Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce
Introduction
The Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce is a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that celebrates bold South American flavors and effortless weeknight simplicity. Juicy grilled chicken is coated in a punchy chimichurri sauce, nested atop fluffy rice or quinoa, served with crisp veggies, and finished with a drizzle of creamy, garlicky sauce. This crowd-pleasing bowl offers a delightful fusion of freshness and comfort, making it a top pick for busy families and flavor seekers alike.
Why You’ll Love This Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl
What sets this recipe apart is the explosion of fresh herbs from the chimichurri—think parsley and cilantro—balancing tangy vinegar, zesty garlic, and a gentle kick of spice. The garlic sauce brings creamy depth, while a medley of vegetables and hearty grains round out every mouthwatering bite. It’s endlessly customizable, making it ideal for meal prep, family dinners, or gatherings where everyone wants something a little different.
Making Flavorful Chimichurri Sauce
Chimichurri is the star of this bowl, and it couldn’t be easier to whip up. Blend fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of chili flakes for a sauce that tastes like summer in a spoon. Spread it over the chicken before grilling or serve as a topping for maximum freshness. Make extra—chimichurri also elevates roasted vegetables, fish, or steak!
Assembling the Perfect Grilled Chicken Bowl
Layer your grilled chicken onto steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice; add a colorful array of veggies such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and red onion. Drizzle liberally with the cool, tangy garlic sauce for a restaurant-quality finish. Serve with lime wedges for a citrusy pop, or add pickled onions for a gourmet twist.
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Bowl
Brighten the finished bowl with a sprinkle of feta or cotija cheese, a handful of fresh greens, or crispy roasted chickpeas for crunch. Pair it with a lemony side salad or warm pita for a complete lunch or dinner. The bowl can be made ahead and stored in separate containers, ready for effortless assembly throughout your week.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields 4 generous bowls. Each bowl typically contains between 400 and 500 calories, depending on your grain choice and veggie add-ins. Packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and plentiful vitamins from all the fresh produce—this meal delivers both flavor and nourishment.
Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl (Recap)
Combining zesty, herby chimichurri with juicy grilled chicken and cooling garlic sauce, this bowl brings bold flavors and wholesome ingredients to the table. It’s easy to prep in advance and perfect for anyone looking to transform simple ingredients into a crave-worthy meal.
Ingredients
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Instructions
- Make the Chimichurri: In a food processor or blender, combine parsley, cilantro, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Pulse until finely chopped but not pureed. Set aside.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken in a bowl or zip-top bag. Add 2–3 tablespoons of chimichurri and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 4 hours for best flavor).
- Grill the Chicken: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high and brush with olive oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then grill for about 6–8 minutes per side, until fully cooked. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce: Whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth. Chill until ready to use.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide rice (or your chosen base) among 4 bowls. Top each with lettuce or mixed greens, then add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and red onion. Place sliced grilled chicken on top. Drizzle generously with remaining chimichurri and garlic sauce. Garnish with lime wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Weekly Meal Planning
This Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl is a powerhouse option for meal prepping and planning ahead. Save and schedule this recipe to plan your meals for the week and generate efficient, consolidated shopping lists.
Planning Benefits:
- Automatically totals ingredients across all planned meals
- Organizes your shopping list by store section for speed
- Reduces duplicate purchases and forgotten items
- Simplifies healthy, homemade lunches and dinners
Pro tip: When you schedule multiple meals, let CookifyAI calculate how ingredients overlap—so you’ll never overbuy herbs, proteins, or grains. It’s a smart way to save money, reduce waste, and keep your menu varied yet manageable.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating)
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes (not including marinating)