Sizzling Grilled Chimichurri Chicken with Couscous Salad Recipe

Summers sizzle with the aroma of zesty grilled chimichurri chicken that elevates every backyard gathering.

Argentine-inspired marinades burst with fresh herbs and tangy notes, creating a mouthwatering centerpiece for your meal.

The chimichurri chicken recipe brings bold flavors dancing across your plate with remarkable ease.

Tender, juicy chicken receives a robust herb coating that seals in incredible taste and moisture.

Paired with a light, refreshing couscous salad, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular dining experience.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of grilled intensity and bright, herbal undertones.

Savor the magic of this incredible summer feast that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

Chimichurri Chicken Ingredient Breakdown

• Parsley: Fresh, vibrant herb that brings zesty green flavor and aromatic brightness to the sauce.
• Cilantro: Optional herb adding complex, citrusy undertones and traditional South American flair.
• Garlic: Provides intense, sharp flavor that creates robust base for the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Smooth carrier that helps blend ingredients and adds rich, silky texture.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Tangy ingredient that balances flavors and provides sharp acidic punch.
• Oregano: Earthy herb that enhances overall herbal complexity of the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element that introduces gentle heat and warmth.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that amplifies and balances all other ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the sauce's flavor profile.

• Chicken: Lean protein base that absorbs marinade beautifully and grills perfectly.
• Olive Oil: Helps seasonings adhere and creates beautiful golden exterior when grilling.
• Salt: Fundamental seasoning that enhances chicken's natural flavor.
• Black Pepper: Introduces mild warmth and aromatic complexity.
• Smoked Paprika: Optional spice that adds smoky, deep red color and rich undertone.

• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Flavorful liquid that infuses couscous with rich, savory taste.
• Couscous: Quick-cooking grain that serves as light, fluffy salad base.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy elements that add bright color and fresh burst.
• Cucumber: Crisp vegetable.

Tools to Grill and Toss with Couscous

• Grill or Grill Pan: Essential for achieving those perfect char marks and smoky flavor on the chicken.
• Large Mixing Bowls: Needed for preparing chimichurri sauce, marinating chicken, and mixing couscous salad.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Sharp Knife: Required for chopping herbs, garlic, and vegetables.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping and handling chicken on the grill.
• Fork: Used for fluffing couscous and mixing salad ingredients.
• Spatula or Basting Brush: Perfect for applying chimichurri sauce to chicken.
• Instant-Read Thermometer: Ensures chicken is cooked to safe internal temperature.

Serve with Couscous and a Side of Veggies

• Picnic Perfect Plate: Pack this colorful meal in compartmentalized containers for a delightful outdoor lunch that stays fresh and vibrant.
• Mediterranean Mezze: Serve with warm pita bread, hummus, and olives to create a complete Mediterranean-style spread that enhances the chimichurri chicken's flavors.
• Leftover Lunch Transformation: Shred remaining chicken and mix into the couscous salad for a next-day lunch that's even more delicious and saves you prep time.
• Wine & Dine Pairing: Match this grilled dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to complement the herbal chimichurri sauce and fresh salad ingredients.

Store Leftovers for Mediterranean Meal Prep

• Store leftover grilled chicken and couscous salad separately in airtight containers. Keep chicken in one container and salad in another to maintain optimal texture and flavor. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
• Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Chimichurri sauce also freezes beautifully in small portions using ice cube trays for convenient future use.
• Prepare chicken and couscous salad ingredients in advance. Chop vegetables, mix sauce, and marinate chicken the night before. Keeps weeknight cooking quick and effortless. Separate wet and dry ingredients to prevent soggy textures.
• Revive chilled chicken by quickly warming in a skillet with a splash of olive oil. Add fresh herbs to refresh couscous salad before serving. Drizzle extra chimichurri sauce to boost flavor and moisture.

FAQs

• What is chimichurri sauce made of?

Chimichurri is a vibrant Argentine sauce made with fresh parsley, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. It adds a zesty, herbal flavor to grilled meats.

• Can I use different herbs in chimichurri?

While traditional chimichurri uses parsley as the main herb, you can experiment by adding cilantro or mixing in some fresh mint for a unique twist. The key is using fresh herbs for the best flavor.

• Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

Marinating helps infuse flavor and tenderize the meat. For this recipe, marinating for at least 15 minutes allows the chimichurri to penetrate the chicken, but longer marination (up to 4 hours) will result in more intense flavor.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C). This ensures the chicken is safely cooked through while remaining juicy and flavorful.

Cook Chicken and Blend Herb Chimichurri Sauce

• Whip Up Chimichurri Sauce

Combine fresh herbs, garlic, and zesty vinegar in a mixing bowl. Stir ingredients vigorously to create a vibrant, aromatic sauce that will make your taste buds dance.

• Massage Chicken with Flavor

Gently coat chicken with olive oil and a sprinkle of seasonings. Brush with a portion of chimichurri sauce, allowing the meat to soak up all those incredible flavors for 15 minutes.

• Fire Up the Grill

Heat grill to a sizzling medium-high temperature. Cook chicken until it’s perfectly golden and reaches a safe internal temperature, creating those mouthwatering char marks.

• Craft Couscous Masterpiece

Boil broth and transform couscous into fluffy goodness. Mix in crisp vegetables, splash with lemon juice, and toss until every grain is beautifully coated.

• Create Your Culinary Canvas

Arrange grilled chicken next to the vibrant couscous salad. Drizzle remaining chimichurri sauce over the chicken, adding a final burst of herbal freshness. Top with a sprinkle of extra parsley for that restaurant-worthy presentation.

Tips for Bright, Tangy Flavor in Every Bite

• Extend the marinating time up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor infusion. Overnight marination works wonders for extra-tender, flavor-packed chicken.
• No outdoor grill? Use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet to achieve those beautiful char marks and smoky flavor indoors.
• Easily substitute chicken with salmon, shrimp, or tofu for a versatile protein option that still pairs perfectly with chimichurri sauce.
• Replace couscous with quinoa or cauliflower rice to create a gluten-free version of this delicious meal that's just as satisfying.
• Add extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers or grilled zucchini to the couscous salad for more nutrition and vibrant colors.

Vibrant Grilled Chimichurri Chicken With Couscous Salad

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent grilled chimichurri chicken dances with zesty Argentine herbs atop a refreshing couscous salad. Mediterranean flavors mingle with bold, herbaceous notes, promising a delightful culinary journey for hungry palates.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 cup couscous (or pearl couscous)
• 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup cucumber, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsps red wine vinegar
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Chimichurri Preparation: Finely chop parsley, cilantro, and garlic, blending with olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until smoothly integrated.
2. Chicken Marination: Rub chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, then thoroughly coat with chimichurri sauce, allowing flavors to infuse for 15-30 minutes at room temperature.
3. Grill Preparation: Ignite grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring surface is evenly heated and lightly oiled to prevent adherence.
4. Chicken Grilling: Position marinated chicken on hot grill, cooking 5-7 minutes per side, creating distinct crosshatch marks and verifying internal temperature reaches 165F for safe consumption.
5. Couscous Construction: Boil broth, remove from heat, incorporate couscous, cover and steam for 5 minutes until light and fluffy, then combine with diced cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and chopped parsley.
6. Salad Finishing: Drizzle couscous mixture with olive oil and lemon juice, seasoning with salt and pepper for vibrant flavor profile.
7. Final Plating: Let grilled chicken rest 3-5 minutes to preserve juiciness, then arrange alongside couscous salad, generously topping with remaining chimichurri sauce and fresh parsley sprigs.

Notes

Optimize Marinade Timing: Let chicken absorb chimichurri sauce for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 2 hours to prevent over-tenderizing and maintain meat’s natural texture.

Grill Temperature Precision: Maintain consistent medium-high heat around 400-450°F to achieve perfect char without burning, using indirect heat zones for even cooking.

Herb Freshness Matters: Use freshly chopped herbs at room temperature for maximum flavor release, avoiding wilted or dried herbs that can make chimichurri taste flat and bitter.

Dietary Adaptation Strategies: Swap chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms for vegetarian version, ensuring marinade and grilling technique remains identical for similar flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Argentinian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg