Flavor Explosion: Creamy Chimichurri Roast Chicken 🌿🔥
Juicy roasted chicken topped with a bold, herb-packed creamy chimichurri sauce—every bite is pure flavor! 🌿🔥
If you’re searching for a roast chicken recipe that goes beyond basic, this Creamy Chimichurri Roast Chicken is guaranteed to impress. With crispy, golden-brown skin, juicy meat, and a bold, herbaceous chimichurri cream sauce drizzled over the top, every bite bursts with flavor.
Not only is this dish beautiful to serve, but it also delivers a perfect balance of richness and freshness. Thanks to a creamy twist on traditional chimichurri, the sauce combines garlic, parsley, olive oil, vinegar, and a touch of cream.
As a result, it’s bright, savory, and just tangy enough to cut through the richness of the roast. Meanwhile, the roasted chicken brings satisfying comfort and hearty texture to the table.
Even better, the recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare. From seasoning the bird to roasting it to golden perfection, the steps are easy to follow. While the chicken cooks, you can blend the sauce—no complicated prep required.
Because this dish is so versatile, it’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive weekend meal with guests. Furthermore, it pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad. And if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they’re just as delicious the next day.
In conclusion, if you’re ready to elevate your roast chicken game with bold herbs and creamy goodness, this recipe is calling your name. It’s easy, elegant, and guaranteed to wow.
For example, you can use boneless thighs for a faster cook time. In addition, the chimichurri sauce can be made in advance and refrigerated. Furthermore, any leftovers are excellent in wraps or sandwiches. As a result, this recipe is both practical and elevated. Therefore, it’s great for busy nights or special dinners alike.
Why You’ll Love It
🍗 Juicy, Golden Roast Chicken – Crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside.
🌿 Bold Chimichurri Flavor – A vibrant blend of parsley, garlic, vinegar, and herbs brings the dish to life.
🧄 Creamy Twist – This version adds smooth cream to classic chimichurri for a sauce that’s both fresh and indulgent.
✨ Simple Yet Impressive – It requires minimal ingredients and steps, yet the presentation looks stunning.
🕒 Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for guests, it works beautifully.
🥔 Pairs Beautifully – For example, try it with roasted veggies, potatoes, or crusty bread.
🔥 Elevates the Everyday – It’s a comforting dish with restaurant-quality flavor.
♻️ Tasty Leftovers – As a bonus, leftovers are great in wraps, salads, or grain bowls the next day.
🔪 How to Make Creamy Chimichurri Roast Chicken
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat your whole chicken (or chicken parts) dry with paper towels for extra crispy skin.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Rub the chicken all over with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Make sure to season under the skin and inside the cavity if using a whole bird.
Step 3: Roast Until Golden
Place the chicken in a roasting pan or oven-safe skillet. Roast for about 45–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is golden and crispy.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Chimichurri
While the chicken roasts, blend fresh parsley, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, a pinch of chili flakes, and a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt and spice to taste.
Step 5: Let the Chicken Rest
Remove chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes. This helps keep the juices locked in.
Step 6: Slice, Drizzle & Serve
Carve the chicken and drizzle generously with the creamy chimichurri sauce. Serve with extra sauce on the side and your favorite sides!
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Creamy Chimichurri Roast Chicken
Ingredients
5 Cloves Garlic- 2½ Cups Fresh Cilantro packed
- 2 Cups Parsley packed
- ¼ Cup Red Wine Vinegar
- 2¼ tsp Kosher Salt
- 4 tsp Dried Oregano
- 2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- ¾ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil divided
- 1 Cup Greek Yogurt Plain Whole-Milk
- 4 Lb Whole Chicken whole, backbone removed, patted dry
- 1¼ tsp Kosher Salt
Equipment
Method
- Alright, let's make that chimichurri magic happen! In your food processor, combine the garlic, cilantro, parsley, vinegar, salt, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Drizzle in ¼ cup of olive oil, then pulse everything together until the herbs are finely chopped but not completely pulverized. We want a bit of texture in that vibrant green sauce!5 Cloves Garlic, 2½ Cups Fresh Cilantro, 2 Cups Parsley, ¼ Cup Red Wine Vinegar, 2¼ tsp Kosher Salt, 4 tsp Dried Oregano, 2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, ¾ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Now, let's bring that chimichurri to life! Transfer the vibrant herb mixture to a medium bowl. Add the yogurt and the remaining ½ cup of olive oil. Grab a whisk and vigorously whisk everything together until the mixture is emulsified. This means the oil and yogurt will combine into a creamy, cohesive sauce. You should have about 2½ cups of this luscious chimichurri—plenty to coat that chicken and have some leftover for dipping!1 Cup Greek Yogurt, ¾ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Time to prep that chicken! Place the chicken breast-side up on a cutting board. Open it up like a book, spreading it out as much as you can. Now, using your palms, press firmly down on the breastbone to flatten the chicken. You might hear a satisfying crack—that's the breastbone giving way to create a more even surface for cooking. Transfer the flattened chicken to a large bowl and generously rub it all over with salt and ¾ cup of that glorious chimichurri sauce. Make sure to get the sauce into every nook and cranny! Cover the bowl and let the chicken chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably up to 12 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to marinate beautifully. No need to bring it to room temperature before roasting—it's ready to go straight from the fridge to the oven!4 Lb Whole Chicken, 1¼ tsp Kosher Salt
- Okay, time to roast this bird to perfection! Place a rack in the middle of your oven and preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Now, carefully transfer the marinated chicken to a wire rack set inside a large rimmed baking sheet. Don't let that precious marinade go to waste! Spread any leftover chimichurri from the bowl over the skin of the chicken. This will help create a beautifully browned and flavorful crust. Slide the baking sheet into the oven and roast the chicken, rotating the baking sheet halfway through, until the skin is a deep golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a thigh registers 165°F (74°C). This should take about 50-60 minutes. Once it's cooked through, take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and flavorful result.
- And now for the grand finale! Carefully transfer the roasted chicken to a serving platter. Take a look at that remaining chimichurri sauce. If it has separated a bit while the chicken was roasting, just give it a quick whisk in the bowl to bring it back together. Now, generously spoon that vibrant chimichurri over the chicken, or serve it alongside for dipping. Get ready to savor every bite of this flavor-packed masterpiece!
Nutrition
Notes
🐔 Chicken Champion: Tips for Roast Chicken Perfection
- Butterfly the Bird: Flattening (spatchcocking) your chicken helps it cook more evenly and keeps the breasts from drying out. Don’t be shy—give that breastbone a good crack!
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: The longer the chicken marinates, the more intense and delicious the flavor. Aim for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal.
- Give It Space: Don’t overcrowd the pan! Allowing room on your baking sheet promotes better air circulation and golden-brown skin.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: An instant-read thermometer ensures your chicken is cooked perfectly—look for an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
- Let It Rest: Rest the chicken for at least 10 minutes after roasting to lock in juices and boost tenderness.
🌿 Chimichurri Cheer: Sauce Secrets for Maximum Flavor
- Fresh Herbs Are Key: Always use the freshest herbs for vibrant color and unbeatable flavor.
- Pulse, Don’t Puree: Use a food processor and pulse until finely chopped—you want texture, not a smoothie.
- Whisk to Emulsify: To achieve that creamy chimichurri magic, whisk the oil and yogurt well until the sauce is smooth and cohesive.
- Taste & Adjust: Chimichurri is all about balance. Add extra vinegar for tang, red pepper flakes for heat, or salt to brighten the flavors.
🍽️ Serving Sensations: How to Make It a Meal
- Serve It Hot or Cold: This dish shines straight from the oven or served at room temperature—your call!
- Choose the Right Sides: Roasted veggies, fresh salad, or crusty bread are perfect companions for soaking up all that creamy chimichurri.
- Love Your Leftovers: Leftover sauce is gold—drizzle it over grilled meats, fish, veggies, or even use it as a zippy salad dressing or marinade.
🎉 Bonus Tip: Make It a Party
Feeding a crowd? No problem! This recipe easily scales up. Just double or triple the ingredients and you’ve got yourself a crowd-pleasing main dish worthy of any celebration.With these tips and tricks, you’ll master the art of Creamy Chimichurri Roast Chicken—and trust us, your taste buds will thank you! 🌿🐔😋
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!🧂 What to Serve with Creamy Chimichurri Roast Chicken
This roast chicken is juicy, herb-packed, and drizzled with creamy chimichurri sauce—so it’s begging for sides that can soak up all that flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just making a cozy family meal, here are some delicious pairings to round out your plate:
🥔 Comforting & Hearty
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery potatoes that pair perfectly with the tangy chimichurri drizzle.
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes: Crispy edges + tender centers = the perfect match for juicy chicken.
Herbed Rice Pilaf: Light, fluffy, and subtly seasoned so the chimichurri shines.
🥗 Fresh & Vibrant
Simple Arugula Salad: Peppery greens with a lemon vinaigrette bring brightness to the dish.
Grilled Veggie Medley: Zucchini, peppers, and red onion roasted or grilled for extra char and color.
Tomato & Avocado Salad: Creamy, juicy, and perfectly balanced against the bold chimichurri.
🍞 Breads & Bonus Bites
Warm Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Ideal for soaking up every last drop of sauce.
Polenta Cakes or Grits: A southern-style twist that adds richness and texture.
Crispy Chickpeas or Roasted Cauliflower: Great as a crunchy, spiced side.
🍷 Drinks to Pair
Chilled White Wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño): Refreshing and herb-friendly.
Sparkling Water with Lime: Clean and citrusy to balance the creaminess.
Iced Green Tea or Light Beer: Earthy or crisp, depending on your vibe.
❓ FAQ – Creamy Chimichurri Roast Chicken
Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead of a whole chicken?
Yes! This recipe works beautifully with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, breasts, or even drumsticks. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—smaller cuts usually roast in 25–35 minutes.
Can I make the chimichurri sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. You can make the chimichurri up to 3 days in advance, then stir in the yogurt or sour cream just before serving for the freshest texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers. The chicken will keep for 3–4 days in the fridge, and the chimichurri sauce lasts up to 5 days. Reheat chicken gently in the oven or enjoy cold!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The ingredients used in both the roasted chicken and chimichurri sauce are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check any packaged seasonings or yogurt brands to be sure.
What herbs can I substitute if I don’t have fresh parsley?
While parsley is traditional, you can use cilantro, basil, or even a mix of herbs like oregano and mint. The fresher, the better!
Can I grill the chicken instead of roasting it?
Definitely! Grilled chicken adds smoky depth and works especially well in warm weather. Just marinate, then grill over medium heat until the internal temp hits 165°F.
What can I serve with creamy chimichurri roast chicken?
It pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, herbed rice, simple salads, or crusty bread to soak up all that sauce. See the full “What to Serve” section above for more ideas!
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