Description
Chimichurri Chicken is a vibrant and easy-to-make recipe featuring juicy grilled chicken breasts or thighs paired with a fresh, herb-packed chimichurri sauce. This dish offers bold, zesty flavors with a tangy, savory profile, perfect for quick weeknight meals or impressive weekend gatherings. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s a healthy, protein-packed option that’s easily customizable to suit various tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Chimichurri Sauce
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce: In a food processor or by hand, finely chop fresh parsley, oregano, and garlic. Add red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is vibrant and well combined. Taste and adjust flavors, adding lemon juice if desired.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour half of the chimichurri sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes up to 4 hours to infuse the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Cook for approximately 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and juices run clear.
- Serve with Fresh Chimichurri: Plate the cooked chicken and drizzle the remaining chimichurri sauce over the top for a burst of freshness and flavor just before serving.
Notes
- Fresh is best: Use fresh herbs and garlic for optimal brightness in the chimichurri sauce.
- Don’t skip marinating: Even a short marinate enhances the chicken with herbaceous notes.
- Control heat carefully: Adjust red pepper flakes to your desired spice level.
- Let it rest: Allow cooked chicken to rest a few minutes for juicy, tender results.
- Use a meat thermometer: Cooking chicken to 165°F ensures safe and perfectly cooked meat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: South American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with chimichurri sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Chimichurri chicken, grilled chicken, herb sauce, easy chicken recipe, zesty chicken