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Chimichurri Chicken

Chimichurri Chicken

A quick and flavorful Chimichurri Chicken recipe featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs paired with a vibrant, fresh herb chimichurri sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this healthy and versatile dish is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for cooking)

For the Chimichurri Sauce

  • 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce: Finely chop fresh parsley, cilantro, and garlic. In a bowl, combine the herbs, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld while you cook the chicken.
  2. Season the Chicken: Lightly salt and pepper the chicken breasts or thighs on both sides, enhancing their natural flavor and balancing the chimichurri sauce.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and thoroughly cooked (internal temperature 165°F). Avoid moving it too much to ensure a nice sear.
  4. Serve with Chimichurri Sauce: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. Spoon the chimichurri sauce generously over the chicken or serve on the side for guests to add as much as they like.

Notes

  • Use fresh parsley and cilantro for the most vibrant and flavorful chimichurri sauce.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken; cook in batches if necessary for even browning.
  • Let chimichurri sauce rest at least 10 minutes before serving to meld the flavors.
  • Adjust salt carefully; taste the chimichurri before adding salt as chicken seasoning adds saltiness.
  • Serve immediately for best flavor, though leftovers keep well if sauce and chicken are stored separately.

Nutrition

Keywords: chimichurri, chicken, quick dinner, grilled chicken, pan-seared, herb sauce, healthy, easy recipe