Zesty Red Chimichurri Whole Roasted Chicken Recipe

Roasting a whole chicken becomes an extraordinary culinary adventure with this vibrant red chimichurri whole roasted chicken recipe that promises bold, zesty flavors.

The bright crimson sauce brings an Argentine-inspired twist to a classic poultry dish, infusing every tender bite with herbaceous heat.

Herbs and spices dance together, creating a marinade that penetrates deep into the meat’s core.

Garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley combine to transform an ordinary dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Tangy and bold, this recipe delivers a punch of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Each slice reveals juicy meat kissed by the robust red chimichurri, making this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

Prepare to elevate your weekend cooking with this mouthwatering masterpiece that promises to become a new family favorite.

Red Chimichurri Chicken for a Special Dinner

• Craft Creamy Comfort: Indulge in a delightful pasta experience that blends rich caramelized onions with spicy chili oil, creating a luxurious and satisfying meal.
• Master Quick Cooking: Transform simple ingredients into a gourmet dish with minimal prep and cooking steps, perfect for busy home cooks seeking a delicious dinner solution.
• Customize Your Flavor: Easily adjust the heat and richness by playing with chili oil quantities and adding Parmesan cheese, making this recipe adaptable to personal taste preferences.
• Elevate Weeknight Dining: Turn an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy experience with minimal effort, bringing excitement and sophistication to your dinner table.

What’s Needed for Red Chimichurri Chicken

• Whole Chicken: A classic poultry dish that provides tender and juicy meat with rich flavor.

• Olive Oil: Helps blend the sauce ingredients and adds smooth richness.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Provides tangy acidity to balance the sauce flavors.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweet and vibrant color to the chimichurri sauce.
• Garlic: Contributes bold and pungent flavor to enhance the sauce.
• Parsley: Brings fresh herbaceous notes to the chimichurri.

• Smoked Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes, Oregano, Cumin: Creates a complex and warm spice profile for the sauce and chicken.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances and balances overall seasoning.

• Lemon: Adds bright citrus flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Fresh Herbs: Provides aromatic and complementary herbal notes to the roasted chicken.

Steps for Roasting Red Chimichurri Chicken

Step 1: Craft Vibrant Red Chimichurri Sauce

• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Chopped red bell pepper
• Minced garlic
• Smoked paprika
• Red pepper flakes
• Dried oregano
• Ground cumin
• Salt
• Fresh chopped parsley

Blend everything thoroughly and let the sauce rest to intensify the flavors.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken for Roasting

Fire up the oven to 400°F.

Gently pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Position the bird in a roasting pan.

• Olive oil
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stuff the cavity with quartered lemon and fresh herbs. Carefully slide chimichurri sauce under the skin at the breast to infuse deep flavor.

Step 3: Roast the Bird to Perfection

Slide the chicken into the hot oven. Roast for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh.

Splash additional chimichurri sauce over the chicken about 20 minutes before finishing.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes after roasting.

Carve and drizzle remaining red chimichurri sauce over the meat or serve on the side for dipping.

Notes for Juicy Roasted Chimichurri Chicken

• Let chimichurri sauce rest for 15-20 minutes before using to allow ingredients to blend and intensify taste profiles.
• Gently loosen chicken skin before rubbing sauce underneath to ensure direct flavor infusion and extra moisture during roasting.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature reaches exactly 165F for perfectly cooked, juicy meat without dryness.
• Allow chicken to rest 10 minutes after roasting to help juices redistribute, ensuring each slice remains tender and succulent.
• Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme inside chicken cavity for enhanced aromatic depth and subtle herbal undertones.

New Sauces to Try With Chimichurri Chicken

• Vegetarian Roasted Cauliflower Chimichurri: Replace chicken with a whole roasted cauliflower, applying the same chimichurri sauce and roasting technique for a plant-based alternative.
• Mediterranean Lamb Variation: Swap chicken for a whole leg of lamb, using the red chimichurri sauce as a marinade and rub, maintaining similar roasting temperatures and techniques.
• Spicy Herb-Infused Turkey Option: Use a whole turkey instead of chicken, adjusting cooking time and temperature, while keeping the red chimichurri sauce and herb-stuffing method consistent.
• Low-Carb Keto Friendly Version: Use duck or game hen as a protein, reducing bell pepper content in chimichurri sauce and ensuring all ingredients align with ketogenic dietary requirements.

Sides and Drinks With Roasted Chicken

• Pair Zesty Spanish Rioja: Select a medium-bodied Spanish red wine like Rioja that complements the smoky paprika and herb-rich chimichurri flavors, cutting through the chicken's richness with balanced acidity.
• Serve Roasted Vegetable Medley: Create a colorful side dish with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant seasoned with similar spices as the chicken, enhancing the meal's Mediterranean profile and providing textural contrast.
• Match Herbed Quinoa Pilaf: Prepare a light quinoa side dish mixed with fresh parsley, lemon zest, and toasted cumin seeds that echoes the chimichurri's herb and spice notes while offering a protein-packed complementary grain.

Storing Red Chimichurri Chicken Properly

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.
• Wrap chicken pieces individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.

FAQs

• What makes red chimichurri different from traditional green chimichurri?

Red chimichurri uses red bell peppers instead of green herbs, creating a slightly sweeter and milder sauce with a vibrant red color, while traditional chimichurri is typically green and more herb-focused.

• Can I use chicken parts instead of a whole chicken?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to chicken parts like thighs, legs, or breasts. Just adjust cooking times based on the specific cut and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165F (75C).

• Is it necessary to loosen the chicken skin before roasting?

Loosening the skin and rubbing chimichurri underneath helps infuse deeper flavor directly into the meat, making the chicken more flavorful and succulent throughout.

Red Chimichurri Whole Roasted Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent red chimichurri whole roasted chicken delivers Argentina’s bold flavors with herbaceous zest and tender meat. Herb-infused marinade and crispy skin promise a memorable dining experience you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 lbs / 1.8–2.3 kg)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Aromatics and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, quartered
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley) for stuffing

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant red chimichurri sauce by blending olive oil, red wine vinegar, diced red bell pepper, minced garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, oregano, cumin, salt, and chopped parsley in a medium bowl. Allow the mixture to harmonize for 15-20 minutes, letting flavors intensify.
2. Heat the oven to 400F (200C). Thoroughly dry the chicken with paper towels and position in a roasting pan.
3. Massage the chicken’s exterior with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Tuck quartered lemon and fresh herbs into the cavity.
4. Gently separate the chicken skin from the breast and delicately spread approximately 3 tablespoons of chimichurri sauce underneath to infuse deep flavor.
5. Roast the chicken for roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165F (75C) at the thickest thigh point.
6. During the final 20 minutes of cooking, generously baste the chicken with an additional 2-3 tablespoons of chimichurri sauce.
7. After removing from the oven, let the chicken rest for 10 minutes to redistribute juices. Carve and serve with remaining red chimichurri sauce drizzled on top or presented as a dipping accompaniment.

Notes

• Customize the chimichurri’s heat by adjusting red pepper flakes to suit personal spice tolerance.
• Choose organic, free-range chicken for enhanced flavor and more ethical cooking experience.
• Marinate chicken overnight in chimichurri sauce for deeper, more intense taste penetration.
• Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional aromatic complexity in the roasting process.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Argentinian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg