The scent wafting from a sizzling skillet of chimichurri chicken is enough to make even the pickiest eaters swoon. Imagine succulent pieces of chicken bathed in a bright green sauce that packs a punch—herby, garlicky goodness that dances on your taste buds. It’s not just food; it’s an experience that brings people together around the dinner table.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- <strong>What sides pair well with chimichurri chicken?</strong>
- <strong>Can I use other proteins with chimichurri?</strong>
- <strong>How do I make chimichurri spicier?</strong>
- 📖 Recipe Card
My first encounter with this dish was at a summer barbecue where my uncle attempted to impress everyone with his “secret recipe.” Spoiler alert: he spilled half the chimichurri on his shirt! But despite his clumsiness, the flavor stole the spotlight, and I knew I had to recreate it. Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or any excuse to whip up something delicious!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful chimichurri chicken offers an explosion of flavors while remaining incredibly simple to prepare.
- The vibrant green sauce adds visual appeal and freshness to your plate.
- It’s versatile enough for grilling, baking, or pan-searing.
- Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress your guests without breaking a sweat!
I remember the first time I served this dish; my friends showered me with compliments and asked for the recipe immediately!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose about 3-4 breasts for juicy results; adjust quantity based on your crowd.
- Fresh Parsley: Use flat-leaf parsley for better flavor; it’s key for that vibrant green color.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic delivers an irresistible aroma; avoid dried garlic for this one.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Adds tanginess that balances the richness of the chicken; don’t skip it!
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for depth; it enhances both flavor and texture.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but recommended for a hint of spice; adjust according to your heat preference.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all flavors; be generous but taste as you go!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Chicken: Start by rinsing the chicken breasts under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Place them on a cutting board and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Whip Up That Chimichurri Sauce!: In a food processor or blender, combine fresh parsley leaves, garlic cloves, red wine vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Pulse until smooth but slightly chunky—aim for that rustic charm.
Marinate Like a Pro!: Place your seasoned chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour half of your chimichurri sauce over them. Seal or cover tightly and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—longer if you have time!
Cook It Up!: Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the chicken from its marinade (discarding excess) and place it on the grill or pan. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Add More Flavor!: As soon as you pull your chicken off the heat, drizzle some reserved chimichurri sauce over it while it’s still warm. The heat will enhance those fresh flavors beautifully.
Serve & Enjoy!: Slice up your deliciously juicy chimichurri chicken and serve it alongside roasted veggies or rice. Don’t forget to pass around extra chimichurri sauce—your guests will thank you!
Now gather your friends around because once they catch a whiff of this dish coming out of your kitchen, they won’t be able to resist!
You Must Know
- This chimichurri chicken recipe is a flavor explosion that’s easy for any home cook.
- The fresh herbs and spices create a vibrant, aromatic experience that will impress anyone at your dinner table.
- Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken on high heat first for that golden crust, then lower the heat to finish cooking evenly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in lime for lemon or try adding jalapeños for a spicy kick in your chimichurri sauce.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure juicy chicken, let it rest before slicing to retain moisture.
- Use fresh herbs for vibrant chimichurri flavor.
- A meat thermometer guarantees perfectly cooked chicken every time.
I once made this dish for my family reunion, and the compliments kept rolling in! My aunt even asked for the recipe twice.
FAQ
What sides pair well with chimichurri chicken?
Grilled vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes complement chimichurri chicken perfectly.
Can I use other proteins with chimichurri?
Absolutely! Try it with steak, shrimp, or even grilled veggies for a vegetarian option.
How do I make chimichurri spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers to your chimichurri sauce for extra heat.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Chimichurri Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chimichurri chicken is a vibrant, herb-infused delight that brings bold flavors to your dinner table. Perfectly grilled and served with a zesty chimichurri sauce, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 4 garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a food processor, combine parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth with a slightly chunky texture.
- Marinate the chicken by placing it in a resealable bag and pouring half of the chimichurri sauce over it. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard excess marinade.
- Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drizzle reserved chimichurri sauce over the cooked chicken before serving. Slice and enjoy with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For an extra kick, substitute lime juice for red wine vinegar or add jalapeños to the chimichurri sauce.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Argentinian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 grilled chicken breast (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
