Description
This Grilled Salsa Verde Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of salsa verde, lime, and spices, then grilled to perfection. Topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese, jalapeño slices, and red onion, it offers a flavorful and slightly spicy dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend barbecue.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade and Chicken
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 lime, juiced, plus wedges for serving
- 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 1/2 cups salsa verde, divided
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
Toppings
- 4 slices Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp. finely chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together ½ cup of salsa verde, extra-virgin olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, and ground cumin. Add the boneless skinless chicken breasts to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Let the chicken marinate for 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the grill and cook the chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 6 minutes on one side. Flip the chicken breasts, brush each with additional salsa verde, and cook for another 6 minutes.
- Add toppings and finish cooking: Top each grilled chicken breast with a slice of Monterey Jack cheese, some thinly sliced jalapeño, and finely chopped red onion. Cover the grill and let the cheese melt while the chicken finishes cooking through, about 4 minutes.
- Serve the grilled chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a serving platter. Drizzle with the remaining ½ cup of salsa verde and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
Notes
- For a milder dish, remove the seeds from the jalapeño before slicing.
- Can be served with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Marinating time can be extended up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.
- Use a grill basket if your grill grates are wide to prevent small pieces from falling through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Grilled chicken, salsa verde chicken, Mexican chicken recipe, quick grilled chicken, spicy chicken with cheese
