This Easy Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken packs a flavorful punch! Juicy chicken is topped with zesty salsa verde and melty pepper jack cheese. Yum!
I love how simple this recipe is! Just grill, top, and enjoy. It’s perfect for summer cookouts, and you can really impress your friends with minimal effort! 🌞
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can use chicken thighs instead, but adjust the grilling time since they can take a bit longer to cook through.
Salsa Verde: You can use store-bought salsa verde for convenience, but I personally love making my own with tomatillos, lime juice, and cilantro. If you’re looking for a milder flavor, try using regular salsa instead!
Pepper Jack Cheese: This cheese adds a nice spice, but if you prefer something milder, Monterey Jack or even cheddar works great! For a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese shreds that melt well.
Spices: Cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika give this dish its flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika will still work, but you can also experiment with a dash of chili powder for some extra heat!
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Grilled?
Getting that juicy, perfectly grilled chicken can be tricky, but it’s all about the temperature and timing. Here are my key tips:
- Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high (about 400°F) before adding chicken. This helps sear the meat quickly, locking in juices.
- Don’t flip the chicken too often! Let it cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches 165°F internally. A good digital meat thermometer can be your best friend here!
- Apply the salsa verde and cheese during the last couple of minutes of cooking. This ensures the cheese melts beautifully without overcooking the chicken.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after grilling before cutting. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and moist.
Easy Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa verde (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 slices pepper jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 15-20 minutes for grilling, which makes it a quick and easy dinner option! Plus, it’s all ready to serve in under 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (204°C). This will help achieve a nice sear on the chicken, locking in those flavorful juices!
2. Prepare the Spice Mixture:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, ground cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This spice mixture will give your chicken a delicious flavor.
3. Season the Chicken:
Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast. Make sure they are well coated for maximum flavor!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on one side before flipping them over. Continue to grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which should take another 6-7 minutes.
5. Add Salsa Verde and Cheese:
During the last 2 minutes of grilling, spoon some salsa verde over each chicken breast. Top with two slices of pepper jack cheese and close the grill lid. This allows the cheese to melt beautifully!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and place it on a serving plate. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. For an extra citrusy kick, squeeze fresh lime juice over each piece before serving!
Enjoy this zesty, cheesy grilled chicken that pairs perfectly with a simple salad or rice! Happy grilling!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Thawed Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Just make sure the frozen chicken is completely thawed before grilling. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for about an hour.
What If I Don’t Have Salsa Verde?
No worries! If you can’t find salsa verde, you can use regular salsa or even a homemade green sauce made with tomatoes, jalapeños, and cilantro for a fresh alternative. Just adjust the spiciness according to your taste!
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat to prevent it from drying out. Adding a splash of water while reheating can help keep it moist!
What Sides Pair Well With This Chicken?
This zesty chicken goes great with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with a simple garden salad, grilled vegetables, or rice. For a festive touch, you could also serve it with black beans or corn salsa!
