This Easy Grilled Salsa Verde Chicken brings a zesty twist to dinner! Juicy chicken gets a kick from salsa verde and a creamy layer of pepper jack cheese on top. Yum!
Honestly, this dish is a game-changer for busy nights. Just grill and melt the cheese, and you’re ready to impress—no fuss and oh-so-delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for grilling due to their lean meat and quick cooking time. If you’re looking for a twist, try using chicken thighs, as they’re juicier and can handle longer cooking times.
Salsa Verde: The star of this dish! You can go for store-bought salsa for convenience or make your own for a fresh touch. If you’re not a fan of green salsa, tomatillo salsa can work too. Even a chunky salsa made from roasted tomatoes can substitute.
Pepper Jack Cheese: This cheese adds a spicy kick, but if you want something milder, use Monterey Jack or cheddar. For a dairy-free option, try a vegan pepper jack cheese for that similar flavor and creaminess.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and moisture. If you’re out of olive oil, canola or avocado oil are good alternatives, too!
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Grilled Chicken?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but a few tips can help you nail it! The key is to get that beautiful char while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
- Preheat your grill! A hot grill (400°F/200°C) helps sear the chicken and lock in moisture.
- Don’t move the chicken around too much. Let it grill undisturbed for the first time—it develops those nice grill marks.
- Brushing with salsa verde on the second side not only adds flavor but helps keep the chicken moist.
- Always let your chicken rest after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping each bite juicy.
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)
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh cilantro leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled chicken dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook. You’ll have a flavorful meal ready in 30 minutes or less! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ with friends.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, which is around 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken will cook evenly and have those lovely grill marks!
2. Prepare the Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will add a fantastic flavor to your chicken.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and coat them evenly with the olive oil mixture. Make sure to cover both sides to ensure every bite is flavorful!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the grill. Let them cook for about 6-7 minutes on the first side without moving them around. This helps achieve a nice char.
5. Add Salsa Verde:
After 6-7 minutes, flip the chicken over and brush a generous amount of salsa verde on top. Grill for another 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is almost fully cooked through.
6. Melt the Cheese:
Place a slice of pepper jack cheese on each grilled chicken breast. Close the grill lid and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Rest and Garnish:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 3-5 minutes. This step is important to keep the chicken juicy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your delicious creamy and zesty grilled salsa verde chicken!
This dish is perfect with a side salad, rice, or grilled veggies. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts with chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat or want a juicier option. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What If I Don’t Have Salsa Verde?
If you’re out of salsa verde, you can use any green salsa, tomatillo salsa, or even a chunky tomato salsa for a different flavor profile. Just make sure the salsa is on the tangy side for the best results!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken in the olive oil and spice mixture and let it sit in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight. This will enhance the flavors of the chicken! Just add the salsa and cheese before grilling.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the microwave or warm it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of salsa if needed to refresh the flavors!
