Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce – Flavorful, Easy, and Perfect for Any Meal
1. Introduction
When you think of a dish that is both vibrant and packed with flavor, Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce immediately comes to mind. This dish is the perfect balance of smoky, juicy chicken paired with a zesty, herbaceous sauce that will elevate your meal to a whole new level. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a meal to impress your guests, this recipe is easy to make and full of bold flavors that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.
What makes Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce so special is how customizable it is. You can adjust the flavors in the chimichurri to your liking, whether you prefer a bit more heat, tang, or garlic. The grilled chicken is simply seasoned with salt and pepper, allowing the chimichurri sauce to shine as the star of the dish. And with just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a flavorful and satisfying meal on the table in no time.
In this recipe, I’ll walk you through the steps to prepare juicy grilled chicken and a vibrant chimichurri sauce that will take this dish from simple to sensational. You’ll learn how to make the sauce from scratch, how to grill the chicken perfectly, and some helpful tips to make sure everything turns out just right.
2. Ingredients Breakdown
To make Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce, you’ll need just a few fresh, simple ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for the chicken and the sauce, along with some helpful tips.
For the Grilled Chicken:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect choice for this dish because they cook quickly and stay tender when grilled. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option, but keep in mind they may take slightly longer to cook.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to brush the chicken before grilling. It helps the chicken stay moist and prevents it from sticking to the grill. It also adds a slight richness to the flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning like salt and pepper is all you need to enhance the natural flavor of the chicken. You can also add garlic powder or paprika if you’d like to give the chicken more depth of flavor.
For the Chimichurri Sauce:
- Fresh Parsley: Parsley is the base herb for chimichurri sauce. It adds a fresh, bright flavor that balances out the richness of the grilled chicken. You can use flat-leaf parsley for the best flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential in chimichurri sauce. It adds a bold, savory punch that complements the herbs and vinegar.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Red wine vinegar gives the chimichurri its signature tang and acidity. You can also use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is the key ingredient that helps bring the chimichurri sauce together and creates a smooth texture. It also adds a slight fruity richness to the sauce.
- Oregano: Oregano is the second most important herb in chimichurri, contributing a warm, slightly bitter flavor. Fresh oregano works best, but dried oregano can be used in a pinch.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat to the chimichurri sauce. If you prefer a milder version, you can skip this or reduce the amount.
- Salt and Pepper: Like the chicken, the chimichurri sauce is seasoned with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors.
Substitutions:
- Vegan Version: If you prefer a vegan version, simply use the same chimichurri sauce without the chicken. You can serve it with grilled vegetables, tofu, or tempeh instead.
- Spicy Version: If you like your chimichurri with extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or even a fresh chopped chili.
- Herb Variations: While parsley is traditional in chimichurri, you can experiment with other herbs like cilantro or basil for a unique twist.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce:
- Prepare the Chicken
Start by brushing the chicken breasts with a little olive oil and seasoning them with salt and pepper. If you have time, let the chicken sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature. This helps the chicken cook evenly. - Make the Chimichurri Sauce
While the chicken is resting, make the chimichurri sauce. In a food processor or blender, combine the parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Pulse the mixture until it reaches a coarse, chunky consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more vinegar or olive oil if needed. - Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on the stovetop. You want the grill to be hot enough to sear the chicken and create nice grill marks. - Grill the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you’re using chicken thighs, they may take a little longer to cook. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re fully cooked. - Rest the Chicken
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist, tender chicken. - Serve the Chicken
Slice the grilled chicken breasts and drizzle the chimichurri sauce generously over the top. You can serve the chicken with additional chimichurri sauce on the side for extra flavor.
4. Tips and Variations
Here are some tips to help you get the best Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce:
- Grilling Tips: If you don’t have a grill, you can easily cook the chicken on a stovetop griddle pan or bake it in the oven. To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and cook the chicken for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Let the Chicken Rest: Letting the chicken rest after grilling helps to keep it juicy and tender. Don’t skip this step!
- Adjust the Chimichurri Sauce: If you prefer a creamier sauce, add a little mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the chimichurri. For a tangier sauce, add more vinegar.
- For a Smokier Flavor: If you want a smoky kick, add smoked paprika to the chimichurri sauce or grill the chicken with a little wood chip smoke for extra flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: This chimichurri sauce is delicious with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled tofu or tempeh.
5. Serving Suggestions
Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce is a hearty and flavorful dish on its own, but here are some great side dishes that pair well with it:
- Rice: Serve the chicken with a side of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the extra chimichurri sauce. You can also try cilantro-lime rice for a fresh twist.
- Salad: A light, fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a citrus vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken and sauce.
- Grilled Vegetables: For a healthy side, serve the chicken with a medley of grilled vegetables, such as asparagus, bell peppers, and onions.
- Bread: Serve the chicken with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the extra chimichurri sauce.
For drinks, pair this dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, or go for a light beer like a pilsner. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon is a refreshing choice.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Fridge: Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chimichurri sauce can be stored separately in a jar for up to a week.
- Freezer: You can freeze the grilled chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat the chicken, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat the chicken in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, though the texture may not be as crispy.
7. Recipe Notes
- Can Be Prepped Ahead: The chimichurri sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. It actually gets better as the flavors meld together.
- Best with Fresh Herbs: For the best flavor, use fresh parsley and garlic in the chimichurri sauce. Dried herbs don’t provide the same vibrant taste.
- Grill Pan Option: If you don’t have a grill, a stovetop grill pan works wonderfully for this recipe, giving you those beautiful grill marks and smoky flavor.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Carbs | 5g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 38g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
| Cholesterol | 90mg |
| Calcium | 30mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Argentine
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat grill or grill pan.
- Prepare the chimichurri sauce.
- Season the chicken and grill.
- Drizzle chimichurri over the grilled chicken.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes:
- Can be prepped ahead.
- Best served with rice or salad.
Nutrition:
Calories: 350 | Fat: 22g | Protein: 38g | Carbs: 5g
🏷️ Diet Tags
- Gluten-Free
- High-Protein
- Low-Carb
🌿 Health Benefits
- High in protein
- Rich in antioxidants from the parsley and garlic
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, though they will take a little longer to cook.
Can I make chimichurri in advance?
Absolutely! Chimichurri sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. The flavors actually develop even more as it sits.
10. Final Thoughts
Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together the best of fresh herbs and grilled meat. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this dish is sure to be a hit. I hope you try it and let me know how it turns out in the comments below!