Grilled Chimichurri Chicken: A Flavorful Feast for Your Senses

Chimichurri chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for grilling season or any time you crave a taste of Argentina. The bright, herbaceous chimichurri sauce not only adds incredible flavor but also acts as a tenderizing marinade, resulting in juicy and delicious chicken every time. This recipe is simple to make, uses readily available ingredients, and is sure to become a family favorite.

## What is Chimichurri?

Chimichurri is an uncooked sauce or marinade that originated in Argentina. It’s 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), which is the most common, and chimichurri rojo (red), which includes smoked paprika or dried tomatoes for a deeper, richer flavor.

For this chimichurri chicken recipe, we’ll be focusing on the classic chimichurri verde, but feel free to experiment with different variations to find your perfect flavor profile.

## Why This Chimichurri Chicken Recipe Works

* **Flavor Explosion:** The chimichurri sauce is bursting with fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of spice, creating a complex and irresistible flavor. The acidity of the vinegar also helps to brighten the overall taste.
* **Tender and Juicy Chicken:** Marinating the chicken in chimichurri sauce helps to tenderize the meat, ensuring that it stays moist and juicy even when grilled.
* **Easy to Make:** The chimichurri sauce comes together quickly in a food processor or by hand, and the grilling process is straightforward.
* **Versatile:** This chimichurri chicken can be served in various ways, from tacos and salads to rice bowls and sandwiches.
* **Healthy:** Packed with fresh herbs and olive oil, chimichurri is a healthy and flavorful addition to any meal.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for both the chimichurri sauce and the chicken:

**For the Chimichurri Sauce:**

* **Fresh Parsley:** The base of the chimichurri sauce. Use flat-leaf parsley (also known as Italian parsley) for the best flavor.
* **Fresh Oregano:** Adds a slightly peppery and aromatic flavor. Fresh oregano is preferred, but dried can be used in a pinch (use about 1 teaspoon dried).
* **Garlic:** Essential for that characteristic garlicky punch. Use fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
* **Red Wine Vinegar:** Provides acidity and tang, balancing the richness of the olive oil.
* **Olive Oil:** Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and health benefits.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** Adds a touch of heat. Adjust the amount to your preference.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To season and enhance the flavors.
* **Optional:** Some recipes include finely chopped red onion or shallots for added flavor and texture.
* **Optional:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add extra brightness.

**For the Chicken:**

* **Chicken Breasts or Thighs:** You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs tend to be more flavorful and forgiving on the grill, while breasts are leaner.
* **Olive Oil:** For drizzling on the chicken before grilling.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To season the chicken.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to make the perfect chimichurri chicken:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce**

1. **Chop the Herbs:** Roughly chop the parsley and oregano.
2. **Mince the Garlic:** Mince the garlic cloves finely.
3. **Combine Ingredients:** In a food processor, combine the parsley, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
4. **Pulse or Blend:** Pulse the mixture until finely chopped but not completely pureed. You want some texture in the sauce.
5. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the chimichurri sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, or red wine vinegar to your liking.
6. **Alternatively, Make by Hand:** If you don’t have a food processor, you can finely chop all the ingredients by hand and combine them in a bowl. This will result in a chunkier chimichurri sauce, which is perfectly fine.

**Step 2: Marinate the Chicken**

1. **Prepare the Chicken:** If using chicken breasts, you can pound them to an even thickness to ensure even cooking. This is optional but recommended.
2. **Marinate:** Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour about half of the chimichurri sauce over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly. Reserve the remaining chimichurri sauce for serving.
3. **Refrigerate:** Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become. However, avoid marinating for longer than 4 hours, as the acidity of the vinegar can start to break down the chicken too much.

**Step 3: Grill the Chicken**

1. **Preheat the Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-450°F or 190-230°C).
2. **Prepare the Grill Grates:** Clean the grill grates thoroughly and lightly oil them to prevent the chicken from sticking.
3. **Remove Chicken from Marinade:** Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
4. **Season the Chicken:** Drizzle the chicken with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. **Grill the Chicken:** Place the chicken on the preheated grill. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side for chicken breasts, or 6-8 minutes per side for chicken thighs, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. **Check for Doneness:** Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked through. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken without touching bone.
7. **Rest the Chicken:** Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

**Step 4: Serve**

1. **Slice the Chicken:** Slice the chicken against the grain.
2. **Top with Chimichurri Sauce:** Spoon the reserved chimichurri sauce over the sliced chicken.
3. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with extra chopped parsley or red pepper flakes.
4. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the chimichurri chicken immediately. It’s delicious on its own or with your favorite sides.

## Tips for Perfect Chimichurri Chicken

* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** The key to a great chimichurri sauce is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Fresh herbs will make a huge difference in the flavor.
* **Don’t Over-Process the Sauce:** Avoid over-processing the chimichurri sauce in the food processor. You want some texture, not a smooth paste.
* **Marinate for at Least 30 Minutes:** Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and tenderize it.
* **Don’t Over-Marinate:** Avoid marinating for longer than 4 hours, as the acid in the vinegar can start to break down the chicken.
* **Preheat the Grill:** Make sure your grill is properly preheated before placing the chicken on it. This will help to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Grill:** Avoid overcrowding the grill, as this can lower the temperature and result in unevenly cooked chicken. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked through. Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Let the Chicken Rest:** Allowing the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference. If you like a lot of heat, add more. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less or omit them altogether.
* **Experiment with Variations:** Feel free to experiment with different variations of the chimichurri sauce. Try adding finely chopped red onion, shallots, or a squeeze of lemon juice.

## Serving Suggestions

Chimichurri chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways. Here are a few ideas:

* **As a Main Course:** Serve it with grilled vegetables, rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes.
* **In Tacos:** Use it as a filling for tacos with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
* **In Salads:** Add it to a salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette dressing.
* **In Sandwiches:** Use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.
* **In Rice Bowls:** Create a rice bowl with chimichurri chicken, rice, beans, corn, and salsa.
* **With Pasta:** Toss it with pasta and a light sauce, such as olive oil, garlic, and parmesan cheese.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Chicken Thighs:** If you prefer chicken thighs, you can substitute them for chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and forgiving on the grill.
* **Chimichurri Rojo:** If you prefer a red chimichurri, add smoked paprika or dried tomatoes to the sauce.
* **Different Herbs:** You can experiment with different herbs, such as cilantro or mint, in the chimichurri sauce.
* **No Red Wine Vinegar:** If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
* **Grilled Vegetables:** Add some grilled vegetables to the plate for a complete meal. Bell peppers, zucchini, and onions are all great choices.
* **Oven-Baked:** If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Store leftover chimichurri chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.
* **Freezing:** You can freeze cooked chimichurri chicken for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Chimichurri Chicken Recipe

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Marinating time:** 30 minutes to 4 hours
**Cook time:** 10-15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

**For the Chimichurri Sauce:**

* 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
* 1/4 cup fresh oregano, finely chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
* 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

**For the Chicken:**

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Equipment**
* Grill
* Meat Thermometer
* Food Processor (optional)
* Resealable Plastic Bag or Dish

**Instructions**

**Get Started:**

1. Prepare the grill or preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

**Make Chimichurri Sauce:**

1. Combine parsley, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a food processor.
2. Pulse until finely chopped but not pureed. Taste and adjust seasonings.

**Marinate Chicken:**

1. Place chicken in a bag or dish. Pour half the chimichurri over, coating evenly. Reserve the rest for serving.
2. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.

**Grill or Bake Chicken:**

* **Grill:** Preheat grill to medium-high. Oil grates. Remove chicken from marinade (discard marinade). Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt/pepper. Grill 5-7 minutes per side (breasts) or 6-8 minutes (thighs), until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
* **Bake:** Place chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

**Rest and Serve:**

1. Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes before slicing.
2. Spoon reserved chimichurri over sliced chicken.
3. Garnish with extra parsley or red pepper flakes (optional).

**Nutrition Information (Approximate, per serving):**

* Calories: 400-450
* Protein: 40-45g
* Fat: 25-30g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g

## Conclusion

Chimichurri chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The vibrant chimichurri sauce adds incredible flavor to the chicken, while the marinating process ensures that it stays tender and juicy. Whether you grill it, bake it, or serve it in tacos, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a flavorful feast!
Enjoy your Chimichurri Chicken!