This Easy Grilled Salsa Verde Chicken topped with Pepper Jack cheese is a burst of flavor! Juicy chicken is mixed with zesty salsa verde, making it super tasty.
Who doesn’t love melted cheese? The Pepper Jack adds a nice kick that makes this dish even better. I like serving it with fresh veggies or tortillas for a fun meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to for this recipe. If you prefer, chicken thighs can be a great substitute as they stay juicier. You can also use grilled tofu or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option!
Salsa Verde: Salsa verde gives a fresh and zesty flavor. If you can’t find it, you can make your own using tomatillos, jalapeños, and lime juice. Alternatively, green chili sauce works in a pinch.
Pepper Jack Cheese: This cheese adds a nice kick. If you want it milder, use Monterey Jack or mozzarella. For a spicier option, try adding some sliced jalapeños on top!
Spices: Ground cumin and chili powder are essential for flavoring the chicken. Feel free to adjust the amounts based on your spice tolerance. You could also use taco seasoning instead!
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Grilled Chicken?
Grilling chicken can sometimes be tricky, but with a few simple tips, you’ll get it right every time.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high for even cooking.
- Make sure to brush the chicken with a mix of spices and oil to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, but the key is to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Adding salsa verde and cheese in the last few minutes will keep the dish fresh and allow the cheese to melt nicely.
Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving helps it stay juicy. Choose fresh toppings like cilantro and lime for extra flair!
Easy Grilled Salsa Verde Chicken with Pepper Jack
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa verde (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to grill, adding up to a total of about 25 minutes. It’s a quick and fun dish to make for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and gets nice grill marks.
2. Prepare the Spice Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, ground cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This simple mixture will add flavor to your chicken.
3. Season the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and brush both sides with the spice mixture you made. Make sure they are well coated for maximum flavor!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures that the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
5. Add Salsa Verde:
In the last 2 minutes of cooking, spoon salsa verde over each chicken breast. This adds a zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices!
6. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded Pepper Jack cheese generously on top of the salsa verde. Close the grill lid for a couple of minutes to allow the cheese to melt beautifully.
7. Serve:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the grill. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro to add a pop of color and flavor. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a fresh squeeze of lime juice.
Dig in and enjoy your delicious Easy Grilled Salsa Verde Chicken with Pepper Jack cheese!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Salsa Verde Chicken with Pepper Jack
Can I Use Thawed Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure the chicken is completely thawed before seasoning and grilling. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for a quicker option.
What If I Don’t Have Salsa Verde?
No problem! You can substitute it with green enchilada sauce or make your own by blending tomatillos, jalapeños, lime juice, and cilantro. This recipe will still be flavorful and delicious!
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños on top of the chicken before melting the cheese, or use spicy Pepper Jack cheese. You can also increase the chili powder in the spice mixture for an extra kick!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of lime juice or fresh salsa for moisture.
