Chimichurri chicken bowl (Printer-friendly)

Herb-marinated chicken with fresh vegetables and zesty chimichurri over rice

# What You'll Need:

→ Chimichurri Marinade & Sauce

01 - 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
02 - 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
03 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
05 - 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
06 - 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
07 - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
08 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Chicken

10 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, approximately 1.5 pounds
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Bowl Assembly

13 - 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
14 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
15 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
16 - 1 avocado, sliced
17 - 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
18 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish
19 - Lime wedges for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - In a mixing bowl, combine parsley, cilantro, garlic, oregano, olive oil, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Reserve 1/3 cup as sauce for final serving.
02 - Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour remaining chimichurri over chicken, ensuring complete coating. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours for enhanced flavor development.
03 - Preheat grill, grill pan, or skillet to medium-high heat. Allow approximately 5 minutes for proper temperature development.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade and season both sides with additional salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear 6 to 7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Allow 5 minutes rest before slicing.
05 - Divide cooked rice evenly among 4 bowls. Distribute sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and red onion atop rice.
06 - Drizzle reserved chimichurri sauce over assembled bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Vibrant, fresh herb flavor from homemade chimichurri.
  • A balanced, nutritious meal that is naturally gluten-free.
  • Quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests.
02 -
  • Use fresh herbs instead of dried for the most vibrant chimichurri.
  • If using a skillet, avoid overcrowding to ensure the chicken sears rather than steams.
  • Check vinegar and spice labels for gluten cross-contamination if you have a severe sensitivity.
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