This Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken is like a flavor party on your plate! Juicy chicken is topped with spicy pepper jack cheese and zesty salsa verde that brings everything together.
Trust me, your taste buds will sing after just one bite! I love serving it with warm tortillas and fresh veggies—it’s like a mini taco fiesta right at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. If you have a preference for dark meat, feel free to use boneless thighs instead. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
Salsa Verde: This adds a fresh zing to the dish. If you’re out of store-bought salsa verde, a homemade version made from tomatillos, cilantro, and lime is a great alternative. You could even try green taco sauce!
Pepper Jack Cheese: The spicy kick from Pepper Jack takes this dish to the next level. If you’d like something milder, Monterey Jack or regular Mozzarella can work well too.
Olive Oil: It’s great for grilling, but other oils like avocado oil or canola oil can be used if you prefer. However, stick with oils that have a high smoke point.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is the best for flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled lime juice will work. Just know that fresh will always taste brighter!
How Do I Get Nice Grill Marks on My Chicken?
Getting nice grill marks is all about the right technique. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your grill is preheated well. Medium-high heat is key for a good sear.
- After placing the chicken on the grill, avoid moving it around for the first 3-4 minutes. This helps it form those beautiful marks.
- When it’s time to flip, try to turn the chicken a quarter turn to create crosshatch marks.
Just remember, patience is important—don’t rush the flipping!
How to Make Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa verde
- 1 1/2 cups Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to grill. So, you’ll be enjoying your flavorful grilled chicken in about 35 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This helps create those lovely grill marks and gives the chicken a great smoky flavor.
2. Season the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Take this mixture and rub it all over both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated for maximum flavor.
3. Add Olive Oil:
Drizzle the olive oil over the seasoned chicken breasts. Use your hands to rub it in and make sure each breast is well-coated, which will help keep the chicken moist while grilling.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Let them cook for about 6-8 minutes on one side until you see nice grill marks. Then, carefully flip each breast over.
5. Add Salsa Verde:
Brush a generous amount of salsa verde on top of the flipped chicken breasts. Continue grilling for another 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Melt the Cheese:
In the last few minutes of grilling, sprinkle the shredded Pepper Jack cheese on top of each chicken breast. Close the grill lid to help melt the cheese quickly.
7. Finishing Touches:
Once cooked, take the chicken off the grill and drizzle with fresh lime juice. Let it rest for a few minutes; this helps keep it juicy.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish your chicken with chopped cilantro for a fresh flavor and serve with lime wedges on the side. Dig in and enjoy your delicious grilled salsa verde Pepper Jack chicken!
## FAQ
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! If Pepper Jack isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute with Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or even a melty mozzarella. Just keep in mind that different cheeses have varying flavor profiles, so choose one that complements the salsa verde well.
What If I Don’t Have a Grill?
No worries! You can cook the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop or even bake it in the oven. To bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), prepare the chicken as instructed, and bake for about 20-25 minutes until it reaches 165°F (75°C). You can then add the cheese for the last few minutes of baking, just like on the grill.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Just consider adding a splash of salsa verde to keep it moist!
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Definitely! Marinating the chicken in salsa verde or a mix of olive oil, lime juice, and the spice rub for a few hours or overnight will enhance the flavors. Just make sure to adjust your cooking time as marinated chicken might cook a bit faster!
