Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this grilled salsa verde pepper jack chicken! It’s a flavor explosion that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. This dish features juicy, tender chicken breasts smothered in zesty salsa verde and topped with spicy pepper jack cheese that melts to perfection on the grill. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it also fits beautifully into a healthy meal plan—packed with protein and low in carbs! Trust me, whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients List
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa verde
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken
Preheat the Grill
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is super important because it helps to sear the chicken and lock in those juices, giving you that perfect, tender bite. Aim for about 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). Trust me, a hot grill makes all the difference!
Prepare the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. This mixture is where the magic begins! Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly with this seasoning blend. If you have a bit of time, let them marinate in the fridge for about an hour. It really amps up the flavor, but if you’re short on time, don’t worry—just go ahead and grill them!
Grill the Chicken
Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want to see those beautiful grill marks and hear that sizzle! To check if they’re done, use a meat thermometer; you’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). In the last few minutes of grilling, generously top each chicken breast with salsa verde and a handful of shredded pepper jack cheese. Close the grill lid to let that cheese melt into gooey perfection—yum!
Rest and Serve
Once they’re done, remove the chicken from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making it even juicier when you cut in. Serve this delicious grilled salsa verde pepper jack chicken with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad for a complete meal experience. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this grilled salsa verde pepper jack chicken. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose to use. But it gives you a good idea of what you’re working with!
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 100mg
This dish is not only tasty but also packed with protein, making it a great choice for a healthy meal! Enjoy knowing you’re fueling your body right!
Tips for Success
- Use a meat thermometer: This is my secret weapon! It ensures your chicken is cooked perfectly every time. Aim for 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
- Don’t skip the marinating: If you can, let the chicken sit in the olive oil and spice mixture for at least an hour. It really enhances the flavor!
- Keep the grill lid closed: Closing the lid while the cheese melts helps retain heat and ensures it gets all gooey and delicious.
- Adjust the spice level: If you’re not a fan of too much heat, opt for a milder salsa verde. You can also mix in a little sour cream for creaminess!
- Experiment with cheeses: While pepper jack is fantastic, feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack or even a sharp cheddar could add a unique twist.
- Let it rest: Seriously, don’t rush this step! It makes the chicken so much juicier—you’ll thank me later!
Variations
- Cheese Swap: If pepper jack isn’t your thing, try using Monterey Jack for a milder flavor or sharp cheddar for a bolder taste. You could even mix in some crumbled feta for a Mediterranean twist!
- Spice Level Up: Love a kick? Use a spicy salsa verde or add some sliced jalapeños on top while grilling. For a milder version, opt for a sweet corn salsa or a fresh pico de gallo.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to the oil mixture for a burst of freshness. You can also sprinkle some fresh lime juice on top right before serving for an extra zing!
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for thick slices of grilled zucchini or eggplant. Just adjust the grilling time accordingly. You’ll still get that lovely salsa verde and cheese goodness!
- Wrap It Up: Turn this dish into a delicious wrap! Grill the chicken and then slice it up to toss in a tortilla with some fresh veggies and avocado. It’s a fun, portable meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftovers from this delicious grilled salsa verde pepper jack chicken, don’t worry! Storing them properly will keep the flavors intact for your next meal. Let the chicken cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to seal it well to prevent any moisture loss!
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, I recommend reheating the chicken in the oven or on the grill for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the chicken on a baking sheet, and cover it with aluminum foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. If you’re using the grill, just throw it back on over medium heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally until heated thoroughly.
Microwaving is an option, too, but be careful! It can dry out the chicken if you’re not cautious. If you go this route, use a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking often to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your tasty leftovers just as much as the first time around!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of zesty salsa verde and spicy pepper jack cheese creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Healthy Choice: With lean chicken and fresh ingredients, it’s low in carbs and high in protein—great for a balanced meal!
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level and swap out ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
- Grill-Friendly: It’s perfect for outdoor cooking and grilling, giving you that delicious smoky flavor everyone loves.
- Meal Prep Delight: Leftovers are fantastic and can be enjoyed in wraps, salads, or even on their own!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this grilled salsa verde pepper jack chicken! If you try the recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out for you. Did you make any fun variations? Any tips you want to share? Your feedback means the world to me, and it helps others discover this deliciousness too! And if you enjoyed it, don’t forget to rate the recipe—your support keeps my kitchen adventures going! So grab your grill, whip this up, and let’s connect over our shared love for great food. Happy cooking!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this creamy chicken in mushroom sauce or this chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce!
Z nadrukami
Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken: A Flavorful Delight
- Całkowity Czas: 30 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
Grilled salsa verde pepper jack chicken is a flavorful dish combining tender chicken breasts with spicy pepper jack cheese and zesty salsa verde.
Składniki
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa verde
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken breasts with the oil mixture.
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
- In the last few minutes of grilling, top the chicken with salsa verde and shredded pepper jack cheese.
- Close the grill lid to melt the cheese.
- Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Uwagi
- Serve with rice or tortillas for a complete meal.
- Adjust the spice level by using mild or hot salsa verde.
- Can marinate the chicken in the oil mixture for an hour for more flavor.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 15 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Grilling
- Kuchnia: Mexican
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 chicken breast
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 8g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 4g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Słowa kluczowe: grilled salsa verde pepper jack chicken
