If you are a food enthusiast with a love for grilled dishes, this article is for you. Today, we dive into the delightful world of Grilled Chimichurri Chicken. This dish combines the succulence of grilled chicken with the vibrant, fresh flavors of chimichurri sauce, an Argentinian staple. It’s a perfect main course for any backyard barbecue or a family dinner.
Why You’ll Love Grilled Chimichurri Chicken
1- Easy to Prepare: The simplicity of this dish is one of its most appealing aspects. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, even a novice cook can prepare this delicious meal with ease.
2- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of herbs in the chimichurri sauce, the smoky char from the grill, and the tender juiciness of the chicken create an explosion of taste that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
3- Versatility: This dish can be paired with a variety of sides, from fresh salads to roasted vegetables or even a simple serving of rice. It’s also a great make-ahead option as the flavors deepen with time.
Timing
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt, to taste
For the chimichurri sauce:
- 2 cups fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Grilled Chimichurri Chicken
Step 1. Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce: Start by combining all the ingredients for the chimichurri sauce in a bowl. Stir them together, cover, and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least two hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a bowl, add half of the chimichurri sauce and salt, and stir to combine. Cover and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator for a more profound flavor.
Step 3. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken on the hot grates and grill each side for about 5-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F.
Step 4. Serve the Chicken: Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter and spoon the remaining chimichurri sauce over the pieces. Serve immediately.
Tips for Making Grilled Chimichurri Chicken
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Quality of Ingredients: Use fresh herbs and good quality extra virgin olive oil for the chimichurri sauce. High-quality ingredients result in a more flavorful dish.
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Marinating Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. If time allows, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
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Grill Temperature: Maintain a consistent medium-high heat on your grill. Too high heat can cause the chicken to burn, and too low heat can result in undercooked chicken.
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Don’t Overcook: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure it’s cooked to perfection.
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Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, keeping it moist and flavorful.
Nutritional Facts
Amount Per serving:
- Calories: 446 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 148mg
- Sodium: 512mg
- Potassium: 381mg
How to Store and Reheat it
- Storing: Store leftover grilled chimichurri chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the grilled chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool the chicken completely before freezing.
- Reheating: To reheat, defrost the chicken in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Then, warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Conclusion
Grilled chimichurri chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish perfect for any occasion. The fresh chimichurri sauce enhances the tender, juicy chicken, creating a meal your family and friends will surely love. Give it a try and experience the burst of flavors in every bite!
FAQs
1. What is chimichurri made of?
Chimichurri is an Argentinian sauce made of parsley, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, and other herbs and spices.
2. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts. However, chicken thighs are juicier and have more flavor.
3. Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?
Absolutely. If you prefer to bake the chicken, preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for approximately 45 to 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Can I make the chimichurri sauce ahead of time?
Yes, making the chimichurri sauce ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together more, enhancing the overall taste of the sauce.
5. Can I use store-bought chimichurri sauce?
While you can use store-bought chimichurri sauce, homemade chimichurri is fresher and allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking.