Chimichurri Chicken Rice Bowl

Chimichurri Chicken Rice Bowl

Serves

2–3 people

Ingredients

Chicken

• 1½ lb (700 g) boneless chicken thighs (best for juicy, charred pieces)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp soy sauce (or salt to taste)

• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, but recommended)

• Juice of ½ lime

Chimichurri Sauce

• 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp fresh oregano (or 2 tsp dried)

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar (or lime juice)

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp chili flakes

• Black pepper to taste

Pro tip: Make this first so the flavors have time to bloom.

Creamy Lime Sauce

• ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

• Juice of ½ lime

• Zest of ½ lime

• Salt to taste

• 1–2 tbsp water or milk (to thin)

Bowl Components

• 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice

• 1 cup corn kernels (grilled or sautéed)

• 1 avocado, diced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• Extra chopped herbs for garnish

• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Make the Chimichurri

1. Finely chop parsley and oregano.

2. Add garlic, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.

3. Stir in olive oil and vinegar.

4. Taste and adjust acidity or salt.

5. Set aside at room temp.

2. Marinate the Chicken

1. Cut chicken into bite-size chunks.

2. Toss with olive oil, soy sauce, honey, spices, and lime juice.

3. Marinate at least 20 minutes (up to overnight).

3. Cook the Chicken

Stovetop (best char):

1. Heat a cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add a little oil.

3. Cook chicken in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until deeply caramelized.

4. Lower heat and spoon chimichurri over the chicken, letting it sizzle and coat.

Grill option:
Skewer the chicken and grill until charred and cooked through.

4. Prep the Sides

• Corn: Sauté corn in butter or olive oil with salt until lightly golden.

• Rice: Fluff with a fork and season lightly with salt.

• Creamy Lime Sauce: Whisk all ingredients until smooth and drizzle-able.

5. Assemble the Bowl

1. Start with a base of rice.

2. Add chicken generously.

3. Arrange corn, avocado, and tomatoes around the bowl.

4. Spoon chimichurri over everything.

5. Add dollops of creamy lime sauce.

6. Finish with herbs and a squeeze of fresh lime.

Flavor Boost Ideas

• Add pickled red onions for acidity

• Sprinkle feta or cotija cheese

• Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu

• Add roasted sweet potatoes for extra comfort