Cumin Rubbed Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce
Try this Cumin Rubbed Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce recipe.
Try this Cumin Rubbed Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce recipe.
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 1 1/2 cups (38g) packed fresh parsley (use leaves and some st
- 1/2 cups (16g) packed fresh cilantro
- 3 tbsp (5g) packed fresh oregano
- 3/4 cup olive oil (i like a blend of half regular half ext
- 5 (6 oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- Carbohydrate 2.38302518997754 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.831672437916097 g
- Fiber 0.305503941455535 g
- Protein 0.346870480611807 g
- Saturated Fat 0.110182990512124 g
- Serving Size 1 1 servings + leftover sauce (25g)
- Sodium 2.10310367801643 mg
- Sugar 2.077521248522 g
- Trans Fat 0.0445253825423618 g
- Calories 17 calories
Step-by-step
- For the chimichurri sauce: Add red onion, garlic, red wine vinegar, lemon juice and salt to a food processor. Pulse, stopping and scraping down sides occasionally, until finely minced. Add in parsley, cilantro, oregano and red pepper flakes, then pour in olive oil while pulsing several times until herb leaves are finely minced (don't puree/pulverize everything, it should still have some texture). Transfer to a bowl, cover and chill until ready to serve.
- For the chicken: Preheat a grill to 425 degrees over medium-high heat. In small mixing bowl whisk together cumin, coriander, salt and pepper. Pound chicken to an even thickness using the flat side of a meat mallet then brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle and rub both sides evenly with cumin mixture. Transfer to clean grill grates and grill until center of chicken registers 165 on an instant read thermometer, about 4 minutes per side. Serve warm with chimichurri sauce (you'll have left over chimichurri sauce, probably about enough to make one more batch of chicken another time and the sauce can be frozen).
Cumin Rubbed Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a constant uphill battle. Between school pick-ups, after-school activities, and the ever-present mountain of laundry, squeezing in a gourmet cooking session often feels impossible. But, I've discovered a secret weapon in my fight against weeknight dinner woes: simple, flavorful recipes that can be whipped up quickly without sacrificing taste or quality. This Cumin Rubbed Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce is a prime example. It's a complete meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight. And let me tell you, the results are utterly divine!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The marinade for the chicken is a quick blend of cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper, a classic combination that delivers a robust, savory flavor. The chicken itself grills to juicy perfection, requiring minimal attention. While the chicken is sizzling away, you can prepare the chimichurri sauce, a vibrant and herbaceous condiment that adds a fresh, zesty counterpoint to the smoky chicken. This bright green sauce, packed with parsley, cilantro, and oregano, is incredibly versatile and adds an explosion of flavor to any grilled protein. I often make a double batch of the chimichurri sauce, using it throughout the week as a topping for salads, tacos, or even as a marinade for other proteins. It keeps well in the refrigerator for several days, making it an essential addition to my weekly meal prep routine.
This dish is a complete protein-packed meal, healthy, flavorful and versatile. The chimichurri sauce adds a beautiful pop of color and an incredible fresh flavor that makes even the simplest of chicken breasts a culinary masterpiece. I serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad – the possibilities are endless! It's a crowd-pleaser for the whole family, with even the pickiest eaters clamoring for seconds.
Beyond the Dinner Table: This recipe isn't just for weeknight dinners. It's also fantastic for summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings. The grilled chicken and vibrant chimichurri sauce are ideal for casual get-togethers, impressing your guests without hours spent slaving away in the kitchen. I often prepare it ahead of time, marinating the chicken and making the chimichurri sauce earlier in the day, making the grilling process even faster when it's time to cook.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Don't Overcrowd the Grill: Ensure there is enough space between the chicken breasts to allow for even cooking and beautiful grill marks.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken is to use a meat thermometer. This ensures that the chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the chimichurri sauce to your preferred level of spiciness. For a milder sauce, omit them entirely.
- Get Creative with Sides: This chicken pairs perfectly with various side dishes. Consider serving it with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
- Make it Ahead: The chimichurri sauce can be made a day or two in advance, allowing you to save time on busy weeknights. The chicken can also be marinated ahead of time for enhanced flavor.
In a world where time is often our most precious commodity, this Cumin Rubbed Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce is a lifesaver. It's a quick, easy, and delicious meal that requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. It's a recipe that's become a staple in my home, and I hope it will become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire as well.
So, ditch the takeout menus and embrace the simplicity of this amazing dish. Your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you!
