Chimichurri Chicken Bowl

Experience the vibrant and bold flavors of Latin America with this Chimichurri Chicken Bowl. Featuring juicy, herb-marinated chicken served over a bed of fluffy rice and crisp vegetables, this dish is a refreshing balance of protein, grains, and fresh produce. It is an easy yet impressive meal that brings a zesty spark to your dinner table.

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The star of this bowl is the chimichurri sauce, a classic blend of fresh parsley, cilantro, and garlic. By marinating the chicken in this mixture, every bite is infused with herbal notes and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Combined with creamy avocado and cooling cucumber, it creates a harmonious flavor profile that is hard to resist.

Ingredients

• Chimichurri: 1 cup fresh parsley (chopped), 1/3 cup fresh cilantro (chopped), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 2 tbsp fresh oregano (chopped), 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.
• Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper.
• Bowl Assembly: 2 cups cooked rice, 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 cup cucumber (diced), 1 avocado (sliced), 1/2 cup red onion (sliced), 1/4 cup fresh herbs for garnish, lime wedges.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Sauce

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

Step 2: Marinate

Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or dish. Pour remaining chimichurri over chicken to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours).

Step 3: Preheat

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

Step 4: Cook Chicken

Grill or cook chicken 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice.

Step 5: Assemble

Divide rice among 4 bowls. Top with sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and red onion.

Step 6: Finish

Drizzle with reserved chimichurri. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with lime wedges.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the chicken stays juicy, avoid overcooking it; using a meat thermometer to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is ideal. If you have time, let the chicken marinate for the full 4 hours to maximize the garlic and herb infusion.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a variation in texture, you can swap chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs. If you are following a low-carb diet, cauliflower rice makes an excellent base for this bowl. For extra flavor, consider adding grilled corn or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese.

Serviervorschläge

This meal pairs beautifully with a crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc. Serve it immediately while the chicken is warm and the vegetables are fresh for the best contrast in temperatures and textures.

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With its combination of lean protein, healthy fats from avocado, and fresh garden vegetables, the Chimichurri Chicken Bowl is a satisfying meal that feels light yet filling. Enjoy the bright flavors and the simplicity of this Latin American-inspired favorite.

Recipe Help & FAQs

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to absorb the chimichurri flavors. For deeper flavor penetration, you can refrigerate up to 4 hours before cooking.

→ Can I make chimichurri sauce ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the chimichurri up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop and intensify overnight.

→ What can I use instead of chicken breasts?

Chicken thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy. Alternatively, try flank steak, shrimp, or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

→ Is this bowl low-carb friendly?

Absolutely. Swap the regular rice for cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates significantly while maintaining all the fresh flavors and textures.

→ What other toppings work well?

Grilled corn, crumbled feta cheese, black beans, pickled jalapeños, or roasted sweet potatoes make excellent additions to customize your bowl.