Name: Grilled Chicken with Zesty Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Argentinian
Ingredients: 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh oregano (or 2 teaspoons dried); ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; ½ cup olive oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste

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If you’re craving something that’s fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor, you’re in for a treat! This Grilled Chicken with Zesty Chimichurri Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly brightens up any meal. Juicy grilled chicken meets a zesty, herb-packed chimichurri sauce that brings an amazing Argentinian flair to your plate. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for weekend grilling, this recipe balances simplicity and boldness perfectly, making it a personal favorite I’m excited to share with you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white tray on a white marbled surface holds several clear glass bowls filled with ingredients arranged neatly. On the top right, a large bowl contains pale pink diced chicken pieces. To the left of the chicken is a glass cup filled with light golden oil and a small white bowl with a white liquid. In the center, a small white bowl contains finely chopped garlic. Below that, a bowl filled with fresh light and dark green cilantro leaves and another bowl filled with whole cilantro sprigs sit next to each other. Closer to the bottom left corner, a small glass container holds a dark reddish-brown liquid with two wooden chopsticks resting on the edge of the tray. On the bottom right side, there are four slices of bright green lime, and around them are small white bowls containing spices in reddish-brown, tan, and off-white colors along with two peeled cloves of garlic. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting ready to whip up this recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward but incredibly essential. Each component plays a crucial role in building the flavor, texture, and vibrant look of the dish, ensuring every bite is as exciting as the last.

1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for juiciness; breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly.
1 teaspoon salt: Grounds the flavors and enhances the natural taste of the chicken.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle kick without overpowering the herbs.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a mellow garlic warmth to the marinade.
½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky undertone and beautiful color to the chicken.
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the marinade with citrusy freshness, tenderizing the meat.
1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped: The star herb in the chimichurri, packed with vibrant, fresh flavor.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that punchy, aromatic kick in the sauce.
2 tablespoons fresh oregano (or 2 teaspoons dried): Gives an earthy and slightly minty depth to the sauce.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to enliven the chimichurri—adjust based on your spice tolerance.
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Adds acidity to balance the oil and fresh herbs perfectly.
½ cup olive oil: Creates the luscious base that carries and melds all the flavors together.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: For seasoning the sauce and enhancing all the vibrant flavors.

How to Make Grilled Chicken with Zesty Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and fresh lemon juice together in a bowl. This simple marinade gives the chicken a perfect balance of savory, smoky, and tangy notes. Coat your chicken pieces thoroughly with the marinade and let them rest for 15 to 30 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors seep in and helps the chicken stay moist and flavorful during grilling.

Step 2: Prep the Grill

While your chicken soaks up the marinade, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for around 400 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is ideal to get a beautiful char on the chicken while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Once heated, place your marinated chicken on the grill. Grill each side for about 5 to 7 minutes, but keep an eye on it—you’re aiming for that perfect internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s safe to eat but still succulent. After grilling, remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes; this step locks in the juices so every bite is bursting with moisture.

Step 4: Prepare the Zesty Chimichurri Sauce

While the chicken rests, it’s time to make the vibrant chimichurri sauce that makes this recipe shine. In a bowl, mix finely chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes with red wine vinegar. Next, slowly whisk in the olive oil until everything is well combined and silky. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. The freshness and zing of the chimichurri elevate the smoky grilled chicken into something truly unforgettable.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the zesty chimichurri sauce generously over each piece of grilled chicken. This final touch not only adds moisture but also infuses the dish with herbal brightness and a perfect balance of spice and acidity. Now, dig in and savor every mouthwatering bite!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken with Zesty Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

To really lift the presentation and taste, sprinkle some extra chopped fresh parsley or oregano on top. A wedge of lemon on the side encourages everyone to add a splash of extra citrus if desired. These simple garnishes add freshness and make the dish feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This grilled chicken with zesty chimichurri sauce pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables for a smoky combo, fluffy rice to soak up every bit of sauce, or a crisp mixed green salad for a lighter touch. Each side balances the herbaceous and spicy notes of the main dish in its own way, making for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken thinly sliced over toasted rustic bread to make flavorful open-faced sandwiches. Or toss some grilled chicken chunks with quinoa salad and drizzle extra chimichurri for a vibrant bowl meal. Presentation is your playground here, so have fun and let those vibrant colors and textures shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover grilled chicken and chimichurri sauce store wonderfully in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep them separate until serving to preserve the bright, fresh flavors and keep the chicken texture intact.

Freezing

You can freeze the grilled chicken without sauce and reheat it later for an easy, ready-to-eat meal. Chimichurri sauce freezes less well because of the fresh herbs and oil, so it’s best to prepare a fresh batch when needed or keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Reheating

Reheat the grilled chicken gently in the oven or on a stovetop over medium-low heat to keep it from drying out. Add the chimichurri sauce fresh after reheating for that burst of zesty flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicier and have a richer flavor, making them perfect for grilling and pairing with the chimichurri sauce.

How long can I keep the chimichurri sauce in the refrigerator?

You can store the chimichurri sauce refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The flavors actually develop even more after resting for a few hours.

Is this dish gluten-free and low-carb?

Yes, this grilled chicken with zesty chimichurri sauce recipe is naturally gluten-free and low-carb, making it a great healthy choice for many diets.

Can I make the chimichurri sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! Making the chimichurri sauce up to 24 hours in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the taste when you serve it.

What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook the chicken another way?

You can use a grill pan or even bake the chicken in the oven. Just make sure to get a nice sear or color on the chicken to replicate the grilled experience.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken with Zesty Chimichurri Sauce Recipe quickly became a treasured go-to for those moments when you want something that’s easy, fresh, and wildly flavorful. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a celebration of summer anytime you make it. I encourage you to try it out and discover how these simple ingredients effortlessly come together to create a meal that’s downright irresistible.