Grilled chicken breast topped with melted pepper jack cheese and fresh salsa verde.

Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken 1 Epic Meal

I have to tell you about the one dish that literally saved my summer cookouts last year. You know how it goes when everyone is hungry and you want something that tastes fancy but does not take all day. I was messing around in the kitchen trying to find a way to make chicken less boring and I really wanted something that was both zesty and super creamy. That is exactly how this recipe was born and it became an instant family favorite. Now my friends beg for it every time we fire up the grill and I know you are going to love it just as much as we do.

Why You Will Love This Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken | Delectable Meal

You are going to obsess over the balance of flavors in this dish. The tangy tomatillo based salsa gives the chicken such a bright and fresh taste while the pepper jack cheese adds a perfect spicy kick. It is a total crowd pleaser that feels special without being difficult to make. Another great thing is that this recipe is packed with protein and fits perfectly into a low carb or keto friendly diet. You get all that cheesy goodness without any of the heavy carbs which makes it a total win for a healthy dinner.

Ingredients for Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken | Delectable Meal

  • 4 Boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness
  • 1 cup Salsa verde store bought or homemade
  • 4 slices Pepper jack cheese
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh lime juice
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions for Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken | Delectable Meal

I like to keep things moving in the kitchen so these steps are quick and easy to follow. Just make sure you have your grill ready to go.

Preparing the Marinade and Chicken

First you need to grab a small bowl and whisk together the olive oil and lime juice along with the minced garlic and cumin. Put your chicken breasts in a large bag or a shallow dish and pour that mixture right over them. Make sure every piece is coated well. You really want to let this sit for at least 30 minutes in the fridge because it makes the flavor profile so much better. If you have more time you can even let it go longer to get that chicken really tender.

Grilling to Perfection

Get your grill nice and hot over medium high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade and sprinkle on some salt and pepper. Lay them on the grill and let them cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side. You want to see those beautiful grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the secret to making sure your chicken is safe to eat but still stays incredibly juicy.

Adding the Toppings

During the last 2 minutes of grilling you are going to spoon a generous amount of salsa verde over each piece of chicken. Immediately place a slice of pepper jack cheese on top of the salsa. Close the grill lid for those final couple of minutes. This traps the heat and melts the cheese into a bubbly and gooey blanket of deliciousness.

Tips for the Best Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken | Delectable Meal

One of my biggest secrets is letting the meat rest for about 5 minutes after you take it off the grill. Do not cut into it right away or all those delicious juices will run out on the plate. Also I highly recommend using a meat thermometer because nobody likes dry chicken. If you want even more flavor you can lightly toast the salsa in a pan before spooning it on but the grill usually does a great job of warming it up.

FAQ About Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken | Delectable Meal

  • Can I use chicken thighs? Yes chicken thighs work great and stay very juicy on the grill so feel free to swap them in.
  • Is this dish very spicy? It usually has a mild to medium kick but it really depends on the brand of salsa and cheese you choose.
  • How do I store leftovers? You can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and just reheat them gently so the cheese stays creamy.

Nutrition Facts for Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken | Delectable Meal

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Protein: 42g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g
Print
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Grilled chicken breast topped with melted pepper jack cheese and fresh salsa verde.

Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken 1 Epic Meal


  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

You will cook chicken breasts topped with salsa verde and pepper jack cheese. This dish provides a meal for your weeknights.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1 cup salsa verde
  • 4 slices pepper jack cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium high heat.
  2. Brush the chicken with olive oil.
  3. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
  4. Place the chicken on the grill.
  5. Cook for 7 minutes per side.
  6. Pour 2 tablespoons of salsa verde over each breast.
  7. Place a slice of cheese on the salsa.
  8. Close the grill lid to melt the cheese.
  9. Remove the chicken from the heat and serve.

Notes

  • Use a thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
  • Store leftovers in a container for 3 days.
  • Use chicken thighs for a different flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Calories: 320

Keywords: Grilled Chicken, Salsa Verde, Pepper Jack, Easy Dinner, Low Carb

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