid to melt it evenly.
Enjoy the grilling process! The right techniques can lead to a delicious meal every time.
How to Make Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup salsa verde
- 8 oz pepper jack cheese, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the chicken and allows for 15 minutes of marinating time. Grilling will take around 15-20 minutes. Overall, you’ll be ready to enjoy your delicious meal in about 50 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
First, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir these ingredients together until they are well mixed. Next, add the chicken breasts to the bowl and make sure they are evenly coated with the marinade. Let the chicken sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb all the yummy flavors—this step is important!
2. Grill the Chicken:
Once your grill is nice and hot, place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on one side, or until you see those beautiful grill marks. Then, flip the chicken over and gently brush the salsa verde on top of each breast. This will add a fantastic flavor that you’ll love!
3. Add the Cheese and Finish Cooking:
During the last few minutes of grilling, place slices of pepper jack cheese on each chicken breast. Close the grill lid to help the cheese melt beautifully. Keep grilling until the chicken is thoroughly cooked; the internal temperature should reach 165°F. Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting time helps keep the chicken juicy!
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, slice the grilled chicken and garnish it with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve it up with lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick. Enjoy your flavorful Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of pepper jack cheese, you can substitute it with Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even a blend of your favorites. Just keep an eye on melting times, as some cheeses melt faster than others!
What if I Don’t Have Salsa Verde?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute by blending tomatillos with lime juice, garlic, and cilantro. Alternatively, you could use regular salsa or any favorite salsa you enjoy, but adjust the seasoning to taste since each has a different flavor profile.
How Do I Know When the Chicken is Done?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the chicken, and make sure the juices run clear without any pink inside.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can marinate the chicken the day before and keep it in the refrigerator. Just remember to let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking. The cooked chicken can also be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
