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A plate of grilled cilantro lime chicken topped with melted cheese and herb sauce, served over roasted potatoes.

Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken

Juicy chicken breasts marinated in zesty salsa verde, grilled to perfection, and topped with melted spicy pepper jack cheese. A vibrant and flavorful main course perfect for any weeknight or weekend cookout.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1.5-2 lbs total
  • 1 cup salsa verde store-bought or homemade
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 whole lime juiced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground, or to taste
For Assembly & Garnish
  • 4 slices pepper jack cheese about 4 oz total
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Grill (charcoal or gas)
  • Tongs
  • Meat Thermometer
  • Cutting board

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the salsa verde, olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor. (Do not marinate for more than 4 hours, as the lime juice can start to break down the chicken's texture).
Preheat the Grill
  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F or 200-230°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Grill the Chicken
  1. Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
  2. Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer.
  3. During the last 2-3 minutes of grilling, place one slice of pepper jack cheese on top of each chicken breast. Close the grill lid to allow the cheese to melt and become bubbly.
Rest and Serve
  1. Once the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted, carefully remove the chicken from the grill and transfer it to a clean cutting board or serving platter.
  2. Tent the chicken loosely with foil and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps to redistribute the juices, ensuring a more tender and flavorful chicken.
  3. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides like rice, black beans, or a fresh salad.

Notes

For best results, aim for chicken breasts of similar thickness to ensure even cooking. If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can pound them slightly to an even 3/4-inch thickness before marinating. Adjust the amount of salsa verde or pepper jack cheese to your preference for spice and flavor.