Grilled Salsa Verde Chicken (Printable Version)
Tender grilled chicken with zesty salsa verde and melted pepper jack cheese, perfect for summer dining.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
05 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
07 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Toppings
08 - 1 cup salsa verde (store-bought or homemade)
09 - 4 slices pepper jack cheese
10 - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
11 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
→ Optional Garnishes
12 - 1 avocado, sliced
13 - ½ cup diced tomatoes
# How to Make:
01 - Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry. Combine olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
03 - Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
04 - In the last 2 minutes of grilling, top each breast with ¼ cup salsa verde and a slice of pepper jack cheese. Close grill lid to melt cheese.
05 - Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges, avocado slices, and diced tomatoes if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The spice rub creates this beautiful crust that locks in all the juices while the grill adds that perfect smoky depth
- Salsa verde and pepper jack might sound simple together but the tangy meets creamy situation is absolute perfection
02 -
- Pound thicker chicken breasts to an even thickness before grilling or they will cook unevenly and leave you with dry ends and undercooked centers
- Letting the chicken rest after grilling is not optional, it is what keeps every bite juicy instead of tough
03 -
- Oil your grill grates right before adding the chicken to prevent sticking, and do not move the chicken too early or you will tear the meat
- Room temperature chicken grills more evenly, so let it sit out for 20 minutes before cooking if you remember