Bright & Zesty Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken Recipe

Spice lovers rejoice as this zesty grilled salsa verde pepper jack chicken delivers a flavor explosion that dances across your taste buds.

Succulent chicken breasts soak up the tangy, vibrant salsa verde marinade with pure culinary magic.

Bold pepper jack cheese melts into golden rivulets, creating an irresistible layer of creamy heat.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of smoky grilled notes and bright, zesty undertones.

The marinade transforms simple chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Fresh herbs and a quick grill create a meal that’s both elegant and effortlessly delicious.

Prepare to be the star of your next dinner gathering with this mouthwatering recipe that promises to become an instant favorite.

Keep Grilled Salsa Verde Chicken Fresh in Storage

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap individual pieces separately to maintain moisture and prevent flavor transfer.
• Carefully package cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm chicken gently in microwave using 30-second intervals or in oven at 325F, covered with foil to prevent drying. Add extra salsa verde for moisture restoration.
• Prepare multiple chicken breasts simultaneously during cooking session. Use versatile protein in salads, wraps, grain bowls, or as protein topping throughout weekly meals.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 340 kcal

Servings: 4

Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken Ingredient Breakdown

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein perfect for grilling, choose fresh, plump cuts with minimal visible fat for best texture and flavor.

• Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that adds depth to chicken's flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: Provides intense savory notes without raw garlic's sharpness.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and helps tenderize meat during cooking.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the seasoning mix.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a beautiful golden exterior and prevents chicken from sticking to grill.
• Salsa Verde: Tangy green sauce that adds bright, zesty Mexican-inspired flavor.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: Creamy cheese with mild spiciness that melts beautifully and complements the chicken's seasoning.

Tools That Bring Out the Boldness in Salsa Verde Chicken

• Grill: Gas or charcoal grill with clean grates for perfect chicken sear and flavor.
• Meat Thermometer: Essential for checking chicken's safe internal temperature of 165F.
• Tongs: Long-handled grilling tongs for safely turning and handling chicken on hot grates.
• Cutting Board: Clean surface for chicken prep and seasoning.
• Measuring Spoons: For precise seasoning measurements of cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Basting Brush: Optional tool for evenly spreading olive oil on chicken.

Making Grilled Salsa Verde Chicken That’s Packed with Flavor

• Massage Chicken Flavor

Rub the chicken with a zesty blend of spices, coating each side with a tantalizing mix that promises mouthwatering results.

• Fire Up the Grill

Crank the grill to a sizzling medium-high temperature, creating the perfect heat zone for transforming your chicken into a culinary masterpiece.

• Grill and Embellish

Place chicken on the grill, cooking until it reaches a golden perfection. In the final moments, lavish each piece with vibrant salsa verde and crown with a melty slice of pepper jack cheese, letting the grill work its magic to create a bubbling, irresistible topping.

Pepper Jack Chicken Tips for the Perfect Melt

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F without overcooking, keeping it juicy and tender.
• Replace salsa verde with homemade green chile sauce for a zero-carb alternative that maintains bold flavor profiles.
• When outdoor grilling isn't possible, bake chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, adding salsa and cheese during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
• Swap pepper jack cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for a lactose-intolerant friendly version that still delivers incredible taste.
• Prepare multiple chicken breasts simultaneously and store in refrigerator for up to 4 days, making quick weeknight dinners effortless and delicious.

How to Serve Grilled Salsa Verde Chicken with Style

• Zesty Taco Night Companion: Serve this spicy grilled chicken alongside soft warm tortillas and create build-your-own taco stations for a fun dinner experience.
• Fresh Southwestern Platter: Pair the chicken with cilantro-lime rice, black beans, and a crisp green salad to balance the bold pepper jack and salsa verde flavors.
• Leftover Lunch Upgrade: Slice the grilled chicken and layer into sandwiches, wrap in lettuce, or chop into a hearty salad for a quick next-day meal that keeps the southwestern spirit alive.
• Quick Meal Prep Champion: Grill extra chicken to use throughout the week in quesadillas, burrito bowls, or as a protein-packed topping for mixed green salads with a zesty southwest twist.

Zesty Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sizzling “grilled salsa verde pepper jack chicken” brings Mexican-inspired zest to weeknight dinners. Juicy chicken breasts coated in tangy salsa verde and melted pepper jack create a spicy, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) olive oil
• ½ teaspoon (½ tsp) cumin
• ½ teaspoon (½ tsp) garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup salsa verde
• 4 slices pepper jack cheese
• Optional toppings: chopped cilantro
• Optional toppings: avocado slices
• Optional toppings: lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Thoroughly dry chicken and massage with olive oil, then generously coat both sides with a robust blend of cumin, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Grilling Process: Heat grill to medium-high temperature, carefully place chicken on grates, and cook for approximately 6-8 minutes per side, ensuring a golden-brown exterior and internal temperature reaches 165°F for optimal doneness.
3. Cheesy Finale: During the final moments of grilling, delicately spoon tangy salsa verde over each chicken piece, crown with a melting slice of zesty pepper jack cheese, and close grill lid briefly to allow cheese to become irresistibly gooey and slightly bubbling.

Notes

• Select ripe, vibrant pepper jack cheese and high-quality salsa verde for maximum flavor depth and authentic taste.
• Maintain consistent medium-high heat to prevent chicken from drying out and ensure beautiful grill marks without burning.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, guaranteeing perfectly cooked chicken that’s juicy and safe to consume.
• Adjust salsa verde and pepper jack cheese intensity based on personal heat preference, making the dish adaptable for different palates.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg