This Easy Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Breast is juicy and packed with flavor. The zesty chimichurri sauce, made with fresh herbs, adds a pop of brightness that’s hard to resist!
You just marinate the chicken, grill it, and boom—dinner is served! I love enjoying it with a side of veggies or on a hearty salad. Quick, tasty, and oh-so satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you want a richer flavor, you could use thigh fillets instead, which won’t dry out as easily on the grill.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and cilantro are the stars of the chimichurri. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can use more parsley or even try basil for a different twist.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil gives the best flavor, but you can substitute it with avocado oil or even vegetable oil if you prefer a milder taste.
Red Wine Vinegar: This adds a nice tang. If you don’t have it, use apple cider vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives great flavor, but powdered garlic can be a quick alternative. Use about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder instead of cloves.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is best for brightness, but bottled lemon juice works in a pinch. Just use a little less for a more concentrated flavor.
How Do You Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating chicken is key to infusing it with delicious flavor. The combination of herbs, oil, and acid (like vinegar and lemon juice) in the chimichurri penetrates the meat, making it juicy and tasty. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix all marinade ingredients well in a bowl. Make sure the herbs are finely chopped to maximize flavor infusion.
- Use a resealable bag or shallow dish for marinating. The bag allows the marinade to coat the chicken thoroughly.
- Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but 1-2 hours is best for deeper flavor. Just don’t exceed 24 hours or the texture might change.
When ready to grill, discard the marinade. This keeps the chicken from getting too salty and ensures great grill marks!
Easy Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Breast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Chimichurri Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon oregano (dried or fresh)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare the marinade, 30 minutes to 2 hours to marinate the chicken, and another 15 minutes for grilling. In total, you should expect to spend around 1 hour to 2 hours and 15 minutes, depending on how long you let the chicken marinate.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
Start by making your delicious chimichurri sauce. In a large bowl, combine the chopped parsley, cilantro, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until it becomes a nice, green sauce.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour half of your chimichurri sauce over the chicken, making sure every piece is nicely coated. Set aside the other half for later use. Seal the bag or cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours if you want more flavor!).
3. Preheat the Grill:
While your chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, heat it on the stovetop over medium-high heat as well. This step is crucial for getting those lovely grill marks on your chicken!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done marinating, take it out and discard the marinade. Place the chicken directly onto the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), and you can see those beautiful grill marks.
5. Serve:
After grilling, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy! Serve the grilled chicken with the reserved chimichurri sauce drizzled on top or on the side for a tasty dip.
Enjoy your Easy Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Breast with a refreshing side of vegetables or a fresh salad!
Can I Substitute Other Herbs for Parsley and Cilantro?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of parsley or cilantro, you can try using basil or mint instead. For a different flavor profile, you can even mix in some fresh dill. Just keep in mind that this will alter the taste of the chimichurri sauce slightly!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for anywhere from 30 minutes up to 2 hours. If you marinate it for longer than 2 hours, the acid in the vinegar can start to break down the chicken, making it mushy, so it’s best to stick within that time frame for optimal texture.
Can I Make the Chimichurri Sauce in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the chimichurri sauce up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will actually taste even better as the flavors meld. Just give it a stir before using it!
What Should I Serve with Chimichurri Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, a fresh green salad, or even quinoa for a healthy meal. You can also serve it with rice or crusty bread to enjoy the chimichurri sauce fully!
