If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and absolutely bursting with flavor, you’ve got to try my chimichurri chicken! This dish is a celebration of zesty goodness, where juicy grilled chicken is smothered in a bright and herbaceous chimichurri sauce. It’s a classic from Argentina, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer for your weeknight dinners or backyard barbecues. I remember the first time I tasted chimichurri on a visit to Buenos Aires; the flavor was so bold and exciting that I just had to recreate it at home. Trust me, this chicken will have everyone coming back for seconds, and maybe even thirds! Get ready to impress your taste buds and your friends!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped finely
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Chimichurri Chicken
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making your delicious chimichurri chicken! Trust me, it’s easier than you might think, and the results will blow you away. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be grilling like a pro in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
First things first, you want to preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). This is super important because a properly heated grill ensures that your chicken gets those beautiful grill marks and cooks evenly. Give it about 10-15 minutes to heat up while you prepare your chimichurri sauce. Trust me, you don’t want to rush this step!
Step 2: Make the Chimichurri Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped parsley, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Now, here’s a little tip: mix everything together vigorously! You want to create a lovely, vibrant sauce that’s packed with flavor. Give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. This sauce is the star of the show, so make sure it’s just right!
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Now it’s time to marinate our chicken! Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish and pour half of your chimichurri sauce over them. Make sure each piece is well-coated—this is where all that flavor gets infused! Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, let it go for a few hours or even overnight for the best flavor. I promise it’s worth the wait!
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Once your chicken has marinated, it’s time to hit the grill! Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). I always recommend using a meat thermometer to get it just right—nobody likes dry chicken! If you see those lovely grill marks, you know you’re on the right track.
Step 5: Serve with Chimichurri Sauce
Now for the best part—serving it up! Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter and drizzle the remaining chimichurri sauce generously over the top. For a beautiful presentation, you can sprinkle some extra chopped parsley or serve it alongside a fresh salad. This dish is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds, so don’t be shy about showing it off!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! While I always encourage enjoying this chimichurri chicken without counting, it’s nice to have an idea of what you’re eating. Here’s an estimate of the nutritional values per serving (1 chicken breast), based on the ingredients I used:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 30g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and quantities you use. But hey, it’s all about balance, right? Enjoy your delicious meal!
Why You’ll Love This Chimichurri Chicken Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Bold and zesty flavors that elevate your chicken to the next level.
- Healthy ingredients that make you feel good about what you’re eating.
- Grilled to perfection, with those gorgeous grill marks that impress everyone.
- Versatile—great on its own or served with rice, salad, or roasted veggies.
- Leftovers taste amazing, making it perfect for meal prep!
- A crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress at your next gathering.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make your chimichurri chicken, here are some of my favorite tips to ensure it turns out absolutely fantastic every time!
- Marinate Longer: For the best flavor, try to marinate the chicken overnight if you can. The longer it sits in that zesty chimichurri sauce, the more the flavors will penetrate the meat. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!
- Temperature Matters: Make sure your grill is at the right temperature before putting the chicken on. If it’s too hot, you might burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Medium-high is your friend for that perfect juicy finish.
- Let it Rest: After grilling, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping your chicken nice and moist. Nobody likes dry chicken, right?
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to tweak the chimichurri sauce! Add some chopped oregano or cilantro for a different twist, or toss in a squeeze of lime for extra brightness. Make it your own!
- Serve with Style: Presentation is key! Serve your chimichurri chicken on a colorful platter, and add some grilled veggies or a fresh salad on the side for a pop of color. It’ll look as good as it tastes!
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to chimichurri chicken perfection. Happy grilling!
FAQ Section
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This chimichurri marinade works wonders on other proteins like steak, pork, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time based on the meat you choose, and you’ll have a delicious dish every time!
What are the best sides to serve with chimichurri chicken?
I love serving this flavorful chicken with a fresh salad, grilled veggies, or even some fluffy rice. You could also pair it with roasted potatoes or a nice crusty bread to soak up all that amazing chimichurri sauce!
How do I store leftover chimichurri chicken?
If you have any leftovers (which I doubt because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep any extra chimichurri sauce separate to drizzle on when you reheat the chicken!
Can I make the chimichurri sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, making it a day ahead can deepen the flavors. Just store it in the fridge in a sealed container, and it’ll be ready to go when you are!
Is chimichurri chicken gluten-free?
Yes! This chimichurri chicken recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Just be sure to double-check any store-bought ingredients to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.
Can I freeze chimichurri chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking! Just place it in a freezer-safe bag and it’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before grilling, and you’ll be all set for a quick and tasty meal!
For more information on the benefits of chimichurri sauce, you can check out this Healthline article.
For a delicious side dish, consider pairing your chimichurri chicken with pasta salad or grilled veggies.
Print
Chimichurri Chicken: 5 Steps to Delightful Flavor!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Grilled chicken marinated in a zesty chimichurri sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, mix parsley, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate chicken breasts in half of the chimichurri sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
- Serve with remaining chimichurri sauce on top.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate overnight.
- You can use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.
- Serve with rice or salad.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Argentinian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chimichurri chicken, grilled chicken, chicken recipes
