Description
Succulent grilled salsa verde pepper jack chicken combines zesty Mexican flavors with juicy grilled poultry. Tangy verde sauce and melted pepper jack cheese create a mouthwatering meal sure to satisfy spice enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) thin-sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 breasts)
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- 12 oz (340 g) salsa verde (Trader Joe’s recommended)
- 3 tbsps olive oil
- 2 tbsps lime juice
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt (or more, to taste)
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh cilantro, finely minced (garnish)
- Lime wedges (garnish)
Instructions
- Marinade Preparation: Blend salsa verde, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper in a large zip-top bag, creating a vibrant flavor base.
- Chicken Marination: Submerge chicken breasts completely in the mixture, ensuring thorough coating and flavor absorption. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to infuse depth.
- Grill Setup: Lightly oil grates and preheat to medium-high, establishing optimal cooking environment for perfect char and texture.
- Initial Grilling: Position marinated chicken on heated grates with spacing, allowing each piece to develop golden-brown exterior and distinctive grill marks. Cook first side for 5 minutes with closed lid.
- Finishing Grilling: Flip chicken, continue cooking for 4 minutes to ensure safe internal temperature. Reduce heat to medium-low and crown each piece with pepper Jack cheese slice.
- Cheese Melting: Close grill lid momentarily, allowing cheese to transform into a creamy, spicy coating that envelops the chicken.
- Serving: Remove from grill, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, and present with lime wedges to enhance the dish’s brightness and provide a tangy complement.
Notes
- Marinate Smart: Ensure chicken is fully submerged in the salsa verde mixture for maximum flavor absorption and tenderness.
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, preventing undercooking and ensuring food safety.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Close grill lid briefly when adding pepper Jack to create a perfectly smooth, evenly melted cheese topping.
- Resting Rule: Allow grilled chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to lock in juices and maintain optimal moisture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg