Description
This Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken is bursting with flavor, combining zesty salsa verde and spicy pepper jack cheese. The chicken is grilled to perfection, topped with melted cheese, and finished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for the ultimate Tex-Mex-inspired dish.
Ingredients
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1 ½ pounds thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 breasts)
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12 ounces salsa verde (Trader Joe’s or your preferred brand)
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons lime juice
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1 teaspoon cumin
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1 teaspoon salt (or more, to taste)
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1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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4 slices pepper jack cheese (or more, as desired)
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Fresh cilantro, finely minced (optional, for garnishing)
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Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
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Prepare the Marinade:
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In a medium bowl, combine the salsa verde, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
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Marinate the Chicken:
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Place the thin-sliced chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the salsa verde marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
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Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
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Preheat the Grill:
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, preheat over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
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Grill the Chicken:
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Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the remaining marinade. Grill the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
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Add the Cheese:
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During the last minute of grilling, place a slice of pepper jack cheese on each piece of chicken and close the grill lid. Let the cheese melt for about 1 minute.
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Serve:
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Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
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Garnish with freshly minced cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for extra flavor.
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Notes
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For extra heat, you can add diced jalapeños to the salsa verde or top the chicken with additional sliced jalapeños before grilling.
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If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a grill pan or skillet on the stovetop.
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This chicken is delicious served with rice, tacos, or a simple salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes to 2 hours for marinating)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Grilled
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex