Chimichurri Chicken is a flavorful and popular Argentinean dish that features grilled or baked chicken marinated in a delicious blend of fresh herbs, garlic, and vinegar.
This bright and zesty dish is perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or a simple weeknight meal.
So, what should you serve with Chimichurri Chicken to make it a full meal? Here are 15 great sides that will go well with the chicken and make it even better.
Grilled vegetables, couscous salad, jasmine rice, carrot mash, green beans and potatoes, gluten-free pasta, cilantro lime rice, roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa salad, charred corn on the cob, garlic mashed potatoes, and tomato and avocado salad are some of the best side dishes to go with chimichurri chicken.
Grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant, are a great addition to your Chimichurri Chicken meal. The smoky flavors from grilling the vegetables pair wonderfully with the tangy chimichurri sauce, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Jasmine rice is a fragrant and slightly sticky rice that pairs well with Chimichurri Chicken. Its subtle, sweet aroma and delicate flavor make it an excellent base to soak up the delicious chimichurri sauce.
Carrot mash is a colorful and nutritious alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Carrots’ natural sweetness goes well with the sour chimichurri sauce, and their smooth texture balances out the strong flavors of the chicken.
A classic side dish of green beans and potatoes is a perfect accompaniment to Chimichurri Chicken. The earthy and fresh flavors of green beans combined with tender, buttery potatoes create a hearty and satisfying side dish that pairs well with the vibrant chimichurri sauce.
Couscous salad is a light and healthy option that complements the bold flavors of Chimichurri Chicken. Tossed with fresh vegetables and herbs, this Mediterranean-inspired salad adds a refreshing touch to the meal.
Cilantro lime rice is a simple yet flavorful side dish that enhances the taste of Chimichurri Chicken. The fresh cilantro and zesty lime juice in the rice perfectly complement the herby chimichurri marinade, making for a well-rounded meal.
The dish chimichurri chicken comes from Argentina and Uruguay. It is bright and tasty. It has chicken that has been marinated or basted in a tangy chimichurri sauce made from garlic, parsley, oregano, vinegar, olive oil, and spices. The tangy, herbaceous chimichurri sauce really brings the chicken to life with its flavor.
If you’re making chimichurri chicken at home, you’ll want to round out your meal with some tasty side dishes that complement the flavors. But what exactly goes well with chimichurri chicken? Here are 12 perfect pairings that will make your chimichurri chicken dinner absolutely delicious.
Starch Sides Pair Well with Chimichurri Chicken
Chimichurri chicken goes well with starchy sides like rice, potatoes, or bread. The starch soaks up the tasty chimichurri sauce and acts as a neutral base so that the bright chimichurri flavors can stand out.
Rice
Chipotle chicken tastes great with plain white rice or rice pilaf. It’s the chimichurri that really stands out because the rice has a mild flavor. [Basmati rice] and [Jasmine rice] have strong aromas that go well with other foods.
Potatoes
Cilantro chicken goes well with mashed, roasted, or fried potatoes. The best potatoes are creamy mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes seasoned with rosemary, garlic, or paprika.
Breads
Warm crusty bread is perfect for dipping in the flavorful chimichurri sauce. Favorites like [ciabatta], [flatbreads] or soft dinner rolls work nicely.
Veggie Sides Add Color and Texture
Fresh vegetable side dishes provide texture contrast, visual appeal and nutrition to complete your chimichurri chicken dinner.
Roasted Veggies
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in vegetables like [carrots], [butternut squash], [cauliflower] or [brussels sprouts]. Toss roasted veggies with just a bit of the chimichurri sauce.
Grilled Veggies
The char from grilling pairs perfectly with the smoky chimichurri flavors. Try [zucchini], [eggplant], [peppers] or [asparagus] hot off the grill.
Simple Salads
Bright green salads with vinaigrette pair nicely with the vibrant chimichurri flavors. [Arugula], [spinach] and [mixed greens] salads are all great choices.
Grains and Beans Provide Hearty Contrast
[Quinoa], lentils and beans provide plant-based protein and hearty texture to balance out the chimichurri chicken.
Quinoa
Quinoa has a slight crunch and earthy flavor that stands up well to intense chimichurri. Enjoy it on its own or in a quinoa salad with veggies.
Lentils
Protein-packed lentils offer a satisfying chewy texture. [French lentils] and [black lentils] both complement chimichurri chicken beautifully.
Beans
White beans, chickpeas or black beans can be used in salads or served warm as a side for chimichurri chicken. The creamy beans balance the tangy chimichurri perfectly.
Fresh Salad Sides Add Crunch
Crisp, fresh salads with lots of veggies are an easy way to lighten up a chimichurri chicken dinner. The crunch of the veggies plays nicely against the tender chicken.
Greek Salad
A classic [Greek salad] with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, onions and feta cheese is a no-fail pairing. The briny olives and feta complement the chimichurri well.
Kale Salad
Massaged [kale] leaves, crunchy veggies like carrots and red onions, toasted nuts and tangy lemon vinaigrette is a healthy, tasty side for chimichurri chicken.
Caprese Salad
Simple fresh [mozzarella], sliced tomatoes and basil drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar allows the chimichurri flavors to take the lead role.
Sweet Potato Fries for Indulgence
[Sweet potato fries] offer a bit of indulgence and richness along with chimichurri chicken. Roast them in the oven with just a bit of oil and salt for maximum flavor.
Desserts to Finish Your Meal
End your meal on a sweet note with fruit or something decadent. The tartness or richness contrasts the herby chimichurri.
Fresh Fruit
[Watermelon], [pineapple] or [berries] are light, refreshing desserts after a flavorful chimichurri chicken dinner. The sweet fruit balances the savory meal.
Churros
Cinnamon-sugar [churros] with a rich chocolate dipping sauce are an indulgent dessert pairing for chimichurri chicken. The sweet and salty flavors complement each other perfectly.
Tres Leches Cake
A creamy, mellow [tres leches cake] topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit makes a nice dessert after an intense chimichurri chicken meal. The milkiness cools down the heat of the chimichurri.
Complementary Wine Pairings
Wine can round out your chimichurri chicken dinner beautifully. Here are some varietals that work well with the complex chimichurri flavors.
Sauvignon Blanc
The bright acidity of [Sauvignon Blanc] balances the intense chimichurri sauce perfectly. It has herbaceous notes that echo the green chimichurri flavors.
Rosé
A nice dry [rosé] complements the spices in the chimichurri marinade. The berry flavors also pair well with any fruit-based dessert you might have.
Malbec
[Malbec’s] fruity flavors and smokey finish stands up well to chimichurri’s boldness. This versatile red is a classic pairing.
Chimichurri chicken is packed with vibrant herb flavors that pair well with a variety of side dishes. Starchy sides, fresh vegetables, hearty grains and beans, crisp salads and sweet indulgent treats can all round out your meal deliciously. With so many options, you can create varied, colorful and nutritious meals to enjoy your chimichurri chicken to the fullest.
Charred Corn on the Cob
Charred corn on the cob is a tasty and visually appealing side dish to serve with Chimichurri Chicken. The smoky flavors from charring the corn add depth and complexity to the meal, while the sweet corn kernels contrast the tangy chimichurri sauce.
Garlic mashed potatoes are a comforting and indulgent side that pairs beautifully with Chimichurri Chicken. The garlicky, creamy potatoes help to tone down the strong flavors of the chimichurri sauce and give the meal a smooth, velvety texture.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasted sweet potatoes are an excellent side dish to serve with Chimichurri Chicken. Their natural sweetness balances the tangy chimichurri sauce, and their soft texture contrasts the juicy chicken, providing a satisfying dining experience.
Quinoa salad is a healthy and delicious side that pairs well with Chimichurri Chicken. Rich in protein and fiber, quinoa provides a nutritious base for a salad filled with fresh veggies and a zesty dressing that complements the flavors of the chicken.
Grilled Pineapple Chimichurri Chicken
FAQ
What pairs well with chimichurri?
What side goes with chicken chimichurri?
What to Serve with Chimichurri ChickenSpanish Rice & Beans. Diced Roasted Potatoes. Roasted Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad. Side Salad. Grilled Vegetables. Chopped Red Chili. Top with Red-Pepper Flakes.
What is chimichurri nice with?
10 Ways To Use ChimichurriStir through gnocchi. Dollop in a vegetable soup. Drizzle over grilled prawns. Stir through a warm bean salad. Spread on to cauliflower steaks. Add to grilled vegetables.
What protein goes well with chimichurri?
Chimichurri Sauce is easy to make and best on Steak, Lamb Chops, Chicken and Pork. Lot of ways to make it, this is our go to recipe.