Oh my goodness, you’re going to love this air fryer chimichurri chicken breast recipe! It’s super easy to whip up and packed with flavor that will make your taste buds dance. Chimichurri, with its vibrant blend of fresh herbs and zesty vinegar, hails from Argentina and adds a unique twist that elevates simple chicken to something spectacular. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll be hooked on the bright and bold flavors that come together in no time! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is a total game-changer.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chimichurri Chicken Breast Recipe
Before we dive into cooking, let’s gather all the magic ingredients you’ll need for this mouthwatering dish. I promise, they’re simple and easy to find!
- 2 chicken breasts – Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped – Fresh is key here! It adds that vibrant flavor that makes chimichurri sing.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar – This adds a tangy kick that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1/4 cup olive oil – Use extra virgin for a richer taste.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – You can’t have chimichurri without garlic! It brings all the flavors together.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes – A little heat to spice things up, but feel free to adjust based on your preference.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning and enhancing all those delicious flavors.
And there you have it! With these ingredients, you’re all set to create a flavorful chimichurri sauce and juicy chicken that will impress everyone at the table. Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Air Fryer Chimichurri Chicken Breast Recipe
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making this delicious air fryer chimichurri chicken! I promise, it’s super straightforward and oh-so-rewarding. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be enjoying a fantastic meal in no time!
Make the Chimichurri Sauce
First things first, let’s whip up that chimichurri sauce. In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped), 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 cloves garlic (minced), and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Don’t forget to sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good mix until it’s all well combined. Wow, the smell is going to be heavenly!
Marinate the Chicken
Next up, we’re marinating the chicken! Place your 2 chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the chimichurri sauce over them. Make sure they’re nicely coated! Cover and let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Trust me, this step is crucial for infusing that amazing flavor into the chicken.
Preheat the Air Fryer
While the chicken is soaking up all that goodness, go ahead and preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important, as it ensures even cooking and a nice, juicy result!
Cooking the Chicken
Once your air fryer is ready, place the marinated chicken breasts in the basket. Cook them for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll want to check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer. This step is key to ensuring your chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat!
Resting and Slicing
After cooking, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, making your chicken even more tender and flavorful. When you’re ready to serve, slice it up and drizzle some extra chimichurri on top for that burst of flavor!
Tips for Success with Air Fryer Chimichurri Chicken Breast Recipe
To really elevate your air fryer chimichurri chicken, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t rush the marinating process—if you can, let the chicken soak in that chimichurri goodness for a few hours or even overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it becomes! Also, always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it’s the best way to avoid overcooking and ensure your chicken is juicy and tender. And remember, if you have extra chimichurri sauce, drizzle it on just before serving for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this air fryer chimichurri chicken! Each serving contains approximately 320 calories, with 20g of fat (including 3g saturated fat), 30g of protein, and just 2g of carbohydrates. It’s also low in sugar at 0g and has about 150mg of sodium. These values are estimates, but they show that you can enjoy a flavorful meal without compromising on health. Plus, with all that protein, you’ll feel satisfied and ready to tackle whatever the day throws at you!
FAQ About Air Fryer Chimichurri Chicken Breast Recipe
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common inquiries about this air fryer chimichurri chicken breast recipe. Let’s dive in!
Can I use other meats for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken breast is the star of this recipe, you can easily substitute it with other meats like pork tenderloin or even shrimp. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so be sure to adjust accordingly. The chimichurri sauce works beautifully with any protein!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any delicious leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful!
Can I make the chimichurri sauce in advance?
Yes, you can! In fact, making the chimichurri sauce ahead of time enhances the flavors. You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using, and you’re all set!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavor Explosion: The chimichurri sauce is bursting with fresh herbs and zesty notes that elevate the chicken to a whole new level.
- Healthy and Wholesome: With lean chicken and a vibrant sauce, you’re treating yourself to a nutritious meal without sacrificing taste.
- Air Fryer Magic: Cooking in the air fryer means less oil and quicker cooking, while still achieving that juicy, tender chicken.
- Impress Your Guests: Serve this dish at your next gathering, and watch everyone rave about the delicious flavors!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this lemon herb grilled chicken recipe or this creamy garlic butter chicken recipe.
For more information on the health benefits of chicken, you can visit Healthline.
Print
Air Fryer Chimichurri Chicken Breast Recipe: 5 Bold Flavors
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and flavorful air fryer chimichurri chicken breast recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix parsley, red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to make chimichurri sauce.
- Marinate chicken breasts in chimichurri sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place marinated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 15-18 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Adjust marinating time for stronger flavor.
- Serve with additional chimichurri sauce on top.
- Use a meat thermometer for best results.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Argentinian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: air fryer, chimichurri, chicken breast, recipe
