Grilled chicken with chimichurri sauce is that magical dish that can transport you straight to a sunny backyard barbecue, even if your current surroundings are more akin to a cramped apartment kitchen. Imagine juicy, tender chicken infused with smoky grill marks, topped with vibrant green chimichurri sauce that looks like it just rolled in a herb garden and came out glowing. The aroma wafting through your space will have your neighbors peering over the fence, wondering what masterpiece you’re conjuring up.
This dish isn’t just about taste; it’s about memories too. Picture this: you’re at a family gathering, everyone is laughing and reminiscing while the grill sizzles away. That first bite of grilled chicken smothered in zesty chimichurri sauce brings back all those feelings of warmth and joy. Whether it’s a summer cookout or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to create new memories while tantalizing your taste buds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This grilled chicken with chimichurri sauce is incredibly easy to whip up, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- The flavor profile combines herby freshness with a kick of garlic that dances on your palate.
- Its vibrant green color makes it visually appealing on any plate.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing!
Ingredients for Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Approximately 3-4 chicken breasts provide the perfect foundation for this dish, ensuring tenderness and easy cooking.
Fresh Parsley: Choose bright green parsley for the chimichurri; it adds freshness and vibrant color.
Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic offers robust flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Red Wine Vinegar: This tangy ingredient balances the richness of the chicken and enhances the chimichurri sauce.
Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling on the chicken and mixing into the chimichurri.
Red Pepper Flakes: These little guys add a hint of heat that keeps things exciting.
For the Sauce:
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up your chimichurri and gives it a zesty punch.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Marinade
In a large bowl, mix together chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. This zesty mixture will be your chimichurri sauce and marinade.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the bowl with the marinade. Ensure each piece gets an even coating. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight), giving all those flavors time to mingle.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Fire up your grill and preheat it to medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C). If you’re using charcoal, wait until they’re glowing before placing your chicken on.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove chicken from the marinade (but save some for drizzling later) and place it on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Rest Your Chicken
Once grilled to perfection, transfer your chicken to a plate and let it rest for about five minutes. This step helps retain moisture—nobody wants dry chicken!
Step 6: Serve With Chimichurri
Drizzle generously with your reserved chimichurri sauce before serving. Serve alongside grilled veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Now grab those plates and dig into your creation—because nothing says “I’m an amazing chef” quite like grilled chicken with chimichurri sauce!
You Must Know
- This amazing grilled chicken with chimichurri sauce offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in all those delicious juices, then while it’s cooking, whip up your chimichurri sauce. This way, everything comes together seamlessly, and you won’t find yourself scrambling at the last minute.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out herbs in your chimichurri for a personal twist. Want a spicy kick? Add some red pepper flakes! Prefer a hint of sweetness? Toss in a bit of honey. The options are endless!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through, ensuring it stays juicy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes to deepen the flavors and ensure tenderness.
- Use high heat when grilling for those perfect grill marks and smoky flavor.
- Don’t rush the rest period after cooking; letting the chicken rest improves juiciness.
Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of summer barbecues with friends, laughter echoing over sizzling grills, and everyone asking for seconds on that chimichurri sauce!
FAQs:
What is Chimichurri Sauce?
Chimichurri sauce is an Argentinian condiment made primarily with fresh parsley, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, and spices. This vibrant sauce complements grilled meats exceptionally well, especially grilled chicken. It adds a fresh, tangy flavor that enhances the dish without overpowering it. You can also customize chimichurri by adding ingredients like oregano or red pepper flakes for extra kick. Its bright green color and robust flavor make it a favorite in many kitchens.
How do I make Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce?
To prepare grilled chicken with chimichurri sauce, start by marinating your chicken in olive oil, garlic, and spices for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile, blend parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil to create the chimichurri. Grill the marinated chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before drizzling it generously with chimichurri sauce before serving. This simple method creates a delightful meal perfect for any occasion.
Can I use store-bought Chimichurri Sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought chimichurri sauce if you’re short on time or prefer convenience. However, homemade chimichurri often tastes fresher and allows you to control the flavors to your liking. Store-bought versions may vary in flavor and quality, so choose one that complements your grilled chicken well. Remember to still marinate your chicken for the best results when using any chimichurri sauce.
What sides pair well with Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce?
Grilled chicken with chimichurri sauce pairs wonderfully with various sides. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a healthy option. A light salad featuring mixed greens or a quinoa salad also complements the dish beautifully. For something heartier, try garlic mashed potatoes or rice pilaf. Each of these options will enhance your meal while keeping the focus on the delicious grilled chicken.
Conclusion for Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce:
Grilled chicken with chimichurri sauce offers a delightful combination of flavors that elevate any meal. The freshness of the chimichurri perfectly contrasts with the juicy grilled chicken, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Remember to marinate the chicken properly and consider homemade chimichurri for maximum flavor impact. With various side options available, this recipe can be tailored to suit any occasion or preference. Enjoy this vibrant dish that celebrates grilling season at its finest!
Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce
Grilled chicken with chimichurri sauce is a vibrant and flavorful dish that captures the essence of summer barbecues. Juicy, tender chicken is marinated in a zesty chimichurri made with fresh herbs, garlic, and spices, creating a delightful combination that’s perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make dish will elevate your weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, leaving everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Argentinian
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice to create the chimichurri marinade.
- Add chicken breasts to the bowl and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375°F/190°C).
- Remove chicken from marinade (reserve some for drizzling) and grill for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F/74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving with reserved chimichurri sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: For added flavor variations, consider incorporating fresh oregano or cilantro into your chimichurri. Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
