This week our recipe focus is on fresh parsley from Davis Natural Produce, right here in Conway NH. I can't think of a better way to showcase the amazing taste than the vibrant and zesty world of chimichurri! If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with fresh flavors and perfect for a healthy meal, you’re in the right place. Let’s talk about our Healthy Grilled Chimichurri Chicken – a dish that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, fresh salads, or even a simple quinoa side.
Why Chimichurri?
Chimichurri is an Argentinian sauce traditionally made from parsley, garlic, vinegar, and oil. It’s the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, providing a fresh and tangy contrast to the rich flavors of charred proteins. Not only is it incredibly flavorful, but it’s also packed with healthy ingredients that make this dish a guilt-free pleasure.
Ingredients
For the Chimichurri Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 2 packages of pre-cut tenders (this cuts down grilling time)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce
Start by making the star of the dish – the chimichurri sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped parsley, cilantro, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the mixture is well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For the best flavor, set aside about half of the sauce for serving and use the remaining as a marinade.
Marinate the Chicken
Next, place your chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have the time, let it marinate for up to 2 hours – or even overnight for maximum flavor!
Preheat the Grill
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving a nicely charred exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Brush the grill grates with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is nicely charred and cooked through. If you are opting for pre-cut chicken tenders the cooking time will be approximately 3 minutes on each side.
Serve
Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter and spoon the reserved chimichurri sauce over the top. The fresh, tangy flavors of the chimichurri complement the smoky, grilled chicken perfectly. Serve immediately with your favorite sides – I love pairing this with roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad.
Final Thoughts
The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and vinegar in the chimichurri sauce elevates the simple grilled chicken to new heights. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that you can easily adapt for other proteins like shrimp or steak.
Give this recipe a try and be sure to grab your fresh parsley from Davis Natural Produce.
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