Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that brings together the smoky, grilled flavors of chicken with the bold, zesty taste of salsa verde and the creamy richness of pepper jack cheese. This flavorful dish is perfect for summer grilling or a quick weeknight dinner, offering a unique twist on traditional chicken. With its combination of tangy salsa, spicy cheese, and juicy chicken, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and full of vibrant flavors!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold and Zesty Flavor: The salsa verde brings a fresh, tangy punch, while the pepper jack cheese adds a creamy, spicy kick.
Grilled Perfection: Grilling the chicken gives it a smoky flavor and crispy edges, making it even more delicious.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a fast, flavorful weeknight dinner.
Customizable: You can adjust the level of spice by adding more or less salsa verde or choosing a milder cheese.
Versatile: Serve it with rice, in tacos, or alongside a salad—this dish can be enjoyed in so many ways.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
Salsa verde (store-bought or homemade)
Pepper jack cheese (sliced)
Olive oil
Lime juice
Salt and pepper
Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)

Variations

Cheese Swap: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese instead of pepper jack.
Add Vegetables: Grill some peppers or onions alongside the chicken for added flavor and texture.
Toppings: Top the grilled chicken with avocado, sour cream, or a dollop of additional salsa verde for extra freshness.
Spicy Version: For more heat, you can add chopped jalapeños to the salsa verde or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken breasts. If they’re particularly thick, slice them horizontally to create thinner pieces that will cook more evenly. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken in a bowl or ziplock bag and pour over the salsa verde and lime juice. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors. If you have more time, marinate it for up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You can also use a grill pan if you’re cooking indoors. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even grill marks and cook time.

Step 5: Add the Pepper Jack Cheese

During the last minute of grilling, place a slice of pepper jack cheese on each piece of chicken. Close the grill lid to melt the cheese and get it nice and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

Once the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese has melted, remove it from the grill. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Pounding the Chicken: If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness. This helps them cook more uniformly and ensures the chicken stays juicy.
Marinating Time: For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes, but longer marination (up to 2 hours) will result in even more flavor infusion.
Grill Marks: To achieve beautiful grill marks, make sure the grill is hot enough before placing the chicken on it. Don’t move the chicken around too much once it’s on the grill.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The ideal internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C).

How to Serve

With Rice: Serve the grilled chicken with cilantro-lime rice or Spanish rice for a complete meal.
In Tacos: Slice the grilled chicken and use it as a filling for tacos, topped with fresh salsa, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
With a Side Salad: Pair the chicken with a light side salad, such as a cucumber-tomato salad or a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
On a Bun: Serve it as a sandwich on a toasted bun, topped with extra salsa, lettuce, and your favorite condiments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken is completely cooled before storing.

Freezing

You can freeze the grilled chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful, so feel free to swap them in.

2. Can I make my own salsa verde?

Absolutely! You can make your own salsa verde by blending roasted tomatillos, cilantro, garlic, onion, and lime juice. This adds a fresh, homemade touch to the dish.

3. Can I cook the chicken in the oven instead of grilling?

Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until it reaches 165°F (74°C). Add the cheese during the last few minutes of cooking to melt it.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer, but pepper jack adds a nice spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the salsa verde. Monterey Jack or cheddar are also great options.

5. How do I make this recipe spicier?

If you like extra heat, try adding some chopped jalapeños to the salsa verde or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top of the chicken before grilling.

6. Can I use store-bought salsa verde?

Yes, store-bought salsa verde works perfectly in this recipe and saves time. Just choose a high-quality brand with minimal preservatives for the best flavor.

7. Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Yes, you can cook the chicken on a grill pan or in a skillet if you don’t have a grill. Just be sure to get the pan nice and hot before adding the chicken to achieve a good sear.

8. Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, marinating the chicken overnight will give it even more flavor. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator while it marinates.

9. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C).

10. How can I serve this dish for a crowd?

For a larger group, you can easily double the recipe and grill multiple chicken breasts at once. You can also make a chicken platter with sides like rice, grilled vegetables, and a salsa bar.

Conclusion

Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken is the perfect dish for anyone who loves bold, flavorful meals. With its smoky grilled chicken, spicy pepper jack cheese, and tangy salsa verde, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite. It’s quick, easy, and versatile enough to serve in various ways, whether in tacos, with rice, or as a stand-alone main dish. Enjoy the vibrant, zesty flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds!