How to Make the Perfect Chimichurri Marinated Chicken Breast
Argentinian · Easy · 28 min · 2 servings
Vibrant Argentinian chimichurri sauce both marinates and tops these juicy grilled chicken breasts for a fresh and herbaceous high protein meal. With over 44g of protein and minimal carbohydrates, it is a perfect clean eating dish bursting with bold flavor.
Why this recipe works
This Chimichurri Marinated Chicken Breast recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 28 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 345 calories with 44g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 whole large chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh flat leaf parsley packed
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Blend the Chimichurri Sauce
Combine parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor and pulse until a coarse but well-combined sauce forms. Do not over-blend as the texture should remain slightly chunky.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Reserve half of the chimichurri sauce in a separate bowl for serving. Use the remaining half to coat the chicken breasts thoroughly and allow them to marinate for at least 10 minutes at room temperature.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken breasts for 7 to 8 minutes per side until cooked through and nicely charred, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 4: Rest and Top with Sauce
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the grill. Spoon the reserved fresh chimichurri generously over each breast before serving to add a bright, vibrant contrast to the smoky grilled flavor.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- fresh flat leaf parsley → fresh cilantro for a different but equally vibrant herbal flavor
- red wine vinegar → apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter tang
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Over-blending the chimichurri into a completely smooth puree which destroys the texture and makes it lose its fresh rustic character
- Using the same chimichurri that touched the raw chicken as a serving sauce which creates a food safety concern
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 345 calories, 44g protein, 3g carbs, 17g fat, 1g fiber.
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