Chimichurri Baked Chicken: A Flavor Explosion!

Chimichurri, that vibrant Argentinian sauce, is a game-changer when it comes to adding flavor to, well, just about anything! But paired with baked chicken? It’s a match made in culinary heaven. This recipe for Chimichurri Baked Chicken is simple, delicious, and sure to become a family favorite. Forget boring baked chicken – this is a flavor adventure waiting to happen. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to create this mouthwatering dish.

## What is Chimichurri?

Before we get into the recipe, let’s talk about the star of the show: chimichurri. Chimichurri is a bright, herbaceous sauce traditionally made with finely chopped parsley, oregano, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and red pepper flakes. There are two main types: chimichurri verde (green) and chimichurri rojo (red). Chimichurri verde is the more common variety, and the one we’ll be using in this recipe. The beauty of chimichurri lies in its versatility – it can be used as a marinade, a dipping sauce, or a topping for grilled meats, vegetables, and, of course, chicken!

## Why Bake Chicken with Chimichurri?

Baking chicken with chimichurri is a fantastic way to infuse the meat with flavor from the inside out. The chimichurri acts as a marinade, tenderizing the chicken and imparting its vibrant, herbaceous notes. The baking process also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a juicy and incredibly flavorful dish. Plus, baking is a healthy and relatively hands-off cooking method, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing Chimichurri Baked Chicken:

**For the Chimichurri Sauce:**

* 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
* 1/2 cup fresh oregano, finely chopped
* 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
* 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
* 1-2 red chili flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (optional, for brighter flavour)

**For the Chicken:**

* 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or bone-in, skin-on thighs – see notes below)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* 1 tablespoon olive oil (for coating the baking dish)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Cutting board
* Sharp knife
* Mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Baking dish (9×13 inch or similar)
* Aluminum foil (optional, for easy cleanup)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the Chimichurri Baked Chicken! Follow these simple steps for a guaranteed flavor explosion.

**Step 1: Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce**

1. **Combine the Herbs:** In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped parsley and oregano. Make sure the herbs are finely chopped for the best flavor release.
2. **Add the Garlic and Spices:** Add the minced garlic, red wine vinegar, red chili flakes, dried oregano, smoked paprika (if using), salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using) to the bowl.
3. **Incorporate the Olive Oil:** Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly. This helps to emulsify the sauce and create a smooth, even texture.
4. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the chimichurri and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, red chili flakes, or vinegar to achieve your desired flavor profile. Remember that the flavors will intensify as they sit, so don’t overdo it.
5. **Let it Sit:** Allow the chimichurri to sit for at least 30 minutes (or even longer, up to a few hours) at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld together and deepen. The longer it sits, the better it will taste!

**Step 2: Prepare the Chicken**

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for baking chicken, as it allows it to cook through evenly without drying out.
2. **Prepare the Baking Dish:** Lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil. You can also line the dish with aluminum foil for easier cleanup, but make sure to still grease the foil to prevent sticking.
3. **Season the Chicken:** Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure that they brown nicely in the oven. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Don’t be afraid to use a good amount of seasoning, as the chicken needs it to be flavorful.

**Step 3: Marinate the Chicken**

1. **Coat with Chimichurri:** Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the chimichurri sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure to coat each breast thoroughly. Use your hands to gently rub the chimichurri into the chicken, ensuring that it’s well coated on all sides. You can also place the chicken and chimichurri in a ziplock bag and marinate it that way. This helps the chicken absorb more flavor.
2. **Marinate (Optional):** For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate in the chimichurri for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and bake the chicken immediately. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.

**Step 4: Bake the Chicken**

1. **Bake:** Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken breasts. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe temperature.
2. **Check for Doneness:** To check for doneness without a thermometer, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken breast. If the juices run clear and the chicken is no longer pink inside, it’s cooked through.
3. **Broil (Optional):** For extra browning, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

**Step 5: Rest and Serve**

1. **Rest:** Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Tent it loosely with foil to keep it warm while resting.
2. **Serve:** Slice the chicken breasts and serve immediately. Spoon any remaining chimichurri sauce from the baking dish over the chicken for extra flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken:** For even more flavor and moisture, try using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of boneless, skinless breasts. The skin will crisp up beautifully in the oven, and the bone-in meat will be more flavorful. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as bone-in chicken will take longer to cook.
* **Add Vegetables:** Roast vegetables alongside the chicken for a complete one-pan meal. Some great options include bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and potatoes. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper before adding them to the baking dish.
* **Spice it Up:** For a spicier chimichurri, add more red chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
* **Add Lemon or Lime Juice:** A squeeze of lemon or lime juice can brighten up the chimichurri and add a zesty flavor. Add it to the sauce right before serving.
* **Make it Ahead:** The chimichurri sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights.
* **Different Herbs:** While parsley and oregano are the traditional herbs, you can experiment with others. Try adding cilantro, mint, or even a little basil for a unique twist.
* **Marinating Time:** While 30 minutes is good, longer marinating times (up to 4 hours) will result in more flavorful chicken.
* **Basting:** Basting the chicken with the pan juices halfway through baking will keep it moist and flavorful.

## Serving Suggestions

Chimichurri Baked Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:

* **Rice:** Serve the chicken with white rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a simple and satisfying meal.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** As mentioned above, roasted vegetables are a great complement to the chicken.
* **Salad:** A fresh salad, such as a mixed green salad or a Caprese salad, provides a light and refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser and pair perfectly with the flavorful chicken.
* **Grilled Corn:** Grilled corn on the cob is a delicious summer side dish that complements the Argentinian flavors of the chimichurri.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread to soak up all that delicious chimichurri sauce.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 300-400 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients)
* Protein: 40-50 grams
* Fat: 15-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams

## Chimichurri Baked Chicken Recipe Card

**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 20-30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* **For the Chimichurri Sauce:**
* 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
* 1/2 cup fresh oregano, finely chopped
* 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
* 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
* 1-2 red chili flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
* **For the Chicken:**
* 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* 1 tablespoon olive oil (for coating the baking dish)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Chimichurri:** In a bowl, combine parsley, oregano, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, chili flakes, oregano, smoked paprika (if using), salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using). Let sit for 30 minutes.
2. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. **Prepare Chicken:** Grease a baking dish with olive oil. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
4. **Marinate Chicken:** Place chicken in the baking dish and coat with chimichurri. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (optional).
5. **Bake Chicken:** Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. **Rest and Serve:** Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Spoon extra chimichurri over the chicken.

## Conclusion

Chimichurri Baked Chicken is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. The vibrant chimichurri sauce infuses the chicken with a burst of herbaceous, garlicky goodness, while the baking process ensures that it’s juicy and tender. With its easy preparation and customizable flavors, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience a flavor explosion!

Enjoy!