When the grill is hot and you’re craving bold flavors, nothing satisfies like this Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken. It’s a lively fusion of Tex-Mex flair and grilled perfection, tender chicken breasts seared to juicy goodness, coated in smoky spices, and smothered in tangy salsa verde. The real showstopper? A blanket of melty Pepper Jack cheese that brings creamy heat to every bite.
This dish isn’t just fast and flavorful; it’s versatile, gluten-free, and makes for a stunning centerpiece at your next barbecue or casual weeknight dinner. Topped with fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro, each plate bursts with freshness and spice, striking the perfect balance between indulgent and nourishing. Pair it with a simple salad, grilled corn, or cilantro-lime rice to round out your meal with style.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup salsa verde (store-bought or homemade)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
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1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
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Juice of 1 lime
Directions:
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
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In a small bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
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Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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During the last 2 minutes of grilling, spoon salsa verde over each chicken breast and sprinkle with shredded Pepper Jack cheese. Close the lid to let the cheese melt.
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Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
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Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken: A Flavor-Packed Tex-Mex Favorite
If you’re looking for a weeknight meal that is bold, effortless, and packed with flavor, look no further than Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken. This recipe brings together the vibrant zest of salsa verde, the smoky char of grilled chicken, and the creamy heat of Pepper Jack cheese into one beautifully balanced dish. It’s a meal that comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like something you might order at a high-end Southwestern restaurant. Whether you’re feeding the family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a summer backyard barbecue, this dish will hit the spot.
Grilled chicken is a blank canvas, and when paired with the tangy brightness of tomatillo-based salsa verde and the rich kick of Pepper Jack, it turns into something extraordinary. Salsa verde is not just any sauce, it’s a celebration of Mexican cuisine’s simplicity and bold flavor. Usually made from roasted tomatillos, green chilies, garlic, onions, and cilantro, this green sauce is fresh, bright, and layered with flavor. While it’s delicious on tacos and chips, pairing it with grilled chicken and melting cheese transforms it into a complete and satisfying entrée.
This recipe is gluten-free, high in protein, and easy to prepare ahead of time. It’s also very forgiving—you can switch up the toppings, spice levels, and cooking method based on your preferences or what you have available. Whether you grill it outdoors or use a grill pan indoors, the flavor remains outstanding.
Why This Dish Works
There are three main components that make this dish shine:
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The Chicken – Chicken breasts are seasoned with a blend of olive oil, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This spice rub infuses the chicken with a subtle smokiness and warmth, enhancing the flavor without overpowering the salsa or cheese. The grilling process adds a delicious charred element that’s hard to replicate in the oven or stovetop.
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Salsa Verde – This green sauce is the heart of the dish. If you use a homemade salsa verde made from roasted tomatillos, jalapeños, and garlic, you’ll get deep, rich flavor, but a good-quality store-bought version works well too. The acidity and tanginess from the tomatillos help balance the richness of the cheese and the meatiness of the chicken.
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Pepper Jack Cheese – Shredded Pepper Jack melts beautifully and adds just the right amount of spicy creaminess. As it melts over the warm salsa-covered chicken, it creates a gooey blanket of cheesy heat that’s irresistible. You could use Monterey Jack or even mozzarella in a pinch, but Pepper Jack adds a nice kick that elevates the whole dish.
Tips and Variations
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Marinate in Advance – For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice, olive oil, and seasonings for 1–2 hours or overnight. This will help the meat stay moist and infuse it with citrusy brightness.
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Use Thighs Instead – If you prefer darker meat, boneless skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute. They’re juicier and more forgiving on the grill.
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Make it Spicier – If you love heat, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub. You can also mix chopped green chilies into the cheese for an extra kick.
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Add Veggies – Turn this into a complete one-pan meal by grilling sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or onions alongside the chicken. The salsa verde works beautifully with roasted vegetables.
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Different Cheese Options – While Pepper Jack is classic in this dish, feel free to explore with Oaxaca, Cotija (as a topping), or even cheddar if that’s what you have on hand.
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Serve in Different Ways – Don’t limit yourself to just plating it with sides. This grilled salsa verde chicken makes a stellar taco or burrito filling. Slice it up and layer it in a warm tortilla with guacamole and shredded lettuce, or serve it over a bed of rice or quinoa for a hearty grain bowl.
Pairing Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a wide array of sides. Here are a few to consider:
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Cilantro-Lime Rice – This classic side complements the lime and salsa verde in the chicken and helps balance the spice of the Pepper Jack.
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Grilled Corn Elote Style – Mexican street corn coated in mayo, lime, chili powder, and Cotija cheese makes for a rich, sweet, and spicy pairing.
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Avocado Salad – A fresh salad with avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a simple lime vinaigrette brings cooling freshness that complements the bold chicken.
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Black Beans – A warm side of seasoned black beans adds depth and protein, making your meal more filling.
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Chips and Guac – For a Tex-Mex feast, nothing beats starting with homemade guacamole and tortilla chips.
Nutrition Highlights
This recipe is ideal for anyone following a high-protein, gluten-free, or low-carb diet. One serving provides approximately:
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Calories: ~310 kcal
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Protein: 36g
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Fat: 14g
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Carbohydrates: 4g
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Fiber: 1g
It’s filling without being heavy and keeps you energized without a post-dinner slump. For meal preppers, the dish stores well in airtight containers and can be reheated without losing flavor or texture.
A Dish That Feels Special Every Time
What makes this dish such a standout is how effortlessly it brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen. The grilled chicken, smoky and juicy, becomes the perfect base for the bright and tangy salsa verde. The Pepper Jack cheese seals the deal, adding a creamy, spicy dimension that makes each bite unforgettable.
Whether you’re making this for a Tuesday night dinner or showing off your grilling skills at a weekend cookout, this dish is sure to impress. It’s also customizable enough to suit different dietary needs or spice preferences.
Conclusion
Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken is a dish that effortlessly combines bold Mexican flavors with the comfort and heartiness of a grilled classic. It’s fast enough for weeknights, yet flavorful and impressive enough for entertaining. With just a few pantry staples and a short cooking time, you can serve up something that tastes as exciting as it looks. The tang of salsa verde, the heat from Pepper Jack, and the juicy tenderness of grilled chicken come together to create a meal that you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Whether you serve it with rice, wrap it in tortillas, or enjoy it as-is with a salad, this recipe will become a household favorite. Simple, bold, and delicious, this is chicken done right.