Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken

Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken is a flavorful and spicy dish that's perfect for any occasion. With a zesty salsa verde marinade, smoky cumin, and creamy pepper jack cheese, this chicken recipe delivers bold flavors with each bite. Whether you're making it for a family dinner, a summer BBQ, or a quick weeknight meal, this dish is sure to please. The tangy salsa verde paired with the melt-in-your-mouth cheese creates a combination that will have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients:

• 1½ pounds thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 breasts)

• 12 ounces salsa verde (Trader Joe's or your preferred brand)

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons lime juice

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon salt (or more, to taste)

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 4 slices pepper jack cheese (or more, depending on your preference)

• Fresh cilantro, finely minced (optional, for garnishing)

• Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine salsa verde, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the marinade is well mixed.

2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the salsa verde marinade over the chicken, ensuring that all sides are covered. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to allow the flavors to marinate.

3. Preheat the Grill: While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on the stove.

4. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is no longer pink inside.

5. Add Cheese: In the last 2 minutes of grilling, place a slice of pepper jack cheese on top of each chicken breast. Close the grill lid to melt the cheese, or cover the chicken with a piece of aluminum foil to help the cheese melt.

6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for a fresh burst of flavor.
   
   

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: Approximately 300 kcal

• Protein: 30 g

• Fat: 18 g

• Carbohydrates: 2 g

• Sodium: 800 mg

• Cholesterol: 85 mg