Herby Chimichurri Chicken with Tomato and Red Onion Recipe to Grill

Chimichurri chicken promises a vibrant culinary adventure that reinvents ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences.

Argentine-inspired flavors dance across tender protein surfaces, creating an irresistible harmony of herbs and zesty notes.

Verdant green sauces bring unexpected brightness to traditional grilled dishes, infusing each bite with remarkable depth.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, crafting a meal that feels both familiar and excitingly innovative.

Bold marinades penetrate chicken delicate texture, ensuring maximum flavor absorption and succulent results.

Tangy herb mixtures elevate simple proteins into restaurant-quality preparations that surprise and delight hungry diners.

The perfect balance of acidity, richness, and aromatic elements guarantees a memorable dining experience.

Chimichurri Chicken Topped with Fresh Tomato & Red Onion

• Burst with Fresh Herbal Punch: The chimichurri sauce delivers an explosive blend of parsley, garlic, and herbs that transforms ordinary chicken into a zesty, restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.
• Quick and Versatile Cooking Options: Flexible preparation methods like grilling or sautéing make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights, allowing home cooks to choose their preferred cooking technique without compromising flavor.
• Hands-Off Marinating Magic: By letting the chicken sit in chimichurri sauce for just 15 minutes, you'll infuse deep, complex flavors that make each bite incredibly juicy and aromatic, turning simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.
• One-Pan Wonder with Minimal Cleanup: Incorporating tomatoes and red onions directly into the marinade creates a built-in side dish, reducing dishes and streamlining meal preparation for home cooks seeking efficient, delicious solutions.

Ingredients for Vibrant Chimichurri Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless cut perfect for quick cooking, tender and flavorful meat that absorbs marinades well, choose fresh meat with minimal fat.

• Fine Sea Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing chicken's natural flavor, sea salt provides cleaner taste compared to table salt.

• Flat-Leaf Parsley, Fresh Oregano: Fresh herbs bring bright, green flavor to sauce, parsley adds vibrant color and freshness, oregano provides earthy undertones.

• Garlic Cloves: Provides intense, sharp flavor, choose fresh garlic for most robust taste.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Oil creates smooth sauce texture, lemon juice adds bright acidity and helps balance flavors.

• Dried Oregano, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Oregano adds herbal notes, red pepper flakes introduce subtle heat and complexity.

• Tomato, Red Onion: Add fresh, crisp texture and additional flavor layers, complement chicken's richness.

Grilling Guide for Chimichurri Chicken with Salsa

Step 1: Prepare Zesty Chimichurri Sauce

• Chopped parsley
• Minced garlic
• Red wine vinegar
• Olive oil
• Dried oregano
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk all ingredients together until well combined. Cover and let the flavors mingle in the refrigerator for 2 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Marinate Flavor-Packed Chicken

• Chicken thighs
• Salt
• Chopped tomatoes
• Finely diced red onion
• Half of the prepared chimichurri sauce

Gently toss to coat the chicken evenly. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor infusion.

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

Heat your grill to medium-high temperature.

Place chicken on the grates with the smooth side facing down.

Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side.

Check doneness by using an instant-read thermometer- target 165 degrees Fahrenheit at the thickest point.

Step 4: Alternative Stovetop Cooking

Preheat a heavy skillet over medium heat.

Add olive oil to the pan.

Place chicken smooth-side down and cook for 5-7 minutes per side.

Verify internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Transfer grilled or sautéed chicken to a serving platter.

Drizzle remaining chimichurri sauce over the top.

Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy immediately while the chicken is hot and juicy!

Tips for Juicy, Herb‑Infused Chimichurri Chicken

• Marinate Masterfully: Allow chicken to absorb chimichurri sauce for maximum flavor by marinating at least 15 minutes, or ideally overnight for deeper taste infusion.
• Temperature Precision: Use an instant-read thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches 165˚F, ensuring perfect doneness without overcooking and maintaining juicy meat.
• Herb Freshness Matters: Select fresh parsley and oregano to create vibrant, aromatic chimichurri sauce that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Grill or Sauté Smart: Preheat cooking surface to medium-high heat for beautiful caramelization and crispy exterior while keeping chicken tender and moist inside.
• Sauce Separation Strategy: Reserve half the chimichurri for serving to provide a bright, zesty finish that complements the grilled or sautéed chicken beautifully.

Storing and Reheating Chimichurri Chicken

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chimichurri sauce separately in a sealed container to maintain its fresh flavor.
• Reheat in Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Drizzle reserved chimichurri sauce on top before serving.
• Microwave Option: Reheat chicken in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Add a splash of water to prevent dryness and maintain moisture.

Salad and Side Pairings for Chimichurri Chicken

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Reach for a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño that complements the herbal chimichurri's bright, tangy profile and cuts through the chicken's richness.
• Serve with Rustic Sides: Select roasted garlic potatoes or grilled corn with similar Mediterranean-inspired herbs to echo the chimichurri's fresh green notes and enhance the meal's complexity.
• Create a Fresh Salad Companion: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to provide a peppery, acidic counterpoint that balances the chicken's robust flavors.
• Match with Herbal Cocktail: Mix a refreshing mojito or gin-based cocktail with fresh herbs like mint or basil to harmonize with the chimichurri's green, vibrant essence and elevate the dining experience.

Flavor Variations on Chimichurri Chicken

• Spicy South American Style: Add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the chimichurri sauce for a fiery kick that amplifies the traditional Argentine flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace parsley with fresh oregano and mint, then incorporate crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired variation that transforms the dish.
• Citrus Zesty Version: Increase lemon juice and add orange zest to the chimichurri sauce, creating a brighter, more vibrant marinade that introduces fresh, tangy notes to the chicken.
• Smoky Grilled Variation: Mix smoked paprika into the chimichurri sauce and use a charcoal grill to develop deeper, more intense smoky undertones that complement the herb-infused chicken.

Chimichurri Chicken with Tomato and Red Onion Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Argentinian chimichurri chicken brings zesty herbs and grilled perfection to your plate. Juicy marinated chicken showcases bold flavors with fresh tomatoes and tangy red onions, creating a simple yet spectacular meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium tomato, cubed
• ½ medium red onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, finely minced

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 cup flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped from 1 bunch
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano, or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Liquid and Oil:

• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Craft the zesty chimichurri sauce by whisking together all ingredients in a mixing vessel, ensuring thorough blending of herbs, vinegar, and seasonings.
2. Allow the sauce to rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of two hours, permitting the flavors to harmonize and intensify.
3. In a spacious bowl, gently toss chicken thighs with diced tomatoes, finely minced red onion, salt, and half of the prepared chimichurri sauce.
4. Let the chicken marinate at ambient temperature for approximately 15 minutes, allowing the proteins to absorb the vibrant herb-infused marinade.
5. Select your preferred cooking method: grilling or pan-searing will both yield delectable results.
6. For grilling, heat the barbecue to medium-high temperature and position chicken pieces with the smooth side facing downward.
7. Grill each side for 5-7 minutes, maintaining a closed lid to lock in moisture and develop a beautiful caramelized exterior.
8. Alternatively, for pan-searing, heat a robust skillet with olive oil over medium heat.
9. Carefully place marinated chicken in the skillet, cooking each side until a golden-brown crust forms and internal temperature reaches 165˚F.
10. Verify doneness using an instant-read thermometer inserted at the thickest portion of the meat.
11. Transfer the succulent chicken to a serving platter and generously drizzle the remaining chimichurri sauce over the top.
12. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately to capture the peak of flavor and juiciness.

Notes

• Marinating techniques unlock deep, complex tastes by allowing herbs and spices to penetrate every fiber of the chicken.
• Bold Argentine-inspired sauce adds bright, tangy notes that complement the rich, juicy meat perfectly.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Argentinian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg