Print

Chimichurri Chicken

Chimichurri Chicken

This Chimichurri Chicken recipe offers a quick, vibrant, and flavorful meal combining juicy, tender chicken with a zesty herbaceous chimichurri sauce made from fresh parsley, garlic, oregano, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers bright, fresh flavors and is easy to customize to your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 to 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Chimichurri Sauce

  • 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh oregano, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce: Finely chop fresh parsley, garlic, and oregano. In a bowl, whisk together the chopped herbs with red wine vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined. The sauce should be vibrant and slightly runny, packed full of flavor.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag. Pour half of the chimichurri sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor absorption.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until nicely charred and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
  4. Serve with Remaining Sauce: Plate the cooked chicken and drizzle with the remaining fresh chimichurri sauce. Garnish with optional fresh herbs or lemon/lime wedges for added brightness.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs and garlic for the most vibrant, punchy chimichurri sauce.
  • Marinate the chicken to let the flavors soak in deeply.
  • Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Use a hot grill or pan to get a beautiful sear and smoky flavor.
  • Adjust the acidity by adding more vinegar or lemon juice if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: chimichurri chicken, grilled chicken, quick dinner, healthy chicken recipe, gluten free, fresh herbs, marinade, weeknight meal