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Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in herby chimichurri, topped with creamy garlic sauce and fresh pico de gallo, served over greens or rice for a high-protein, flavor-packed meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Healthy, Latin-Inspired
Calories: 460

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced, divided (2 for chimichurri, 2 for garlic sauce)
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1/2 cup olive oil plus 1 tablespoon for garlic sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 chicken breasts about 1 lb total
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice plus 1 tablespoon for pico
  • 2 Roma tomatoes diced
  • 1/4 red onion finely diced
  • 2 cups mixed greens or cooked rice

Equipment

  • Grill pan or outdoor grill
  • Sharp chef's knife
  • Food processor (optional)
  • mixing bowls
  • Tongs
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Method
 

  1. In a bowl or food processor, combine parsley, cilantro, 2 minced garlic cloves, red wine vinegar, chili flakes, 1/2 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper to create chimichurri sauce.
  2. Reserve half of the chimichurri for serving. Coat chicken breasts with remaining chimichurri and marinate in refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  3. Preheat grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
  4. Grill marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and nice char marks form.
  5. Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice against the grain.
  6. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt or mayo, 2 grated garlic cloves, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper to make garlic sauce.
  7. Mix diced tomatoes and red onion with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and a pinch of salt to create quick pico de gallo.
  8. Assemble bowls by layering greens or rice as base, top with sliced chicken, add pico de gallo, drizzle reserved chimichurri, and finish with garlic sauce. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use a mix of parsley and cilantro for balanced freshness in the chimichurri. Let chicken rest before slicing to retain juiciness. Store leftover sauces in airtight containers for up to 1 week. Chimichurri has mild heat from red chili flakes—adjust to taste. For meal prep, store components separately and assemble fresh each day to avoid sogginess.
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