Description
Fire up your taste buds with this Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce—a quick dinner idea that’s as healthy as it is flavorful. Juicy grilled chicken is marinated in a vibrant chimichurri sauce made with fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic, and a touch of tangy vinegar. Paired with crisp greens, ripe tomatoes, creamy avocado, and drizzled with a luscious garlic sauce, it’s the perfect choice for a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or meal prep for the week. Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, this easy recipe delivers on both taste and nutrition, making it a standout in your collection of healthy food ideas.
Ingredients
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)
1 cup fresh parsley leaves chopped
½ cup fresh cilantro leaves chopped
4 garlic cloves minced
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
½ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
2 garlic cloves finely minced or grated
2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
Pinch salt and black pepper
2 cups fresh greens (arugula, spinach, or mixed lettuce)
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup cooked grains (quinoa, rice, or couscous – optional)
½ avocado sliced (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the chimichurri marinade by blending parsley, cilantro, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Reserve 3 tablespoons for later.
2. Marinate chicken in the chimichurri for 30 minutes to 8 hours.
3. Make the garlic sauce by mixing mayonnaise (or yogurt), garlic, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Refrigerate.
4. Grill chicken over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F / 74°C).
5. Rest chicken for 5 minutes, then slice.
6. Assemble the bowl with greens, tomatoes, grains, avocado, chicken, reserved chimichurri, and garlic sauce.
Notes
Chimichurri develops better flavor if made a few hours ahead.
Skip grains for a lighter, low-carb version.
Use vegan mayo for a dairy-free garlic sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: quick dinner, healthy meal, grilled chicken recipe, chimichurri chicken, easy dinner, meal prep, low carb recipe, high protein meal