Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 breasts)
- 12 ounces salsa verde (e.g., Trader Joe’s)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt (or more, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Toppings and Garnish
- 4 slices pepper Jack cheese (or as desired)
- Fresh cilantro, finely minced (optional for garnishing)
- Lime wedges (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large zip-top plastic bag, combine the chicken breasts with salsa verde, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Seal the bag and massage the marinade evenly over the chicken. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Grill: Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure a nice sear on the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts onto the grill with the lid closed. Cook for approximately 5 minutes on the first side, then flip and grill for about 4 minutes on the second side until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink inside.
- Melt the Cheese: Reduce grill heat to medium-low. Top each chicken breast with a slice of pepper Jack cheese. Close the grill lid and allow the cheese to melt, about 1 minute.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove chicken from grill. Optionally garnish with finely minced cilantro and serve with lime wedges. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or salsa verde as desired.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavors even more.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan on the stovetop can be used as an alternative.
- Adjust the amount of pepper Jack cheese to your taste, or substitute with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Serve with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Be sure to use thin-sliced chicken breasts for quicker, even cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican