Chimichurri Chicken

Chimichurri Chicken

Green chimichurri, the classic Argentinian sauce often made with fresh herbs, garlic, red-pepper flakes and red-wine vinegar, livens up whatever it’s spooned over: steak, chicken, tofu, fish or vegetables. In this simple recipe, boneless chicken gets three layers of zesty chimichurri flavor: First, it’s marinated in the sauce. Then, it’s sautéed, grilled or roasted, which further intensifies the flavors and encourages caramelization. Finally, just before serving, it’s drizzled with fresh chimichurri for a bright finish. You can make the sauce in a food processor, but chopping the aromatics by hand makes it especially fragrant. Keep the extra to serve with the chicken, alongside fluffy white rice, crusty bread or creamy potatoes.
  • Total:
  • Serves: 4 persons

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Make the sauce: On a cutting board, smash and coarsely chop the garlic with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mash the mixture using the side of your knife until a coarse paste forms. Move the paste to the side of the cutting board, then chop the parsley and oregano together with the remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Combine the garlic paste and the chopped herbs and chop and mash until the herbs are bruised and fragrant.
  2. Step 2

    Transfer to a medium bowl. Add the red-pepper flakes, black pepper, vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil; stir to combine. (You should have about 3/4 cup chimichurri. It can be prepared in advance and refrigerated in an airtight container up to 2 days.)
  3. Step 3

    Make the chicken: Pat the chicken dry. If thickness varies greatly, pound to an even thickness, about 1/2-inch. Rub half the chimichurri all over the chicken and let sit for at least 10 minutes. (You could also refrigerate overnight; just let it come to room temperature before cooking.)
  4. Step 4

    Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Wipe off excess marinade from the chicken and cook until juices run clear, about 5 minutes per side for thighs and 4 minutes per side for breasts. (For grilling and oven instructions, see Tips below.)
  5. Step 5

    Serve with remaining chimichurri spooned over top.