Argentinian Chicken Chimichurri – Grilled Perfection with Herby Sauce

Argentinian Chicken Chimichurri is a celebration of bold flavors and simplicity. Tender, smoky grilled chicken meets a zesty, herby chimichurri sauce made with fresh parsley, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar. A staple in Argentinian cuisine, chimichurri is vibrant, tangy, and the perfect complement to grilled meats. Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner, this recipe will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Argentina.

Key Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Marinating Time: 1-2 hours
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including marinating)
• Number of Servings: 4
• Serving Size: 1 grilled chicken breast with chimichurri sauce

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 330
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 20g
• Dietary Preference: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients List

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or bone-in thighs for more flavor)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Chimichurri Sauce:

• 1 cup (30g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (10g) fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional, for extra flavor)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) olive oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley sprigs
• Lemon wedges

Detailed Method of Preparation

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken breasts to a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Step 2: Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce

4. While the chicken marinates, make the chimichurri sauce. In a bowl, combine parsley, cilantro (if using), minced garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more vinegar for tanginess or red pepper flakes for heat. Cover and set aside to let the flavors meld.

Step 3: Preheat and Grill the Chicken

6. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 200°C/400°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
7. Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry slightly to prevent flare-ups on the grill.
8. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until it’s golden brown and has clear grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F).

Step 4: Rest and Serve

9. Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices.
10. Serve the chicken topped with generous spoonfuls of chimichurri sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs and lemon wedges for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Tips for Culinary Success

• Chimichurri Consistency: For a smoother sauce, you can blend the chimichurri in a food processor. For a traditional rustic texture, chop the ingredients by hand.
• Marinating Time: The longer the chicken marinates (up to 4 hours), the more flavorful it becomes. Avoid marinating overnight as the acid from the lemon juice can make the chicken mushy.
• Cooking Options: No grill? No problem! Cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or bake it in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 25-30 minutes, then finish under the broiler for a charred effect.
• Make It Ahead: Chimichurri can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What can I serve with Chicken Chimichurri?

Chicken Chimichurri pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a simple green salad. For a traditional Argentinian meal, serve it with chimichurri rice or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Can I use other meats with chimichurri?

Absolutely! Chimichurri is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with beef, pork, lamb, or even fish. It’s also delicious as a marinade or dressing for roasted vegetables.

How spicy is chimichurri sauce?

Chimichurri is mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes. If you prefer no heat, simply omit them.

Argentinian Chicken Chimichurri is a true masterpiece of simplicity and flavor. The smoky, juicy grilled chicken perfectly complements the fresh, herby tang of the chimichurri sauce. It’s a versatile dish that’s easy to prepare but impressive enough for guests. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or making a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Argentina right to your plate. Give it a try and savor the zesty magic of Chimichurri!