Description
This Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken recipe is a flavorful and quick dinner option featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with vibrant salsa verde and melted pepper jack cheese. Perfect for a weeknight meal, it combines smoky grilled chicken with the zesty freshness of salsa verde and a creamy, spicy cheese topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1½ cups salsa verde (jarred or homemade)
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese (or about 1 cup shredded)
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional garnish: chopped cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure faster and more even cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Preheat the Grill: Brush the grill grates or a grill pan with olive oil to prevent sticking. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F, to sear the chicken properly.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cook for approximately 5 to 6 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until the chicken is cooked through, juices run clear, and the internal temperature registers 165°F.
- Add Toppings and Melt Cheese: In the last 2 minutes of cooking, spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of salsa verde onto each chicken breast, then top with a slice of pepper jack cheese. Cover the grill with its lid or tent the chicken with foil to help the cheese melt evenly.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime if desired. Serve immediately for a warm and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, choose a hotter variety of salsa verde or add some sliced jalapeños before grilling.
- If you do not have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a grill pan on the stovetop with similar times and technique.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee it is safely cooked.
- You can substitute pepper jack cheese with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a sharp cheddar for varying flavor profiles.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
