Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken

Grilled salsa verde pepper jack chicken is a bold, zesty dish that combines smoky grilled chicken with tangy green salsa and melty, spicy pepper jack cheese. This flavorful, Southwest-inspired recipe is easy to prepare and delivers juicy chicken with a perfect balance of heat and brightness. It’s ideal for cookouts, weeknight dinners, or serving over rice or in tacos.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy grilled chicken loaded with flavor
• Tangy salsa verde and spicy pepper jack create a delicious combo
• Fast and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
• Great for grilling season, meal prep, or taco night
• Naturally gluten-free and low-carb

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil
• Salt and black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Salsa verde (store-bought or homemade)
• Pepper jack cheese slices
• Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, lime wedges

directions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
2. Pat chicken dry and brush lightly with olive oil. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cumin.
3. Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, spoon salsa verde over each piece of chicken and top with a slice of pepper jack cheese.
5. Close the grill lid to melt the cheese and heat the salsa.
6. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
7. Serve topped with cilantro, avocado, or a squeeze of lime, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy: Add jalapeño slices on top or mix hot sauce into the salsa verde
• Creamy version: Add a layer of sour cream or avocado crema before serving
• Taco-style: Slice and serve in tortillas with shredded lettuce and pico de gallo
• Tex-Mex bowl: Serve over cilantro rice or cauliflower rice with black beans and corn
• Cheese swap: Use Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend if you prefer milder flavor

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.
Add fresh salsa or cheese when reheating to refresh flavor.
Freezing is not recommended due to the cheese and salsa texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought salsa verde?

Yes! Store-bought works perfectly. Choose a brand you like, or make homemade for extra freshness.

What type of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs are ideal. Thighs stay especially juicy on the grill.

How spicy is pepper jack cheese?

It has a mild heat from jalapeños. You can swap it for a milder or hotter cheese to suit your taste.

Can I bake instead of grill?

Yes. Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, then top with salsa and cheese and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken from the grill as soon as it hits 165°F. Let it rest before slicing.

What can I serve with this?

Rice, grilled veggies, tortilla chips, black beans, corn salad, or a simple green salad all pair well.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. Season the chicken and store it in the fridge up to 24 hours ahead. Grill and top with salsa and cheese just before serving.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes. It’s naturally low in carbs and high in protein. Just skip any starchy sides.

Can I use chicken with skin?

Yes, though it may flare up more on the grill. Keep an eye on it and cook over indirect heat if needed.

Can I add more toppings?

Absolutely. Chopped tomatoes, onions, hot sauce, or a drizzle of crema all make great additions.

Conclusion

Grilled salsa verde pepper jack chicken is a flavorful and easy recipe that brings bold Southwestern flavor to your plate. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers heat, zest, and melty goodness in every bite. Try it once, and it just might become a grill-night favorite.

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