Chimichurri Chicken Bowl

The Chimichurri Chicken Bowl is a vibrant and healthy Latin American-inspired dish that brings a burst of fresh flavor to your dinner table. Juicy chicken breasts are marinated in a zesty herb-based sauce, then grilled to perfection and served over a bed of fluffy rice with crisp, colorful vegetables. This meal is not only visually stunning but also incredibly satisfying, offering a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.

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Chimichurri is traditionally an Argentinian sauce that relies on the combination of vinegar, oil, and finely chopped herbs. In this recipe, the bold garlic and red pepper flakes penetrate the chicken, ensuring it is flavorful from the inside out. When combined with creamy avocado and the crunch of fresh cucumbers, every bite offers a different texture and taste profile.

Ingredients

• For the Chimichurri:
• 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• For the Chicken:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• For the Bowl:
• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges, to serve

Instructions

Step 1

In a bowl, mix parsley, cilantro, garlic, oregano, olive oil, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to make the chimichurri. Reserve 1/3 cup as sauce for serving later.

Step 2

Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the remaining chimichurri over the chicken, ensuring it is thoroughly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 3

Preheat a grill, grill pan, or skillet to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and season both sides with additional salt and pepper.

Step 4

Grill or cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and the juices run clear. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.

Step 5

To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked rice among 4 bowls. Top each with the sliced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, avocado slices, and red onion.

Step 6

Drizzle the bowls with the reserved 1/3 cup of chimichurri. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with lime wedges for an extra citrus kick.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To get the most out of your chimichurri, ensure your herbs are completely dry before chopping them; this prevents the sauce from becoming watery. If you are using a grill pan, avoid moving the chicken too much once you place it down so you can achieve those professional-looking sear marks.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This bowl is easy to customize. Swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a juicier result, or use cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. You can also add extra toppings like grilled corn or crumbled feta cheese to add more depth to the bowl.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these bowls while the chicken and rice are warm to contrast with the cool, fresh vegetables. This dish pairs excellently with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the herbal notes of the chimichurri sauce perfectly.

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Whether you're looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or a bright meal to impress guests, the Chimichurri Chicken Bowl is a reliable choice. Its combination of fresh herbs, tender protein, and crisp vegetables makes for a nutritious meal that never feels like a compromise on taste. Enjoy the bold flavors of Latin America in every bite!

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours for deeper flavor penetration. The longer marinating time allows the herbs and garlic to infuse the meat more thoroughly.

→ Can I make the chimichurri sauce ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the chimichurri up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop and intensify over time, making it even more delicious.

→ What can I use instead of chicken breasts?

Chicken thighs work beautifully as a juicy alternative. For a vegetarian version, use portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks with the same marinade.

→ Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add mild heat, but the dish is not overly spicy. Adjust the amount or omit them entirely for a milder version.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keep the chimichurri sauce in a separate jar and add fresh just before serving.

→ Can I grill the chicken outdoors?

Absolutely. Outdoor grilling adds wonderful smoky char marks. Cook over medium-high heat for the same timing, about 6-7 minutes per side.