The Art of Perfect Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken with Mexican Flair

Perfect Chicken Preparation Mastery

Master the technique of preparing chicken for optimal marinade absorption and even cooking.

Grilling Excellence

Learn the skill of achieving perfect grill marks while maintaining juicy interior.

Marinade Technique Perfection

Perfect the method of creating and using marinades for maximum flavor penetration.

Cheese Melting Mastery

Master the art of perfectly melting cheese on grilled chicken without burning.

Fresh Herb Integration

Learn optimal techniques for incorporating fresh herbs and citrus for bright finish.

Grilling Mastery Secrets for Perfect Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken

Marination Time: Allow at least 2 hours for marinade to penetrate chicken for maximum flavor.

Even Thickness: Pound chicken to uniform thickness for even cooking and consistent doneness.

Grill Temperature: Medium-high heat prevents burning while ensuring proper cooking through.

Cheese Timing: Add cheese during last few minutes to melt without burning.

Resting Period: Let chicken rest after grilling to redistribute juices for maximum tenderness.

Fresh Herbs: Use fresh cilantro and lime for brightest, most vibrant flavor impact.

Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken with Spicy Cilantro Lime Marinade

Name: Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken with Spicy Cilantro Lime Marinade
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: For the Perfect Chicken:; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; For the Salsa Verde Marinade:; 1 cup salsa verde; 3 tablespoons lime juice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; For the Cheese Topping:; 8 slices pepper jack cheese; 4 slices Monterey Jack cheese; 1/4 cup Mexican crema; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; For the Fresh Cilantro Lime:; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 limes, juiced and zested; 1 jalapeño, finely diced; 2 green onions, sliced; For the Spicy Enhancement:; 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo, chopped; 1 tablespoon adobo sauce; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; For the Fresh Salsa Verde:; 1 pound tomatillos, husked and quartered

Juicy, perfectly grilled chicken breasts featuring a zesty salsa verde marinade and melted pepper jack cheese, topped with fresh cilantro-lime flavors and smoky char. This vibrant Mexican-inspired dish combines tender grilled chicken with tangy tomatillo salsa verde and creamy melted pepper jack cheese, creating a bold flavor combination that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal perfect for summer grilling, weeknight dinners, or entertaining guests with its beautiful presentation and incredible taste.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

25 Minutes

Total Time

45 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Perfect Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Salsa Verde Marinade:

1 cup salsa verde

3 tablespoons lime juice

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

For the Cheese Topping:

8 slices pepper jack cheese

4 slices Monterey Jack cheese

1/4 cup Mexican crema

2 tablespoons butter, melted

For the Fresh Cilantro Lime:

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

2 limes, juiced and zested

1 jalapeño, finely diced

2 green onions, sliced

For the Spicy Enhancement:

2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo, chopped

1 tablespoon adobo sauce

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the Fresh Salsa Verde:

1 pound tomatillos, husked and quartered

1 white onion, diced

2 jalapeños, seeded and diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons lime juice

For the Grilling Preparation:

Cooking spray for grill

Aluminum foil

Meat thermometer

For the Finishing Touches:

Lime wedges for serving

Extra cilantro for garnish

Sliced avocado (optional)

Mexican hot sauce

For Special Equipment:

Gas or charcoal grill

Grill tongs

Basting brush

Large ziplock bag

Instructions

Pound chicken breasts to even 3/4-inch thickness for uniform cooking.

Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.

Combine salsa verde, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, and chili powder for marinade.

Place chicken in large ziplock bag and pour marinade over chicken.

Seal bag and massage marinade into chicken, then refrigerate for 2-4 hours.

Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before grilling to bring to room temperature.

Preheat grill to medium-high heat and clean grates thoroughly.

Oil grill grates with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Remove chicken from marinade and discard excess marinade.

Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side without moving for good grill marks.

Check internal temperature reaches 165°F with meat thermometer.

During last 2 minutes of cooking, top each chicken breast with pepper jack cheese.

Cover grill or tent with foil to melt cheese completely.

Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare fresh cilantro-lime mixture in small bowl.

Combine chopped cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, and diced jalapeño.

Mix in green onions and season with salt and pepper.

If making fresh salsa verde, blend tomatillos, onion, jalapeños, garlic, cilantro, and lime juice.

Pulse blend until chunky consistency, then season with salt.

Drizzle melted butter over rested chicken for extra richness.

Top each chicken breast generously with fresh cilantro-lime mixture.

Spoon additional salsa verde alongside chicken on serving plates.

Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro leaves.

Serve immediately with Mexican rice, beans, or grilled vegetables.

Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken with Spicy Cilantro Lime Marinade

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Perfect Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken with Mexican Flair

Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken with Spicy Cilantro Lime Marinade

Ingredients

Instructions