Description
This Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken is a flavorful, zesty dish with a perfect balance of heat and tang. The chicken breasts are marinated in a delicious salsa verde and lime mixture, then grilled to perfection and topped with melty pepper Jack cheese. A simple yet bold meal, perfect for summer grilling or a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
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1 ½ pounds thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 breasts)
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12 ounces salsa verde (Trader Joe’s is recommended)
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons lime juice
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1 teaspoon cumin
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1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
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1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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4 slices pepper Jack cheese (or as desired)
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Fresh cilantro, finely minced (optional, for garnishing)
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Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
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Prepare the Marinade:
In a bowl, mix together the salsa verde, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined. -
Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the salsa verde marinade over the chicken, ensuring each breast is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate (preferably 1-2 hours for more flavor). -
Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess marinade. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is fully cooked. -
Add the Cheese:
During the last minute of grilling, place a slice of pepper Jack cheese on each chicken breast and close the grill lid to melt the cheese.
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Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked and the cheese is melted, remove it from the grill. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
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If you don’t have access to salsa verde, you can substitute with a green enchilada sauce or homemade salsa verde.
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For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight to allow the spices and salsa to infuse the meat more deeply.
- Serve this dish with a side of rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired