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This Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce is a staple for those nights when ordinary meals just won't do. With juicy grilled chicken cloaked in tangy, herbaceous chimichurri, paired with creamy garlic sauce, sautéed greens, and vibrant bursts of roasted veggies and fresh tomatoes, it's a nourishing bowl full of bold flavors. Whether you are meal-prepping for the week or making a showstopper for dinner, this recipe brings energy and freshness to your table.
The first time I put this bowl together my kitchen filled with the aroma of garlic and herbs and it felt like a little escape in every bite. Now it is my top pick for healthy yet indulgent dinners when I want everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken: breasts or thighs for juicy and tender protein pick organic or free-range for better flavor and texture
- Olive oil: for richness and to help spices cling to the chicken choose extra virgin for the brightest taste
- Smoked paprika: brings sweet smoky depth always check for freshness to keep its aromatic punch
- Cumin: adds earthy warmth and rounds out the flavor go for whole cumin seeds and freshly grind if you can
- Salt and black pepper: to taste essential for seasoning and balance use flaky sea salt if available
- Fresh parsley: forms the backbone of chimichurri look for vibrant green leaves and avoid wilted bunches
- Garlic cloves: minced for boldness in both sauces choose firm plump cloves for best flavor
- Red wine vinegar: gives the chimichurri zing opt for a good-quality bottle for a bright tang
- Dried oregano: brings herbal notes and is a classic in Argentine chimichurri use from a fresh sealed container
- Red chili flakes: optional but add subtle heat use sparingly and taste as you go
- Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt: adds creaminess to the garlic sauce use Greek yogurt for a lighter option
- Lemon juice: for zesty freshness always juice from ripe lemons for purity
- Chopped kale or greens: for nutrients and hearty substance lacinato kale is a favorite for tenderness
- Cherry tomatoes: diced for texture and juicy bursts choose sweet ripe tomatoes with glossy skin
- Roasted vegetables: like garlic and red onion for sweet caramelized bites roast until golden but not blackened
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Mix olive oil paprika cumin salt and pepper in a bowl then rub over the chicken so it is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least thirty minutes or longer if you have time so the flavors really sink in.
- Make the Chimichurri:
- Stir together finely chopped parsley minced garlic red wine vinegar dried oregano chili flakes salt pepper and a good splash of olive oil. Let it sit so the flavors meld into a bright tangy sauce.
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce:
- Combine mayonnaise or Greek yogurt minced garlic lemon juice and a little olive oil in a bowl. Season to taste with salt and whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high. Cook the marinated chicken about five to seven minutes per side ensuring it gets a nice char. Rest the chicken before slicing so it stays juicy.
- Sauté the Greens:
- Quickly sauté the chopped kale or preferred greens in heated olive oil and a dash of lemon juice. Cook just until wilted and tender for a vibrant base to your bowl.
- Roast the Vegetables:
- Arrange garlic cloves and sliced red onion on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil and roast in a hot oven until golden and sweet flipping once for even caramelization.
- Assemble the Bowl:
- Lay warm greens in your bowl. Arrange sliced grilled chicken over the top add the roasted veggies and scatter fresh tomatoes. Spoon chimichurri generously over the chicken then finish with a drizzle of garlic sauce.
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My favorite part is the way the parsley and garlic from the chimichurri sing when spooned over hot-off-the-grill chicken. The colors alone make me smile and it is always the first thing gone at family pickup dinners.
How to Store Leftovers
Store assembled bowls in airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days. For longer storage keep the chicken vegetables and sauces in separate containers to maintain vibrant flavors and textures. The garlic sauce can thicken when chilled so give it a good stir before using again.
Ingredient Swaps
If you do not have fresh parsley try using fresh cilantro or a mix of both for a more South American flair. Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version—the marinades and sauces remain just as flavorful. For the creamy sauce Greek yogurt offers a lighter tangy note if you are avoiding mayonnaise.
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Serving Ideas
Pair the bowl with warm pita or crusty bread for soaking up extra sauce. For added crunch toss in a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds or thinly sliced cucumbers before serving. This dish also works beautifully over leftover brown rice or quinoa for an extra boost of whole grains.
Chimichurri Roots
Chimichurri is famously rooted in Argentinian grilling culture where it is used as a punchy sauce for roasted meats. Its combination of vinegar herbs and olive oil is meant to balance rich flavors and bring brightness to every bite. I love how it transforms even a humble chicken breast into something celebration worthy.
Common Questions
- → What is chimichurri sauce made of?
Chimichurri sauce combines fresh parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, chili flakes, olive oil, salt, and pepper for a zesty herbal flavor.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs add extra juiciness and work perfectly in this bowl with minor adjustments to grilling time.
- → Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt in the garlic sauce?
You can swap Greek yogurt with mayonnaise or use a plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free option in the garlic sauce.
- → How can I meal prep this bowl?
Cook and portion the chicken, sauces, and vegetables separately, then assemble bowls as needed for quick meals throughout the week.
- → What vegetables work best for roasting?
Roasted garlic cloves and red onions complement the bowl, but you can also use bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for variety.