Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAmidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, a vibrant flavor-packed meal can turn an ordinary day into a mini celebration. That’s where my Quick & Easy Chimichurri Chicken Salad shines! It features tender, shredded rotisserie chicken swirled in a zesty chimichurri sauce made of fresh parsley, garlic, and olive oil. What I love most about this dish is that it’s not just a breeze to whip up in 20 minutes; it’s a healthy, refreshing alternative to the drive-thru that’ll have your taste buds dancing. Picture a lively blend of textures and tastes in every bite, all while keeping your kitchen mess to a minimum. So, whether you’re prepping lunch for yourself or throwing together a quick dinner for the family, this salad provides an effortless, delicious solution. Are you ready to dive into this fresh, flavorful experience? Why is Chimichurri Chicken Salad a Must-Try? Quick preparation makes this salad a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Flavor explosion comes from the perfect balance of fresh herbs and zesty sauce. Healthier choice compared to fast food, this dish is packed with protein and nutrients. Versatile in serving options, try it with toasted bread or as a lettuce wrap! Plus, crowd-pleaser – it’s sure to impress friends and family alike. Discover more about delicious chicken dishes like Cheesy Garlic Chicken or Garlic Chicken Thighs to complement your meals! Chimichurri Chicken Salad Ingredients For the Chimichurri Sauce Freshly chopped parsley – Adds freshness and herbal flavor; substitute with cilantro for a different herb profile. Cloves garlic, minced – Provides aromatic depth; adjust amount based on personal preference. Minced red chile – Introduces a mild heat; can be replaced with a pinch of crushed red pepper if unavailable. Extra-virgin olive oil – Contributes richness and helps bind ingredients; use avocado oil for a flavor variation. Red wine vinegar – Adds acidity to balance flavors; apple cider vinegar can be used as an alternative. For the Salad Shredded rotisserie chicken – A convenient protein source; freshly cooked chicken works as a substitute for a homemade version. Kosher salt – Enhances overall flavor; regular salt can be utilized, but use less due to its finer grain. Freshly ground black pepper – Offers seasoning; white pepper is an alternative for a milder flavor. For Serving Toasted bread – Complements the salad; can swap with lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Create this refreshing Chimichurri Chicken Salad in just 20 minutes, and enjoy a flavor-packed meal that’s both quick and healthy! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chimichurri Chicken Salad Step 1: Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce In a medium bowl, combine freshly chopped parsley, minced garlic, and minced red chile. Drizzle in extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything together with a whisk or fork for about 1-2 minutes until the ingredients are well-blended and the sauce is vibrant in color. Step 2: Shred the Chicken While the chimichurri sauce is marinating, take your shredded rotisserie chicken and place it in a large mixing bowl. If you prefer a heartier salad, use 2-3 cups of chicken. Toss the chicken gently with a fork to ensure it fluffs up and is evenly distributed, making the texture lighter and more appealing for your Chimichurri Chicken Salad. Step 3: Combine Despite Differences Pour the prepared chimichurri sauce over the shredded chicken in the large bowl. Using a large spoon or spatula, toss the salad for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring the chicken is well-coated in the sauce. You’ll know it’s ready when each bite glimmers with the vibrant chimichurri dressing, creating a colorful, appetizing dish. Step 4: Serve with Delight Transfer the chimichurri chicken salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. For a delightful crunch, accompany it with toasted bread. For a lighter option, consider serving in lettuce wraps. Enjoy your deliciously vibrant Chimichurri Chicken Salad immediately for the best texture and flavor! Expert Tips for Chimichurri Chicken Salad Chicken Quantity: Adjust the amount of chicken to your taste; use 2-3 cups for a protein-packed salad that keeps you full longer. Oil Balance: If your salad feels too oily, cut back on the olive oil, or increase the chicken to achieve a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Fresh Herbs: Always use fresh parsley for the best results; dried herbs simply won’t provide the same zesty vibrancy in your Chimichurri Chicken Salad. Toasting Bread: For that extra crunch, make sure to toast the bread until golden brown. A perfect toast enhances the overall experience. Spice It Up: If you love heat, feel free to increase the minced red chile or add a dash of hot sauce to amp up the flavor profile! Vegetable Add-ins: Get creative by adding diced vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for more texture and nutrition in your salad. How to Store and Freeze Chimichurri Chicken Salad Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the toasted bread separate to maintain its crunch, ensuring every bite remains delightful. Freezer: Unfortunately, it’s best not to freeze Chimichurri Chicken Salad as the textures of the chicken and vegetables can change after thawing. Enjoy it fresh! Reheating: If you prefer a warm salad, slightly heat the chicken in the microwave before combining it with fresh chimichurri sauce, but serve immediately for the best flavor. What to Serve with Chimichurri Chicken Salad? Elevate your dining experience with delightful accompaniments to this zesty and refreshing dish! Crispy Garlic Bread: The warm, crunchy texture of garlic bread perfectly complements the tender chicken and vibrant chimichurri sauce. Quinoa Salad: A light and nutty quinoa salad adds a wholesome touch. Its fluffy texture and subtle flavor enhance your meal. Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted veggies bring out the freshness of the salad. Their caramelized edges and earthy tones create a delicious contrast. Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado perfectly balances the zesty flavors, making each bite rich and satisfying while adding a dose of healthy fats. Lemon-infused Sparkling Water: A refreshing beverage choice with a hint of citrus. The bubbles and acidity cleanse the palate between bites. Chilled White Wine: A crisp, chilled white complements the herbaceous notes of the chimichurri, enhancing the overall dining experience with a sophisticated touch. Let these delightful pairings transform your meal into a celebration of flavors and textures! Make Ahead Options These Quick & Easy Chimichurri Chicken Salads are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the chimichurri sauce and shred the rotisserie chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the chimichurri sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it vibrant and fresh, and refrigerate the shredded chicken separately to maintain its texture. When you’re ready to serve, combine the chilled chicken with the sauce, toss thoroughly, and enjoy a meal that tastes just as delicious as when freshly made! This prep-ahead strategy helps turn a hectic evening into a breeze. Chimichurri Chicken Salad Variations Feel free to mix and match ingredients for a personal touch that elevates this delicious salad experience! Shrimp Swap: Use grilled shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist that’s just as satisfying. Chickpea Delight: Substitute rotisserie chicken with chickpeas for a protein-packed vegetarian option that’s hearty and filling. Extra Veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers or cucumbers to add a refreshing crunch and boost the nutrition. Avocado Addition: Mix in diced avocado for creaminess that pairs beautifully with the zesty sauce – it elevates each bite! Heat It Up: Add crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick if you love a spicy touch. Cilantro Burst: Replace parsley with fresh cilantro for a completely different herb profile that brightens the flavor. Grain Boost: Serve it over a bed of quinoa or brown rice for added texture and complexity, making it even more filling. Lettuce Wraps: Swap toasted bread for crispy lettuce wraps to create a low-carb option that’s refreshing and satisfying. If you’re looking for more delicious chicken inspiration, check out my delightful BBQ Chicken Mac or explore the rich flavors of Garlic Parmesan Chicken. Enjoy your culinary adventure! Chimichurri Chicken Salad Recipe FAQs What type of rotisserie chicken should I use? Absolutely! For the best flavor, use a rotisserie chicken that looks golden and juicy. Check for a fresh chicken that hasn’t been sitting out too long; if it has dark spots or an off smell, it’s time to choose another. A rotisserie chicken found in your local grocery store is perfect for this recipe. How long can I store leftovers of Chimichurri Chicken Salad? Very good question! You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make sure to keep any toasted bread separately to maintain its crunch. Just remember, salads are best enjoyed fresh! Can I freeze Chimichurri Chicken Salad? Unfortunately, it’s not ideal to freeze Chimichurri Chicken Salad because the texture of the chicken and fresh vegetables can become quite mushy upon thawing. If you want to make-ahead, consider preparing the chimichurri sauce and chicken separately and storing them in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy. What if my salad feels too oily? If you find your salad is feeling too oily, don’t worry! Start by reducing the amount of olive oil you add next time, or increase the shredded chicken to balance it out. I often toss in an extra cup of chicken when I want a heartier feel to my salad, which really enhances the flavors without making it greasy. Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Yes! This delicious Chimichurri Chicken Salad can be tailored to fit various dietary needs. For gluten-free diets, serve the salad in lettuce wraps instead of toasted bread. If you have a shellfish allergy, simply omit the shrimp variation. Always double-check your ingredients to ensure they fit your dietary restrictions. What can I substitute for fresh herbs if I don’t have parsley? If you don’t have parsley on hand, cilantro works wonderfully as a substitute! The flavor will vary, providing a slightly different herbaceous note, but it can create a delightful twist in your Chimichurri Chicken Salad. For those who really love herbs, consider mixing half parsley and half cilantro for an aromatic blend! Zesty Chimichurri Chicken Salad in Just 20 Minutes Enjoy this vibrant Chimichurri Chicken Salad, a quick and healthy alternative packed with flavor and nutrients. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 20 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: Latin AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Chimichurri Sauce1 cup Freshly chopped parsley Substitute with cilantro for a different herb profile.3 cloves Garlic, minced Adjust amount based on personal preference.1 small Minced red chile Can be replaced with a pinch of crushed red pepper if unavailable.1/2 cup Extra-virgin olive oil Use avocado oil for a flavor variation.3 tablespoons Red wine vinegar Apple cider vinegar can be used as an alternative.Salad2-3 cups Shredded rotisserie chicken Freshly cooked chicken works as a substitute.1 teaspoon Kosher salt Regular salt can be utilized, but use less.1/2 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper White pepper is an alternative for a milder flavor.Serving4 slices Toasted bread Can swap with lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Equipment Medium bowlLarge mixing bowlWhisk or forkSpoon or spatula Method Chimichurri Sauce PreparationIn a medium bowl, combine freshly chopped parsley, minced garlic, and minced red chile. Drizzle in extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything together with a whisk or fork for about 1-2 minutes until the ingredients are well-blended and the sauce is vibrant in color.While the chimichurri sauce is marinating, take your shredded rotisserie chicken and place it in a large mixing bowl. Toss the chicken gently with a fork to ensure it fluffs up and is evenly distributed.Pour the prepared chimichurri sauce over the shredded chicken in the large bowl. Using a large spoon or spatula, toss the salad for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring the chicken is well-coated in the sauce.Transfer the chimichurri chicken salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Serve with toasted bread or in lettuce wraps. Enjoy immediately! Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the toasted bread separate to maintain its crunch. For a warm salad, slightly heat the chicken in the microwave before combining it with fresh chimichurri sauce. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
