Zesty Chimichurri Chicken with Fresh Tomato & Red Onion Recipe

Sizzling aromas of zesty chimichurri chicken waft through the kitchen, promising a burst of vibrant flavors.

This Argentine-inspired dish combines tender, herb-marinated meat with bright, fresh ingredients that dance on your palate.

Marinating chicken in a bold chimichurri sauce infuses every bite with tangy, garlicky goodness.

Sliced ripe tomatoes and crisp red onions add colorful contrast and a refreshing crunch to the plate.

The marinade creates a beautiful caramelization that locks in moisture and intensifies the chicken natural richness.

Grilled or roasted, this recipe delivers a mouthwatering meal that transports you straight to the heart of South American cuisine.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible culinary adventure.

Instructions for Chimichurri Chicken with Tomato and Red Onion

• Flavor Fusion

Create a zesty chimichurri sauce by blending fresh herbs, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. Let the mixture rest in the refrigerator to develop deep, rich flavors that will transform your chicken.

• Chicken Preparation

Massage chicken thighs with half the chimichurri sauce, allowing juicy tomatoes and crisp red onions to infuse their vibrant essence into the meat. Let the flavors dance and mingle at room temperature.

• Cooking Magic

Choose your culinary adventure – grill or sauté the chicken until it’s perfectly golden and reaches a safe internal temperature. The exterior should be beautifully caramelized, revealing a tender and succulent interior.

• Finishing Touch

Plate the chicken with artistic flair, generously drizzling the remaining chimichurri sauce over the top. Each bite promises a burst of herb-packed, tangy deliciousness that celebrates fresh, vibrant ingredients.

Cooking Tips for Chimichurri Chicken with Tomato and Red Onion

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Herb Swap Magic: Experiment by replacing parsley with fresh cilantro or basil for a completely different flavor profile that keeps the dish exciting and uniquely yours.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes in the chimichurri sauce, allowing you to customize the kick to your personal taste preferences.
• Protein Flexibility: Easily substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a versatile meal that adapts to your dietary needs and cravings.
• Marinade Mastery: For maximum flavor, allow the chicken to marinate overnight in the refrigerator, which helps tenderize the meat and deeply infuse the chimichurri's vibrant herbs and spices.
• Grill vs. Skillet Showdown: While both cooking methods work wonderfully, grilling adds a smoky char that elevates the dish's complexity, whereas skillet cooking provides a more controlled, even cooking surface.

Presenting Chimichurri Chicken with Tomato and Red Onion

• Flavor Explosion Platter: Arrange the grilled chicken over a bed of fluffy quinoa or herbed rice, drizzling extra chimichurri sauce for a burst of fresh, zesty flavors that will make every bite sing with Argentine-inspired goodness.
• Backyard Fiesta Style: Serve alongside warm, grilled corn tortillas, sliced avocado, and a crisp green salad to create a complete meal that transforms your chicken into a festive, colorful dining experience perfect for summer gatherings.
• Fresh Mediterranean Twist: Complement the chicken with a cool cucumber and yogurt tzatziki, roasted bell peppers, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese to add unexpected layers of tangy and creamy textures that elevate the dish's profile.
• Bright Weekend Brunch Approach: Slice the chicken and layer it over toasted sourdough bread, top with a soft poached egg, and add an extra generous spoonful of chimichurri sauce for a stunning weekend breakfast that brings restaurant-quality flair to your home kitchen.

Chimichurri Chicken with Tomato and Red Onion Storage Plan

• Quick Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare chimichurri sauce and marinate chicken the night before for a faster cooking experience. This technique allows deeper flavor absorption and reduces day-of cooking time dramatically.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Store leftover chicken in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Separate the chimichurri sauce from chicken to maintain its crisp texture and prevent soggy results.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual chicken portions in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Frozen chicken stays delicious for 2-3 months when properly sealed. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to retain moisture. Add a splash of chicken broth or extra chimichurri sauce to prevent drying out. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain optimal taste and tenderness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10-14 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 25-29 minutes

Calories: 385 kcal

Servings: 5

Chimichurri Chicken with Tomato and Red Onion Ingredient Lineup

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and juicy cut that absorbs marinades beautifully, providing rich flavor and succulent texture for the dish.
• Sea Salt: Enhances natural chicken flavors and helps tenderize the meat during preparation.

• Flat-Leaf Parsley, Oregano: Fresh herbs that deliver bright, zesty green notes and authentic Argentine-style herbal complexity.
• Garlic Cloves: Powerful aromatic ingredient that adds robust depth and traditional punch to the sauce.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Smooth binding agent that creates silky sauce texture and carries herb flavors.
• Lemon Juice: Introduces tangy brightness and helps balance the sauce's rich components.

• Tomato: Adds juicy, sweet-acidic element and vibrant color to complement the chicken.
• Red Onion: Provides crisp, sharp bite and beautiful purple accent to the overall dish.
• Black Pepper: Delivers subtle heat and aromatic warmth.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle spiciness and slight textural complexity.

Must-Have Tools for Chimichurri Chicken with Tomato and Red Onion

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining marinade ingredients and coating chicken evenly.
• Cutting board: Essential for chopping herbs, onions, and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Needed for finely chopping herbs and red onion.
• Instant-read thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature for safe cooking.
• Heavy skillet or grill: Use for cooking chicken to perfect golden-brown finish.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for accurate seasoning and sauce preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and tossing ingredients during marinating.

Zesty Chimichurri Chicken

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 25-29 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Zesty chimichurri chicken dances with tangy tomatoes and sharp red onions in this Argentine-inspired dish. Herbal marinade and grilled perfection create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsps lemon juice
• 1 cup flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped from 1 bunch
• 1 medium tomato, cubed
• ½ medium red onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
• ½ tsp fine sea salt
• ½ tsp dried oregano, or 1 tbsp fresh oregano
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk chimichurri ingredients in a mixing bowl, ensuring comprehensive blending of herbs, vinegar, and seasonings for a harmonious flavor profile.
2. Flavor Infusion: Refrigerate sauce for two hours, allowing ingredients to meld and intensify their aromatic characteristics.
3. Chicken Marination: Combine chicken thighs, tomatoes, red onion, salt, and half the chimichurri sauce in a spacious bowl, letting the mixture rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to absorb vibrant herb-infused flavors.
4. Cooking Method Selection: Choose between grilling or pan-searing, both promising exceptional culinary results.
5. Grilling Technique: Preheat barbecue to medium-high heat, positioning chicken smooth-side down and cooking for 5-7 minutes per side with lid closed to seal in moisture and develop a caramelized exterior.
6. Pan-Searing Alternative: Heat olive oil in a sturdy skillet over medium heat, carefully placing marinated chicken and cooking until golden-brown and internal temperature reaches 165˚F.
7. Doneness Verification: Use an instant-read thermometer inserted at the meat’s thickest point to confirm complete cooking.
8. Serving Presentation: Transfer chicken to a serving platter, drizzle remaining chimichurri sauce generously, and garnish with additional fresh herbs for a final aromatic touch.

Notes

• Marinate Mindfully: Allow chicken to absorb chimichurri flavors at room temperature for 15 minutes, enhancing taste penetration and tenderness.
• Sauce Stratagem: Prepare chimichurri sauce at least 2 hours ahead to intensify herb and vinegar notes, creating a more complex flavor profile.
• Temperature Triumph: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165˚F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat every time.
• Cooking Flexibility: Choose between grilling or pan-searing based on available equipment, both methods delivering deliciously caramelized chicken with robust herb-infused flavors.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-14 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Argentinian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 385
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg