Chimichurri Chicken Bowl: Ditch Sad Bowls in 40 Minutes

Okay, listen up, because I’m about to let you in on a little secret: Argentinian food? Seriously underrated. Talk about vibrant flavors that just POP! And this Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce? It’s my weeknight go-to. It’s quick, it’s healthy(-ish!), and it’s ridiculously delicious. I mean, a flavorful bowl of goodness that doesn’t take all day? Yes, please!

My favorite part, hands down, is the chimichurri. I remember the first time I ever tried it – I was at this little Argentinian street food stall, and the smell alone was enough to make my mouth water. The chef drizzled it over grilled steak, and I was instantly hooked. It’s just SO fresh and zesty, it makes everything taste better. So, I figured, why not throw it on some grilled chicken, pile it in a bowl with all my favorite things, and call it dinner? And let me tell you, this Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce is a total flavor explosion. Plus, the best part is? You can totally make it your own. Swap out the rice for quinoa, add your favorite veggies – the possibilities are endless! Trust me, you’re gonna love it.

Why You’ll Love This Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce

Seriously, you’re gonna be obsessed. Here’s why this Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce is about to become your new favorite thing:

• Quick prep: We’re talking dinner on the table in under 40 minutes – even faster if you’re a whiz in the kitchen!
• Totally customizable: Don’t like black beans? Swap ’em out! Wanna add some corn? Go for it! This bowl is your blank canvas.
• Healthy-ish and delicious: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and all those vibrant veggie vibes. It’s good for you, but tastes like a treat.
• Bold, bright flavors: The chimichurri and garlic sauce are a match made in heaven. It’s a party in your mouth, I swear!

Ingredients for Your Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make these incredible Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowls. Make sure you grab the right stuff – it makes all the difference!

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup packed fresh chimichurri sauce (trust me, fresh is best!)
• 2 cups cooked white rice (fluffy is the way to go!)
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced (gotta have that creamy goodness!)
• 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained (no one likes mushy beans!)
• 1/4 cup finely diced red onion (adds that perfect little bite!)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (don’t skimp on this, it’s important!)
• 1/4 cup creamy garlic sauce (oh yeah!)

How to Make Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce: Step-by-Step

Okay, people, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, this Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce recipe is super easy. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down in no time. I promise!

1. Marinate the chicken: Pop those chicken breasts into a bowl or ziplock bag with about 1 cup of that gorgeous chimichurri sauce. Make sure every piece is coated! Let it hang out in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but longer is better – I sometimes do it for a few hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavor it gets!
2. Get grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you don’t have a grill, no sweat! A grill pan or even a regular skillet works just fine. Just make sure it’s nice and hot before you add the chicken.
3. Grill those breasts: Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked all the way through. The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C). Don’t overcook it, or it’ll get dry! Nobody wants that. Careful – the chimichurri marinade can cause flare-ups, so keep a close eye on it.
4. Slice and dice: Once the chicken’s done, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy! Slice it up into nice, even strips.
5. Bowl assembly time! Now for the fun part! Grab your favorite bowl (I like big ones!) and pile in the cooked rice. Top with the sliced grilled chicken, avocado slices, black beans, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Get creative – arrange it pretty!
6. Drizzle that garlic sauce: The grand finale! Generously drizzle that creamy garlic sauce all over your bowl. Don’t be shy! It’s what brings everything together.
7. EAT! Grab a fork and dig in! Seriously, this Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce is so good, you won’t want to share. 😉

Tips for the Best Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce

Want to take your Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce from good to *amazing*? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my favorite tips for guaranteed deliciousness:

• Marinate like a pro: Seriously, the longer the chicken sits in that chimichurri, the better. I’ve even let it go overnight – wow! Just make sure it’s in the fridge, of course.
• Don’t overcrowd the grill: Give those chicken breasts some space! If you cram them all in there, they’ll steam instead of grill, and you won’t get those nice char marks.
• Garlic sauce love: If your garlic sauce is too thick, just add a splash of milk or water to thin it out. I like mine nice and drizzly! And hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick 😉.

Variations for Your Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce

Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce (high five!). Now, let’s get a little crazy, shall we? This recipe is seriously begging for some remixing, and I’ve got tons of ideas for you!

• Switch up the protein: Not feeling chicken tonight? No problem! Grilled shrimp is AMAZING with chimichurri. Or, if you’re going meatless, try some grilled tofu or halloumi cheese. So good!
• Grain game strong: White rice is classic, but quinoa or brown rice are also delish and add a little extra fiber. Plus, farro would be pretty darn tasty too.
• Veggies galore: Load up on those veggies! Grilled bell peppers, roasted corn, even some zucchini would be fantastic in this bowl. Seriously, the more, the merrier! I sometimes add a few sliced tomatoes for that extra bit of acidity.
• Bowl Inspiration: If you are looking for something similar, but want to stay in the chicken and grain family, then this greek chicken quinoa bowl is worth a try!

Seriously, don’t be afraid to experiment and make this Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce completely your own. That’s the best part about cooking, right? 😉

Serving Suggestions for Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce

Alright, so you’ve got your beautiful Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce all ready to go. But if you wanna take it to the NEXT LEVEL? Here are a few of my favorite ways to jazz it up:

• A fresh, zesty side salad. Think bright greens, maybe some cucumber and tomato – something to cut through the richness of the bowl.
• Plantain chips! Okay, these are seriously addictive. The sweetness goes SO well with the savory chimichurri.
• A squeeze of fresh lime. Trust me on this one. It just brightens everything up and adds that extra zing.

Seriously, a little somethin’ somethin’ on the side can make all the difference!

Storing and Reheating Your Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce

Got leftovers from your amazing Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep it fresh and get that deliciousness going all over again.

• Storing: Pop any leftover chicken and rice in separate airtight containers. Keep ’em in the fridge, and they’ll be good for about 3-4 days. I wouldn’t recommend storing the avocado – it gets kinda sad and brown.
• Reheating: For the chicken, a quick zap in the microwave works, or you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. The rice is best reheated in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it from drying out. Then, just assemble your bowl with fresh avocado and that yummy garlic sauce and BOOM! Lunch is served!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce

Got questions about making the perfect Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked – and my best tips for solving ’em!

Can I make this Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl ahead of time?

Totally! This is actually a great make-ahead meal. Cook the rice and grill the chicken, then store them separately in the fridge. You can even prep the black beans, red onion, and cilantro ahead of time too! When you’re ready to eat, just assemble the bowls. I wouldn’t recommend slicing the avocado until right before serving, though, or it’ll turn brown. And definitely drizzle that garlic sauce just before digging in!

What if I don’t have a grill for the Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl?

No problem at all! Like I said before, a grill pan works great! Or, you can just use a regular skillet. Heat it up over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it’s cooked through. You can also bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It won’t have that same smoky flavor, but it’ll still be delicious with that bright, herbaceous chimichurri sauce! Baking the chicken is a particularly great technique when making multiple bowls, for meal prep, for example!

Can I use dried herbs in the chimichurri for the Grilled Chicken Bowl?

Okay, so fresh herbs are *always* best for chimichurri. That’s what gives it that amazing, vibrant flavor. But if you’re in a pinch, you *can* use dried herbs. Just use about half the amount called for in the recipe (since dried herbs are more concentrated). And honestly? I’d recommend trying to find some fresh herbs if you can. It really makes a difference. Your bowl of grilled chicken and creamy garlic sauce will thank you!

Can I freeze the leftovers of the Chimichurri Grilled Chicken?

Freezing the rice and the chicken by themselves works well, just make sure its in an air tight container! But freezing the bowl fully assembled or with all of the toppings and sauces included is not recommended. It will be soggy later on and who wants that?

Nutritional Information for Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce

Okay, a quick note about the nutrition info: Just remember that these numbers are estimates! It all depends on the specific ingredients you use (brands, cuts, etc.) and portion sizes. So, take it with a grain of salt, okay?

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