Chimichurri Chicken - delicious Canadian chicken recipe
Easy

Chimichurri Chicken

(436)
40 min4505 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|January 15, 2024

This Chimichurri Chicken recipe is a Canadian favourite that brings incredible flavour to your dinner table with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend cooking, this dish features tender, juicy chicken paired with carefully balanced seasonings that the whole family will love. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or cooking for guests, this recipe delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results every time. Every step has been tested in Canadian kitchens using ingredients available at your local grocery store. With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can have this delicious meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of simple techniques and bold flavours makes this one of the most requested chicken recipes on our site. Bookmark this page and add it to your regular rotation — you will not be disappointed.

grilled-broiledchicken-and-chimichurrichicken-and-chimichurri-saucechicken-with-chimichurri-sauce

Ingredients

Servings:
4

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Mise en Place Saves Time

Even for quick recipes, spend 3 minutes measuring and prepping everything before you turn on the heat. It sounds counterintuitive, but it actually speeds up cooking because you're never scrambling mid-recipe.

Bring to Room Temperature

Take chicken out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking. Cold chicken straight from the fridge cooks unevenly — the outside overcooks while the centre stays underdone.

About This Recipe

There's something truly special about Chimichurri Chicken that brings a burst of flavour to any dinner table. This dish marries the vibrant, zesty notes of the chimichurri sauce with the succulent tenderness of grilled chicken breasts, creating a meal that is both satisfying and refreshing. Canadian home cooks love this recipe because it’s easy to prepare, yet it impresses as if it came from a gourmet restaurant. Whether it's a bustling weeknight or a leisurely weekend gathering, this dish shines with minimal effort and maximum taste.

The combination of simple yet bold ingredients like garlic, smoked paprika, and fresh herbs elevates the chicken to new heights. With just a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice, you can achieve a balance of smokiness and tanginess that complements the juicy chicken beautifully. It’s a recipe that not only delights the palate but also creates cherished memories around the dinner table, making it a staple in homes across Canada.

Tips for the Best Chimichurri Chicken

To ensure your Chimichurri Chicken turns out perfectly every time, focus on the cooking temperature. Aim for an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to guarantee juicy chicken without dryness. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to infuse the flavours deeply; if you have time, let it marinate overnight. When grilling, be sure to preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, flipping only once for those beautiful grill marks.

What to Serve With It

Serve your Chimichurri Chicken with a side of roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts, drizzled with a bit of maple syrup for that quintessential Canadian touch. A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers and feta pairs beautifully, providing a light contrast to the rich flavours of the chicken. Don’t forget to pour extra chimichurri sauce on top for an added burst of flavour — your family and guests will be raving about it!

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers of Chimichurri Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat without drying out, place the chicken in a skillet on low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. If you want to freeze it, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then foil; it will hold up well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Nutrition Per Serving

505
Calories
38g
Protein
20g
Fat
44g
Carbs
Fiber2g
Sugar9g
Sodium576mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?+

While boneless skinless chicken breasts are recommended for this Chimichurri Chicken recipe, you can certainly use bone-in pieces. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?+

If you don't have smoked paprika on hand, you can substitute it with regular paprika. While it will lack the smoky flavor, it will still provide a nice colour and taste. A pinch of chipotle powder can also add a nice smokiness if you have it.

Can I make the chimichurri sauce ahead of time?+

Absolutely! The chimichurri sauce can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavours will meld beautifully over time, making each bite even more delicious.

What should I do if my chicken is drying out on the grill?+

If you notice your chicken drying out, try marinating it longer next time or using a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature closely. You can also baste the chicken with some extra olive oil or chimichurri sauce while grilling.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?+

Yes, Chimichurri Chicken is perfect for meal prep! The chicken holds well in the fridge and reheats nicely, making it an ideal choice for packed lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Reviews

4.9 / 5 (436 reviews)
David R.
Feb 16, 2025

Followed the recipe exactly and it was perfect.

Tyler N.
Jul 23, 2025

This is comfort food at its finest. Pure perfection.

Amanda D.
Oct 25, 2025

Followed the recipe exactly and it was perfect.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:
15 min
Cook:
25 min
Total:
40 min
Servings:
4
Difficulty:
Easy

Pro Tips

  • 1Always pat chicken dry before cooking for the best sear and crispiest skin.
  • 2Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) for food safety.
  • 3Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.

Variations

  • Substitute chicken thighs for breast for a juicier, more forgiving result.
  • Add your favourite seasonal vegetables to make it a complete one-dish meal.
  • Adjust spice levels to your personal preference — start mild and add more heat gradually.

Grilled & Broiled Chicken

Chimichurri Chicken

One bite of this Chimichurri Chicken and you will be hooked. Save for later!

by ChickenRecipes.ca

Chimichurri Chicken - delicious Canadian chicken recipe
Chef Marco Deluca

Chef Marco Deluca

Head Chef & Recipe Developer

Marco is a Red Seal certified chef with over 15 years of professional kitchen experience across Canada. After training at George Brown College in Toronto and working in acclaimed restaurants from Vancouver to Montreal, he founded ChickenRecipes.ca to share his expertise with home cooks. Marco specializes in making restaurant-quality chicken dishes accessible for everyday Canadian kitchens.

Red Seal Certified ChefGeorge Brown College Culinary Arts Graduate15+ years professional kitchen experience

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