Cracker Barrel Green Chili Jack Chicken Recipe

This Cracker Barrel Green Chili Jack Chicken recipe is a zesty and cheesy dish, which features mild green chilies and melted Monterey Jack cheese. It’s a flavorful Southwestern dinner, ready in about 30 minutes.

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Cracker Barrel Green Chili Jack Chicken Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Topping

• 1 can (4 oz) mild diced green chilies (undrained)
• ½ cup Salsa Verde (green salsa)
• 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or Pepper Jack for heat)
• ¼ cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sour cream (optional side)

How To Make Cracker Barrel Green Chili Jack Chicken

1. Prep the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ¾ inch. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy. Pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Season: In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub the chicken breasts with the olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning blend generously over both sides of the meat.
3. Grill the chicken: Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until nice grill marks appear and the chicken is almost cooked through (about 160°F internal).
4. Prepare the sauce: While the chicken grills, mix the can of undrained green chilies with the salsa verde in a small bowl.
5. Assemble: If using an outdoor grill, lower the heat or move chicken to indirect heat. If using a grill pan, you may want to transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and finish under the broiler. Spoon the green chili mixture generously over the top of each chicken breast.
6. Melt the cheese: Pile the shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top of the green chilies.
7. Finish cooking: Cover the grill (or place under the broiler) for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle with sliced green onions. Serve hot, perhaps with a dollop of sour cream on the side.

Recipe Tips

• Cheese choice: Monterey Jack is the most authentic choice because it melts incredibly well and has a mild, creamy flavor that balances the chilies. For a spicy kick, use Pepper Jack.
• Salsa Verde: Use a jarred tomatillo salsa (Salsa Verde). It adds a tangy acidity that the canned chilies lack on their own. Combining the two creates a more complex sauce topping.
• Broiler method: If you don’t have a grill, you can pan-sear the chicken in a skillet, then top it and finish it in the oven at 400°F for 5 minutes.
• Don’t overcook: The chicken cooks twice (once to grill, once to melt cheese). Pull it off the direct heat slightly early so it finishes cooking while the cheese melts, preventing dry meat.

What To Serve With Cracker Barrel Green Chili Jack Chicken

This Southwestern chicken pairs with hearty sides.

• Rice Pilaf: Or Spanish rice.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or steamed.
• Pinto Beans: Simmered with bacon.
• Macaroni and Cheese: A classic Cracker Barrel side.

How To Store Cracker Barrel Green Chili Jack Chicken

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or oven until the cheese is bubbly again.
• Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken without the cheese topping for best results. Add cheese fresh when reheating.

Cracker Barrel Green Chili Jack Chicken Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 420kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturates: 10g
• Sugar: 2g
• Salt: 1.4g

Nutrition information is estimated per breast.

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