This Cheesy Grilled Salsa Verde Chicken is a total winner! Chicken breasts are grilled to juicy perfection and topped with fresh salsa verde and gooey cheese. Yum!
You won’t just enjoy the flavor; the bright salsa adds a fun twist. I love serving it with some rice on the side—it’s a quick and tasty meal that even the kids love! 🍗💚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier option, or even tofu for a vegetarian spin!
Salsa Verde: You can buy salsa verde at the store or make your own using tomatillos, cilantro, and lime. If you’re looking for something different, switch it out for regular salsa or even a fresh pico de gallo.
Cheese: Monterey Jack is perfect for melting, but Pepper Jack adds a nice kick. If you’re dairy-free, there are good vegan cheese alternatives available that melt well!
Seasonings: The combination of cumin, chili powder, and garlic gives a nice flavor boost. You can also experiment with smoked paprika for a more complex smokiness.
How Do I Grill Chicken Perfectly?
Grilling chicken might seem tricky, but with a little care, you’ll get that perfect juicy result every time!
- Preheat Well: Make sure your grill is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps lock in juices and avoid sticking.
- Cook to Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (75°C). This guarantees it’s cooked without drying out.
- Let it Rest: Once off the grill, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making each bite tender and juicy.
How to Make Cheesy Grilled Salsa Verde Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup salsa verde (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or Pepper Jack for a little heat)
- For the Marinade:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook on the grill. In total, you’re looking at about 25 minutes to have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by heating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures your chicken will cook evenly and get those lovely grill marks.
2. Prepare the Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture will add delicious flavor to your chicken!
3. Season the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and brush them on both sides with the olive oil mixture. Make sure they’re well-coated for the best flavor.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Perfect grilling means juicy chicken!
5. Add Salsa and Cheese:
In the last 2 minutes of grilling, carefully spoon salsa verde over each chicken breast. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Yum!
6. Melt the Cheese:
Close the grill lid and let the cheese melt for about 2 minutes. You want it nice and bubbly!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cheese is melted and gooey, remove the chicken from the grill. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Enjoy your deliciously tangy, cheesy, and juicy grilled chicken! It’s perfect served with rice or a fresh salad.
FAQ for Cheesy Grilled Salsa Verde Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a juicier result and are perfect for grilling. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Can I Make This Recipe in the Oven?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken in a greased baking dish for about 20-25 minutes. Add salsa and cheese in the last 5 minutes of cooking to melt the cheese.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You may need to add a splash of salsa verde to freshen it up!
Can I Make My Own Salsa Verde?
Definitely! You can make salsa verde using tomatillos, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños blended together. Just adjust the spice level according to your taste!
