Sizzling Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken Recipe: Flavor Fiesta!

Weeknight dinners just got a zesty upgrade with this spicy salsa verde pepper jack chicken that packs a flavor punch.

Vibrant green sauce cascades over tender, juicy chicken breasts, creating a mouthwatering meal.

The combination of tangy salsa verde and creamy pepper jack cheese brings an electrifying kick to your plate.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat and richness that will make your taste buds dance.

Forget bland chicken – this recipe transforms a simple protein into a culinary adventure.

Bold spices and melted cheese create a dish you can’t wait to devour.

Prepare to experience a dinner that’s anything but ordinary and will have everyone asking for seconds.

How To Store Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken

• Fresh Batch Prep: Slice extra chicken and store in airtight containers for quick lunches throughout the week, perfect for salads, wraps, or grain bowls.
• Cooling & Storage Strategy: Let grilled chicken cool completely before refrigerating. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in sealed containers to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Separate chicken into individual portions, wrap securely in freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated chicken gently in microwave or oven at 350°F. Add a splash of chicken broth or extra salsa verde to prevent drying out, ensuring juicy and flavorful results.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need For Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender protein powerhouse that absorbs delicious marinade flavors, choose fresh, plump cuts with minimal visible fat for juicier results.

• Olive Oil: Helps create golden exterior and locks in moisture, select extra virgin for richer taste.
• Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that adds depth and complexity to the chicken's profile, opt for freshly ground if possible.
• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle, aromatic flavor without overwhelming the dish, choose high-quality brands for maximum taste.
• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that balances and elevates all other seasonings, use kosher or sea salt for best results.
• Black Pepper: Adds sharp, bold kick and complements the other spices, freshly ground creates more vibrant taste.

• Salsa Verde: Tangy, zesty sauce that brings bright Mexican-inspired flavor, select homemade or high-quality jarred version.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: Creamy, spicy cheese that melts beautifully and adds a kick of heat, choose block cheese for best melting quality.

Equipment For Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken

• Grill: Essential for cooking chicken with perfect char marks and smoky flavor.
• Tongs: Sturdy pair for safely flipping and handling chicken on hot grates.
• Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Cutting board: Clean surface for preparing and resting chicken.
• Sharp knife: For trimming chicken and checking doneness.
• Measuring spoons: To accurately measure seasonings like cumin and garlic powder.

Steps To Make Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken

• Prepare Chicken

Grab your chicken and give it a quick pat down with a paper towel. Drizzle some olive oil and sprinkle on your favorite spices to create a flavor explosion.

• Fire Up the Grill

Crank your grill to a sizzling medium-high temperature. Lay those seasoned chicken pieces on the grates and let them dance over the flames.

• Add Zesty Toppings

When the chicken is almost done, drench each piece with tangy salsa verde. Crown each piece with a slice of spicy pepper jack cheese. Close the grill lid and let the magic happen until the cheese melts into gooey perfection.

Tips For Perfect Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken

• Moisture Magic: Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy flavors.
• Spice Flexibility: Swap pepper jack for mild cheddar or monterey jack if you prefer less heat, making the dish adaptable for sensitive palates.
• Low-Carb Hero: Perfect for keto and low-carb diets by eliminating any potential high-carb additions and focusing on protein-rich chicken.
• Oven Alternative: No grill? Bake chicken in a 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes, adding salsa and cheese during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
• Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm white fish like halibut or thick turkey cutlets for a delightful seafood or lean protein variation.

Serving Suggestions For Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken

• Zesty Dinner Plate Companion: Serve alongside fluffy cilantro-lime rice to soak up the delicious salsa verde and cheese drippings.
• Freshness Boost: Pair with a crisp green salad topped with avocado slices and a light lime vinaigrette for a balanced meal that adds color and nutrition.
• Southwest Fiesta Style: Create street taco-inspired accompaniments like quick pickled red onions, warm corn tortillas, and a dollop of sour cream to enhance the chicken's bold flavors.
• Hearty Meal Completion: Add roasted street corn or grilled vegetable skewers with similar southwest seasonings to complement the chicken's spicy pepper jack and tangy salsa verde profile.

Spicy Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

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

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Description

Grilled salsa verde pepper jack chicken melds zesty Mexican flavors with juicy grilled protein. Pepper jack cheese and tangy verde sauce create a mouthwatering blend of spice and comfort for summer dinner enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) cumin
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup (240 ml) salsa verde
• 4 slices pepper jack cheese
• Chopped cilantro (optional)
• Avocado slices (optional)
• Lime wedges (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat chicken breasts completely dry, eliminating surface moisture with paper towels.
2. Seasoning: Massage olive oil across chicken surfaces, then thoroughly coat with cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper blend, pressing spices deeply into the meat.
3. Grilling Setup: Preheat grill to medium-high temperature, ensuring consistent heat distribution for optimal cooking environment.
4. Initial Cooking: Position seasoned chicken on grill grates, cooking 6-7 minutes per side to develop caramelized exterior and achieve golden-brown coloration.
5. Temperature Verification: Use meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165 degrees fahrenheit, guaranteeing safe consumption.
6. Flavor Enhancement: During final grilling moments, generously ladle salsa verde over chicken breasts and crown with pepper jack cheese slice.
7. Finishing Touch: Close grill lid momentarily, allowing cheese to melt and salsa verde flavors to integrate seamlessly.
8. Resting Phase: Remove chicken from grill and let rest briefly, enabling moisture preservation and internal juice redistribution for maximum tenderness.

Notes

• Pat Chicken Dry Thoroughly: Removing excess moisture ensures better seasoning adherence and promotes perfect caramelization during grilling.
• Maximize Spice Penetration: Press seasoning blend firmly into chicken meat to enhance flavor depth and create a more intense taste profile.
• Temperature Precision Matters: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches 165°F internally, preventing undercooking while maintaining juicy texture.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Close grill lid during final moments to create a melting chamber, allowing pepper jack cheese to smoothly coat salsa verde chicken.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg