Description
Delicious grilled salsa verde chicken topped with melted pepper jack cheese, offering a perfect blend of tangy, spicy, and creamy flavors. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or weekend cookout, served with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for added zest.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 12 ounces salsa verde
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt or more, to taste
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Toppings and Garnish
- 4 slices pepper Jack cheese or as desired
- Fresh cilantro, finely minced, optional for garnishing
- Lime wedges, optional for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large zip-top plastic bag, combine the chicken breasts with salsa verde, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Seal the bag and massage to coat the chicken evenly with the marinade. Refrigerate and let marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Prepare your grill by oiling the grates to prevent sticking. Preheat it to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot before placing the chicken on it.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook for about 5 minutes on the first side, then flip and grill for an additional 4 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear.
- Add Cheese: Lower the grill heat to medium. Place a slice of pepper jack cheese on each grilled chicken breast. Close the grill lid and allow the cheese to melt for about 1 minute.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill. Garnish with finely minced fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. Adjust seasoning if needed and enjoy your meal.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for longer, up to 2 hours, to enhance flavor.
- If you don’t have a grill, this recipe can be adapted for stovetop grilling or broiling in the oven.
- Use thick slices of chicken or pound to even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Substitute pepper jack cheese with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for milder flavor.
- Serve with a side of rice, beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
