Grilled up a batch of my famous Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken last night, and let me tell you, it was finger-licking good! This dish has become a total staple in my household, and I bet it’ll be the same for you.
You see, I didn’t always consider myself much of a cook. In fact, I used to steer clear of the kitchen altogether. But one summer, when I was visiting my grandparents down in Texas, my grandma taught me her secret recipe for the most incredible Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken. From the moment I took that first bite, I was hooked. The way the smoky, charred flavors of the grilled chicken played off the bright, zesty salsa verde and the melty, gooey pepper jack cheese – it was absolute perfection.
Ever since then, Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken has been my go-to meal for pretty much any occasion. It’s great for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, but it also totally holds its own at backyard barbecues and potlucks. And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make at home. Let me walk you through my foolproof method.
Why This Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken
The key to nailing this Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken recipe is all in the marinade. By letting the chicken soak up a flavorful blend of salsa verde, lime juice, garlic, and spices, you end up with juicy, tender meat that’s bursting with flavor. And when you top it off with melty pepper jack cheese and a drizzle of extra salsa verde, you’ve got a dish that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show! Make sure to pound them out to an even thickness for even cooking.
– Salsa verde: This tangy, herby green salsa provides the base flavor for the marinade and the topping.
– Lime juice: Brightens up the marinade and helps tenderize the chicken.
– Garlic: Adds an essential savory note.
– Chili powder and cumin: Warm, earthy spices that complement the other flavors.
– Pepper jack cheese: Melty, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Step-by-Step Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken Instructions
Preparing Your Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken
This Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken is a total breeze to make, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish. All you’ll need is a grill or grill pan, a basting brush, and a few simple ingredients. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by pounding out your chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This will help them cook quickly and evenly on the grill.
2- In a shallow baking dish, whisk together the salsa verde, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Add the chicken and turn to coat both sides. Cover and let marinate for 15-30 minutes.
3- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, basting with the marinade halfway through, until cooked through.
4- During the last 2 minutes of cooking, top each chicken breast with a few slices of pepper jack cheese. Close the grill lid to allow the cheese to melt.
5- Transfer the grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken to a serving platter and drizzle with any remaining marinade.
6- Serve hot, garnished with extra salsa verde, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to nailing this Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken is to not overcook the chicken. Keep a close eye on it and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You also don’t want to press down on the chicken while it’s cooking, as that can cause the juices to leak out.
Another pro tip? Make a double batch of the marinade so you can reserve some to drizzle over the top of the finished dish. This extra hit of flavor really takes the Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken to the next level.
Serving and Storing Your Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken
Perfect Pairings for Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken
This Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken is the ultimate summer grilling recipe, perfect for backyard barbecues and pool parties. Serve it alongside Mexican-inspired sides like cilantro lime rice, grilled corn on the cob, or a fresh, crunchy slaw. It also pairs beautifully with a light, refreshing margarita or Mexican lager.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
For make-ahead convenience, you can also prep the marinade in advance and let the chicken soak in it for up to 24 hours before grilling. Just be sure to remove the chicken from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to let it come closer to room temperature.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken
Creative Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken Variations
While the classic version of Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken is pretty darn hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try swapping out the pepper jack for a different melty cheese like Monterey Jack or Oaxaca. Or amp up the heat by using a spicier salsa verde. You could even try grilling up some pineapple or mango slices to serve alongside the chicken for a sweet and savory contrast.
Making Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken Diet-Friendly
This Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken recipe is naturally gluten-free, and you can easily make it low-carb or keto-friendly by serving it over a bed of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice or tortillas.
For a dairy-free version, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative like cashew or almond cheese. And vegans can get in on the action by swapping the chicken for grilled tofu or portobello mushrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just as well in this Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken recipe. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, but the flavor will be just as delicious.
Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A: I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 15-30 minutes, but you can go up to 24 hours if you have the time. The longer you let it soak in the flavorful marinade, the more tender and juicy the chicken will be.
Q: Can I bake the Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken instead of grilling it?
A: Definitely! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can absolutely bake the chicken in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F, place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. Top with the pepper jack cheese during the last 5 minutes.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken recipe makes 4 servings. If you’re feeding a larger crowd, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to scale up the recipe.
Q: What should I do if the chicken is sticking to the grill?
A: If the chicken is sticking to the grill grates, it’s likely because the grill isn’t hot enough or the chicken isn’t properly oiled. Make sure to preheat the grill to medium-high heat and brush the chicken with a little oil before adding it to the grill. Also, resist the urge to move the chicken too much while it’s cooking – let it develop a nice char before attempting to flip it.
Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4
Description
Juicy grilled chicken breasts coated in a vibrant salsa verde sauce and topped with melty pepper jack cheese for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup salsa verde
– 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. – Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. – Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until cooked through.
4. – Remove the chicken from the grill and top each piece with salsa verde and shredded pepper jack cheese.
5. – Return the chicken to the grill and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. – Serve the Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the salsa verde for 30 minutes to an hour before grilling. This dish pairs well with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or rice.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Conclusion
Get ready to have your mind (and taste buds) blown by this out-of-this-world Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken! With its perfectly charred exterior, juicy interior, and ooey-gooey cheese topping, this dish is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked just like I am.
So what are you waiting for? Fire up that grill and get ready to impress everyone at your next backyard bash with this killer Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken recipe. And don’t forget to let me know how it turns out – I can’t wait to hear all about it!
