Savory Chimichurri Chicken Recipe

If you are craving a dish that is bursting with fresh, herbal flavors and offers that perfect balance of zest and warmth, then you are going to absolutely love this Savory Chimichurri Chicken Recipe. It’s a vibrant, mouthwatering meal that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with an incredible homemade chimichurri sauce packed with parsley, garlic, and a hint of red pepper heat. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe delivers a brilliant blend of textures and tastes that feels both comforting and sophisticated at the same time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Savory Chimichurri Chicken Recipe are simple yet essential — each one adds a unique layer of flavor or texture that makes this dish truly stand out. From bright, fresh parsley to the rich olive oil, every component has a role in creating that irresistible sauce and perfectly balanced chicken.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose about 1.5 to 2 pounds for evenly cooking tender, juicy chicken that serves four.
• Fresh Parsley, finely chopped: The star herb of the chimichurri, providing fresh green brightness and color.
• Garlic, minced: Adds a robust flavor depth that livens up the sauce beautifully.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Bring just the right hint of spicy warmth without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The essential base that emulsifies the chimichurri into a silky, rich sauce.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a lively acidity that perfectly balances the richness of the olive oil.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making sure every bite sings.
• Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to round out the seasoning.

How to Make Savory Chimichurri Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce

Start by combining the finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. This fresh herb trio is the magic base for your chimichurri, bringing vibrant color and a burst of flavor that starts the dish off with a bang.

Step 2: Add Olive Oil

Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while stirring, which helps emulsify the sauce so it becomes wonderfully smooth and rich, coating every bite of chicken later on.

Step 3: Incorporate Red Wine Vinegar

Stir in the red wine vinegar to inject a bright, tangy note that perfectly counterbalances the oil’s richness and the garlic’s bite. This acidity is what lifts the sauce from good to unforgettable.

Step 4: Season with Salt and Pepper

Season your chimichurri with salt and pepper to taste. These simple seasonings are crucial for bringing all the flavors together harmoniously and enhancing their natural qualities.

Step 5: Prepare the Chicken

If needed, pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness—this ensures they cook uniformly, locking in juiciness and tenderness.

Step 6: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or dish, then pour half of your chimichurri sauce over it. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to let those flavors deeply infuse the meat.

Step 7: Preheat the Grill or Oven

Get your grill or oven warmed up to medium-high, preparing the perfect heat to cook your chicken just right.

Step 8: Bring Chicken to Room Temperature

Remove the chicken from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly once it hits the heat.

Step 9: Cook the Chicken

On the grill, cook the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If baking, place the chicken on a baking sheet and roast it for 25 to 30 minutes until cooked through.

Step 10: Brush Remaining Chimichurri

During the final few minutes of cooking, generously brush the chicken with the leftover chimichurri sauce to add an irresistible glaze bursting with flavor.

Step 11: Let Rest and Serve

Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes. This step helps the juices redistribute, making every bite succulent and tender before slicing and serving.

Step 12: Garnish and Drizzle

Finally, drizzle any extra chimichurri sauce on top and scatter more fresh parsley for a pop of green and that fresh, herbal aroma.

How to Serve Savory Chimichurri Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the classic garnish that complements the chimichurri sauce beautifully, adding a bit of crunch and visual appeal. For a little extra pizzazz, a wedge of lemon can brighten up the plate and add an optional zesty kick.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the flavor, like fluffy white rice, crispy roasted potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. Grilled vegetables also complement the smokiness and herbaceous tones of the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the chicken sliced over a bed of quinoa or couscous for a healthy, colorful plate. You can also stack slices in a warm pita or tortilla with some fresh greens for a delicious chicken wrap that’s perfect for lunch or a casual dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken and chimichurri sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the chicken juicy and the sauce fresh, making for a delightful next-day meal.

Freezing

While fresh chimichurri is best, you can freeze cooked chicken for up to three months. Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to avoid drying out the chicken. Add a little extra chimichurri sauce to refresh the bold flavors as you warm it up.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great with this recipe and are a bit more forgiving since they stay juicy and tender even if slightly overcooked. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is chimichurri sauce spicy?

This version has a gentle heat from the red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the amount to make it milder or hotter based on your preference.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

Marinating for 30 minutes is enough to infuse plenty of flavor, but you can also leave it up to 4 hours in the fridge for a deeper taste without sacrificing texture.

Can I make the chimichurri sauce ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making chimichurri a day ahead lets the flavors meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated in a sealed container, and bring it to room temperature before serving.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No worries! Baking the chicken in the oven or cooking it on a stovetop grill pan delivers equally delicious results with all those amazing chimichurri flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Savory Chimichurri Chicken Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites to make and share, thanks to how effortlessly it brings bold, fresh flavors and juicy tenderness to the table. It’s a perfect dish for brightening weeknight dinners or impressing at weekend gatherings. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!

Print