Chimichurri Chicken
Chimichurri Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken breasts or thighs marinated in a zesty sauce made from fresh parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and herbs. This quick and easy recipe delivers bold freshness and a perfect balance of acidity and richness, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or sharing with friends. Customize it with your preferred herbs, spices, or heat levels for a personalized twist.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Argentinian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chimichurri Sauce
- 1 generous handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Fresh oregano (about 1 tablespoon fresh or 1 teaspoon dried), finely chopped
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional), to taste
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce: Finely chop fresh parsley and oregano. Mince 3-4 garlic cloves and combine with the herbs in a bowl. Add 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 1/2 cup olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Whisk or pulse in a food processor until well blended but still slightly chunky for texture.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken breasts or thighs in a shallow dish. Pour half of the chimichurri sauce over the chicken, coating evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, season with additional salt and pepper if desired, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and chicken has a golden crust. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy.
- Serve and Drizzle: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. Slice if desired and spoon the remaining chimichurri sauce generously over the chicken. Garnish with extra fresh herbs, red onions, or crumbled feta if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh parsley and oregano for the best flavor compared to dried.
- Marinate chicken longer (up to overnight) for more intense flavor.
- Don’t overcook chicken to maintain tenderness and juiciness.
- Balance acidity by adding a pinch of sugar if the sauce is too sharp.
- Keep some texture in chimichurri sauce by blending lightly rather than pureeing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: chimichurri, chicken, grilled chicken, argentinian sauce, quick dinner, herb sauce, marinade, easy chicken recipe