Description
Grilled Salsa Verde Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish featuring thinly sliced boneless chicken breasts marinated in a zesty salsa verde mixture. Grilled to perfection and topped with melty pepper Jack cheese, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors in just about 22 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 pounds boneless chicken breasts, sliced thin (about 4 breasts)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 ounces salsa verde
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Toppings
- 4 slices of pepper Jack cheese
- Some chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for squeezing, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine salsa verde, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade base.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts to the marinade bowl. Toss the pieces thoroughly so each slice is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor infusion.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking the chicken.
- Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken slices from the marinade, discarding any leftover marinade liquid. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, flipping once. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee the chicken is cooked through.
- Melt the cheese: With approximately one minute left on the grill, lay one slice of pepper Jack cheese on each piece of chicken. Close the grill lid to allow the cheese to melt and become bubbly.
- Rest and serve: After removing the chicken from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top and serve with lime wedges for squeezing if desired.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) will deepen the flavors.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- The pepper Jack cheese adds a slight spicy creaminess, but you can substitute with any melting cheese if desired.
- Grilling times may vary depending on grill heat; adjust accordingly to prevent overcooking.
- Use fresh lime wedges at serving time for an extra bright finish.
