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Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken is shown as a delicious and flavorful featured image.

Best Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken

This recipe delivers perfectly grilled chicken breasts infused with vibrant salsa verde and topped with melted pepper jack cheese. The key is to marinate the chicken, use a two-zone grilling setup, and add the salsa and cheese towards the end of cooking to ensure juicy, flavorful results.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 6-8 ounces each
  • 1 cup Salsa Verde fresh or store-bought, good quality
  • 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cumin
  • Salt to taste
  • Black Pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Grill (gas or charcoal)
  • Meat Thermometer
  • Basting brush
  • tongs
  • Bowl
  • Pounder or Rolling Pin

Method
 

  1. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) to ensure even cooking.
  2. In a bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  3. Rub the mixture all over the chicken breasts.
  4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-450°F).
  5. Create a two-zone grilling area: one side with direct heat, the other with indirect heat.
  6. Place the chicken breasts on the direct heat side of the grill.
  7. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, until nicely seared.
  8. Move the chicken to the indirect heat side of the grill.
  9. Continue grilling for another 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  10. Brush the chicken breasts with salsa verde.
  11. Top each chicken breast with a slice of pepper jack cheese.
  12. Close the grill lid and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken reaches 165°F.
  13. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
  14. Serve with your favorite sides, such as rice, beans, salad, or grilled vegetables.

Notes

Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, will enhance the flavor. Adding the salsa verde and cheese only in the last few minutes of grilling preserves its fresh flavor and prevents it from becoming bitter. Resting the chicken after grilling is crucial for optimal tenderness and juiciness. Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.