Name: Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 2 Chicken breasts; 1 cup Fresh parsley, chopped; 4 cloves Garlic, minced; ¼ cup Red wine vinegar; ½ cup Olive oil; ½ teaspoon Red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup Fresh parsley, chopped; 4 cloves Garlic, minced; ¼ cup Red wine vinegar; ½ cup Olive oil; ½ teaspoon Red pepper flakes; Salt to taste; 1 cup Mayonnaise; ½ cup Sour cream or Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon Lemon juice; 4 cloves Garlic, minced; Fresh herbs, to taste; 1 cup Diced tomatoes; 2 cups Fresh greens (spinach or arugula)

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 17 reviews

Bright, zesty, and loaded with savory goodness, the Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce is the healthy bowl of your dreams. Imagine tender marinated chicken, smoky from the grill, perched on a bed of greens and juicy tomatoes, all tied together by a punchy herby chimichurri and dreamy garlic sauce. The flavors layer and mingle in every bite, keeping things light, vibrant, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving up a dinner that feels as special as it tastes, this bowl celebrates bold flavors in the simplest way.

Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you’ll bring this Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce to life. Each one matters, adding a pop of color, depth of flavor, or just the right creamy touch to create a perfectly balanced meal.

Chicken breasts: The juicy, lean protein at the center of your bowl—go for equal-sized pieces for even grilling.
Fresh parsley: This green herb is the soul of the chimichurri, offering crisp, grassy brightness to every drizzle.
Garlic: Used in both sauces and the marinade, garlic weaves its bold aroma throughout the dish.
Red wine vinegar: For a splash of tanginess in your chimichurri, balancing the richness of the chicken and sauce.
Olive oil: Lends the right luscious texture—choose extra virgin for that peppery finish.
Red pepper flakes: A little heat goes a long way for a lively bite in your chimichurri.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of your garlic sauce—full-fat yields the best flavor.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds tang and cools the garlic sauce—use whichever you love most.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed wakes up all the flavors in your garlic sauce.
Diced tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they add pops of freshness that keep every bite interesting.
Fresh greens (spinach or arugula): Form a leafy, nutrient-rich base—these greens hold up well to all the bold toppings.
Salt and pepper: The simplest way to unlock the flavors and tie the whole bowl together.

How to Make Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Add your chicken breasts, making sure each piece is coated in the bright, herbaceous marinade. Let the magic happen for at least 30 minutes (overnight is even better), giving the flavors time to infuse and helping the chicken stay juicy and tender on the grill.

Step 2: Blend the Chimichurri Sauce

Next up, create your vibrant chimichurri. In a food processor or mixing bowl, blend parsley, garlic, red pepper flakes, vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. You want a texture that’s rustic and chunky—not a puree—so each spoonful bursts with herby goodness. Taste and adjust the salt or acidity if needed.

Step 3: Mix the Garlic Sauce

For the creamy counterpoint, combine mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and a handful of herbs. Give it a whisk and don’t be shy about tweaking the level of lemon or garlic—it’s your bowl, after all. Let this sauce chill in the fridge so all the flavors mellow and meld.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Fire up your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high. Place the marinated chicken on the grates and grill 5–7 minutes per side, until beautifully charred and cooked to perfection. Let it rest before slicing to lock in all that juiciness. The aroma alone will have everyone hovering around the kitchen.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Now comes the best part: layering up! Start with a bed of fresh greens, pile on the sliced grilled chicken, then spoon over a generous drizzle of your zippy chimichurri. Top with sweet diced tomatoes and finish with big swoops of the chilled garlic sauce. Every forkful brings a perfect mix of smoky, herby, and creamy.

Step 6: Meal Prep or Serve Right Away

The Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce is fantastic fresh off the grill, but also stays delicious if prepped ahead. Store each component separately for easy lunches, fast dinners, or even to impress at your next picnic or potluck.

How to Serve Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce

Garnishes

Nothing finishes off the Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce quite like a shower of fresh herbs and a wedge of lemon. A sprinkle of extra parsley, a dash of red pepper flakes, or even a few crumbles of feta cheese take the presentation and flavor up a notch. Don’t be afraid to get creative—microgreens or a few toasted seeds add wonderful texture!

Side Dishes

While the bowl is a satisfying meal all on its own, you can pair it with a fluffy mound of rice, nutty quinoa, or warm pita bread for extra heartiness. Roasted vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad are also brilliant partners, making the whole dinner feel even more celebratory and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve your Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce deconstructed, letting everyone build their own portion at the table. Mini bowls make for a bright, colorful potluck addition, or tuck the components into whole-wheat wraps for an on-the-go lunch that never gets boring.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

For best results, keep each component of the Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce in separate containers in the fridge. The sauces will stay fresh and bold for 3–4 days, and the chicken stays deliciously moist. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble—it’s like making a fresh bowl every time.

Freezing

While the sauces don’t freeze well, you can absolutely freeze batches of the grilled chicken. Slice or dice, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When you need a fast lunch or dinner, defrost in the fridge and toss with the fresh toppings!

Reheating

Gently reheat the grilled chicken in the microwave, or even better, warm slices in a skillet with a splash of olive oil to bring back the char. Always add the chimichurri and garlic sauce after reheating for the brightest, freshest flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are especially juicy and flavorful when grilled, making them a fantastic swap in your Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce. Adjust grilling time as needed since thighs are often thicker.

How spicy is the chimichurri sauce?

The chimichurri has a gentle kick, but you’re in total control. Add more or less red pepper flakes to get it just right for your own spice-loving heart.

Is there a dairy-free option for the garlic sauce?

Definitely! Use a plant-based mayonnaise and substitute a dairy-free yogurt for the sour cream or Greek yogurt. The result is still luscious and zesty, perfect for your bowl.

Can I make this recipe ahead for meal prep?

Yes! The Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce is a meal prep superstar. Store components separately and assemble quickly for a fresh, exciting lunch or dinner anytime.

What can I substitute for parsley in the chimichurri?

If you’re out of parsley, try a blend of cilantro and fresh oregano for a different but equally delicious take. The herby backbone is what really makes this bowl sing.

Final Thoughts

Give this Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce a place on your table or meal prep list—I guarantee you’ll fall for every bold, fresh bite. Whether you’re feeding hungry family, prepping lunches, or looking to shake up your dinner routine, this colorful, flavor-packed bowl will soon become a favorite you reach for again and again.