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Chimichurri Chicken Bowls with Garlic Sauce

A vibrant and flavor-packed chimichurri chicken bowl topped with creamy garlic sauce, ready in under an hour by utilizing smart cooking techniques.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Argentinian, Healthy
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs Thighs are juicier; breasts are leaner.
  • 1 cup fresh parsley, packed
  • 1/4 cup fresh oregano (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 4–6 cloves garlic Divided for chimichurri and sauce.
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes Optional for heat.
  • 1 tsp sea salt + black pepper To taste.
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice See substitutions.
  • 1 large ripe avocado, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
For Garlic Sauce
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or vegan yogurt
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise or vegan mayo Optional for richness.
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a food processor, combine parsley, oregano, 3–4 garlic cloves, red wine vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Pulse until finely chopped but not pureed — you want texture.
  2. Place chicken in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour half the chimichurri over it. Reserve the rest as a finishing sauce. Marinate for at least 10 minutes; 30–60 minutes if you have time.
Cooking
  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of oil. Sear chicken 4–6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  2. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
  3. Whisk Greek yogurt, mayo (optional), minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth. Add a tablespoon of water if too thick.
Assembly
  1. Assemble bowls by laying a base of quinoa, rice, or greens. Top with sliced chicken, reserved chimichurri, dollops of garlic sauce, avocado, tomatoes, and red onion.

Notes

Store components separately in the refrigerator for optimal freshness. Avoid over-marinating the chicken.