Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl Recipe

If you’re craving a vibrant, fresh, and utterly satisfying meal, the Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with fresh greens, tangy tomatoes, and a luscious garlic sauce will absolutely hit the spot. This dish is the perfect marriage of smoky, herbaceous, creamy, and zesty flavors that come together in a colorful bowl, bringing a burst of excitement to your weeknight dinners or meal prep. Whether you’re a grill master or a beginner, you’ll love how straightforward yet impressive this recipe is, making it a go-to for delicious eating any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl lies in the simplicity and freshness of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the vibrant herbs that light up the chimichurri to the creamy garlic sauce that adds luscious texture and balance.

• Chicken breasts: Choose boneless for easy grilling and slicing.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: The star herb that gives chimichurri its signature bright flavor.
• Garlic, minced: Adds pungency and depth, essential for both chimichurri and garlic sauce.
• Red wine vinegar: Brings acidity to balance the oil and fresh herbs.
• Olive oil: A quality oil is key for marinating and making sauces smooth.
• Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch to introduce a subtle, mildly spicy kick.
• Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the garlic sauce with a little tang.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds lactic tang and lightness to the garlic sauce.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the garlic sauce for freshness.
• Diced tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they add a fresh pop in the bowl.
• Fresh greens (spinach or arugula): Provide a peppery or mild base, loaded with nutrients.
• Salt and pepper: To season everything perfectly, enhancing all flavors.

How to Make Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together olive oil, garlic, parsley, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. This marinade is where the magic begins, infusing the chicken breasts with fresh herbaceous aromas and zesty brightness. Let the chicken soak up all these flavors for at least 30 minutes or ideally overnight in the fridge — this step is key for juicy, flavorful grilled chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce

In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine parsley, garlic, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and salt to create a chunky chimichurri sauce. This sauce is vibrant and full of punch, perfect for drizzling over the grilled chicken and greens to brighten every bite.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce

The garlic sauce brings creamy indulgence to the bowl. Mix mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of fresh herbs, then chill it in the fridge to let the flavors meld. It’s a luscious, cooling contrast to the chimichurri and grilled chicken.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Heat your grill to medium-high and cook the marinated chicken breasts for 5 to 7 minutes per side. You want beautiful grill marks and a slightly charred exterior while ensuring the chicken stays juicy inside. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly — resting helps retain all the delicious juices.

Step 5: Assemble Your Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl 

Begin with a bed of fresh greens in your bowl. Layer on the sliced grilled chicken, then generously drizzle with your zesty chimichurri sauce. Add spoonfuls of diced tomatoes for refreshing bursts of sweetness, and finish with a dollop of the creamy garlic sauce. This colorful, flavorful bowl looks beautiful and tastes incredible.

Step 6: Serve or Store

Enjoy your bowl immediately while everything is fresh and vibrant, or store each component separately if you’re prepping ahead. Keeping the chimichurri, garlic sauce, grilled chicken, and greens apart helps preserve their textures and flavors until mealtime.

How to Serve Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl 

Garnishes

Feel free to elevate your bowl with simple garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, a few avocado slices for creaminess, or a handful of toasted nuts for crunch. Garnishing adds layers of texture and enhances the visual appeal, making your bowl even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This bowl is quite hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp corn salad, grilled vegetables, or even some fluffy quinoa. These sides complement the freshness and smoky notes without overpowering the bold chimichurri flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving your Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl the components arranged in colorful stripes or sections rather than mixed. This style creates an eye-catching presentation perfect for entertaining or meal prep photos. Alternatively, use vibrant bowls or plates that make the greens and reds pop even more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover grilled chicken, chimichurri, garlic sauce, and greens in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps each element fresh and prevents sogginess, especially for the greens. Properly stored, you can expect your ingredients to stay vibrant for up to 3 days.

Freezing

If you want to freeze part of the dish, grilled chicken freezes best alone in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Sauces like chimichurri and garlic sauce don’t freeze as well due to texture changes, so it’s better to prepare those fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Reheating

Reheat the grilled chicken gently in the microwave or on a stovetop, avoiding high heat to keep it moist and tender. Dress the greens and add the chimichurri and garlic sauce fresh after reheating to maintain the vibrant flavors and texture that make this bowl so special.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add extra flavor, especially if grilled with the marinade. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is there a vegetarian version of Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl ?

Yes! Swap out the grilled chicken for grilled portobello mushrooms, tofu, or roasted cauliflower. The chimichurri and garlic sauce pair beautifully with all of these, keeping it vibrant and satisfying.

How spicy is the chimichurri sauce?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that’s warm but not overwhelming. You can easily adjust the amount to suit your spice preference, whether you like it mild or with a little extra kick.

Can I make the garlic sauce vegan?

Definitely. Substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan versions or use blended silken tofu for creaminess, then add lemon juice and garlic as usual for a tasty vegan garlic sauce.

What greens work best in this bowl?

Spinach and arugula are fantastic because spinach is mild and nutrient-rich, while arugula adds a peppery bite. Feel free to mix in other fresh greens like baby kale or mixed salad greens to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

This Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl fresh herbs, smoky chicken, and creamy garlic sauce has quickly become one of my favorites to whip up any time I want a wholesome, flavorful meal. The combination is so satisfying and fresh, and it’s a real joy to assemble. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every vibrant bite!

Print