Red Chimichurri Whole Roasted Chicken

Ready for a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and guaranteed to impress? Picture this: a perfectly golden, crispy-skinned chicken, roasted to juicy perfection, and smothered in a tangy, garlicky, and herb-packed red chimichurri sauce. The combination of smoky roasted chicken and the vibrant, zesty kick of chimichurri is the stuff dreams are made of! Trust me, this is one of those recipes that’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe, of course). Plus, it’s simple enough to make for a family dinner but impressive enough for a special occasion.

Red chimichurri brings a whole new level of excitement to the classic roasted chicken, offering a bold burst of flavor that will make your taste buds sing. It’s fresh, garlicky, and just spicy enough to add a little zing, making each bite absolutely irresistible. Ready to take your roast chicken game to the next level? Let’s do this!

Why You’ll Love Red Chimichurri Whole Roasted Chicken

This dish is a true winner for so many reasons:

Bold and Flavorful

The red chimichurri sauce is packed with so much flavor, combining garlic, red wine vinegar, herbs, and a bit of spice to create a sauce that’s both vibrant and savory. It elevates the roast chicken in such a simple yet magical way.

Tender and Juicy

Roasting the chicken creates a crispy, golden-brown skin while keeping the meat juicy and tender. Every bite is packed with flavor, especially when you drizzle that fresh chimichurri over the top.

Show-Stopping Presentation

Not only does this dish taste incredible, but it’s also stunning to serve. The whole roasted chicken with its beautiful golden-brown skin and bright, colorful chimichurri is a sight to behold.

Quick and Easy

Even though it sounds fancy, this recipe is surprisingly simple! With a handful of ingredients and a little time in the oven, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish without the fuss.

Versatile

Whether you’re serving this for a weeknight dinner, a gathering with friends, or a holiday meal, this dish works for any occasion. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’re all set.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful dish:

• Whole Chicken: This will be the star of the show, so choose a high-quality chicken for the best results.
• Olive Oil: For rubbing on the chicken to get that perfect golden-brown crispiness.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor, especially when blended into the chimichurri sauce.
• Red Wine Vinegar: This adds that tangy kick that makes chimichurri so addictive.
• Smoked Paprika: For a little smokiness and depth of flavor in the chimichurri.
• Oregano: A must-have herb for that classic chimichurri taste.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives the chimichurri its refreshing flavor.
• Parsley: Adds an herbaceous, fresh flavor to balance the richness of the chicken.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat and spice.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken and the chimichurri sauce.
• Lemon: For a bright, citrusy finishing touch.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Ready to make your new favorite roast chicken? Here’s how to bring this dish to life:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). You want a high heat to get that crispy, golden skin on your chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Pat your whole chicken dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up in the oven. Rub it generously with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Make sure to coat every part of the chicken so it cooks evenly.

Step 3: Roast the Chicken

Place the chicken on a roasting rack or a baking sheet and roast it in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is beautifully browned and crisp.

Step 4: Make the Red Chimichurri Sauce

While the chicken roasts, make the chimichurri. In a food processor or blender, combine garlic, red wine vinegar, smoked paprika, oregano, cilantro, parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes. Pulse until finely chopped, then slowly drizzle in olive oil until the sauce comes together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Rest the Chicken

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken nice and tender.

Step 6: Drizzle with Chimichurri

Carve the chicken and drizzle the red chimichurri sauce generously over the top. For extra flavor, spoon some chimichurri into the cavity of the chicken as well.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the chicken with your favorite sides and enjoy the delicious combination of juicy roasted chicken and vibrant chimichurri.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 23g

• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 75mg
  Sodium: 260mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 4g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
  Protein: 30g
  Vitamin A: 8% DV
  Vitamin C: 12% DV
  Calcium: 2% DV
  Iron: 10% DV

How to Serve Red Chimichurri Whole Roasted Chicken

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to complement the bold flavors. Here are a few ideas:

With Roasted Vegetables

Roasted potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts make a perfect side. The smoky, savory vegetables pair beautifully with the fresh, tangy chimichurri.

On a Salad

Serve the chicken on a bed of mixed greens or arugula, adding a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of extra chimichurri to brighten everything up.

With Rice or Quinoa

Serve the chicken with a side of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up all the delicious chimichurri sauce. This combo is filling, hearty, and satisfying.

With Crusty Bread

Don’t forget a slice of crusty bread to mop up that extra chimichurri sauce—trust me, you won’t want to waste a single drop!

Additional Tips

• Make it ahead: If you’re short on time, prepare the chimichurri a day ahead. It actually gets even better as it sits, letting the flavors meld together.
• Customize the sauce: You can tweak the chimichurri to your liking by adding more or less garlic, vinegar, or spice. Make it your own!
• Add a twist: Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the chimichurri, such as thyme or basil, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
• Leftovers: Leftover chicken can be shredded and used in tacos, sandwiches, or salads. The chimichurri also makes a great marinade for other proteins.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this dish without a whole chicken?
A1: Absolutely! You can use chicken breasts, thighs, or legs instead. Just adjust the cooking time based on the cut of chicken you’re using.

Q2: Can I make this chimichurri ahead of time?
A2: Yes, the chimichurri can be made up to 3 days ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen and become even more delicious.

Q3: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs for the chimichurri?
A3: Yes, you can use dried herbs, but fresh herbs give the chimichurri its vibrant flavor. If using dried herbs, reduce the amount by half.

Q4: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A4: The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken, near the breast or thigh.

Q5: Can I use a different type of vinegar for the chimichurri?
A5: Yes, you can substitute red wine vinegar with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile.

Q6: Can I make this dish spicy?
A6: If you like a kick, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes to the chimichurri. You could also add a fresh jalapeño or chili pepper to the mix.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, and drizzle with fresh chimichurri before serving.

Q8: Can I freeze this chicken?
A8: Yes! You can freeze leftover chicken for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing. Reheat in the oven and top with fresh chimichurri.

Q9: How can I make this dish healthier?
A9: To make it lighter, remove the skin from the chicken before serving, or use skinless chicken breasts. You can also reduce the amount of olive oil in the chimichurri.

Q10: Can I serve this dish with other meats?
A10: Yes! Chimichurri works wonderfully with grilled steak, pork, or lamb. You can even drizzle it over grilled vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option.

Conclusion

This Red Chimichurri Whole Roasted Chicken is everything you’ve been dreaming of—tender, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible. It’s a fantastic way to impress guests, indulge in a comforting meal, or elevate any weeknight dinner. With its vibrant chimichurri sauce, perfectly roasted chicken, and a whole lot of love, you’re in for a meal that’s full of flavor and sure to become a new favorite. Happy cooking!

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