This Delicious Low Point Chicken Chimichurri Is A Weight Watchers Staple

Chicken Chimichurri is a specialty of Argentine cuisine, where the star of the dish is undoubtedly the chimichurri sauce. This sauce, made from parsley, oregano, garlic, oil, chives, vinegar, and a touch of spicy peppers according to taste preferences, is particularly renowned for its vibrant flavor.

Traditionally, chimichurri is used as a topping for grilled meat cuts, and in this case, we’ll be following suit by grilling skinless chicken breast fillets seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and a splash of lime juice before generously topping them with chimichurri sauce.

Why you should try Chicken Chimichurri:

There are several compelling reasons to embrace the Chicken Chimichurri recipe, especially if you’re mindful of your points/calorie intake and this chimichurri chicken has only 2 weith watchers’ points. This sauce is incredibly light as it’s primarily made from vegetables, offering a burst of robust flavor without the guilt. While store-bought versions are available in many countries, they often contain substantial amounts of oil for preservation. Making it at home allows you to control the ingredients and tailor it to your preferences. Additionally, Chimichurri Sauce is versatile; it can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, ready to complement various meat cuts from chicken to fish, and of course, the beloved beef cuts favored by Argentinians.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

2 WW Points Per Serving

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breast fillets (about 600g)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lime
• ½ teaspoon (2 m) olive oil

For the chimichurri sauce:

• 2 tablespoons (15g) oregano leaves
• 1 cup (60 g) fresh parsley leaves
• 2 chopped chives (40 g.)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (60 ml) vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• 2-3 spicy peppers (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½  cup water

Instructions:

Start by preparing the chimichurri sauce. Combine all the finely chopped chimichurri ingredients in a bowl. If you’re short on time, use a food processor as directed.

In a food processor, combine the fresh oregano, parsley, chives, minced garlic, water, olive oil, vinegar, salt, spicy peppers, and dried basil. Pulse until the herbs are finely chopped and the ingredients are well combined. Set aside.

Season the chicken breast fillets with salt, pepper, and lime juice, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let them marinate for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.

Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken breast fillets, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.

While the chicken is cooking, give the chimichurri sauce a quick stir to ensure all the ingredients are well incorporated.

Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a serving platter. Spoon the chimichurri sauce generously over the chicken fillets, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serve the Chicken Chimichurri hot, accompanied by your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, or salad.

Note: If you consider that the chimichurri sauce lacks liquid, you can add more water and vinegar to the mixture.

Variations and Substitutions:

Chimichurri lends itself to various interpretations:

1. Some recipes incorporate a blend of parsley and cilantro for added depth of flavor.

2. Adjust the level of spiciness to your liking by incorporating different types of peppers or hot sauces.

3. While the traditional chimichurri recipe excludes onions, adding them can provide a delightful twist. However, chives are a must-have ingredient.

Tips and Tricks for making Chicken Chimichurri:

1.  Finely chop the vegetables with a sharp knife or use a food processor for precision.

2.  Mince the garlic as finely as possible to ensure even distribution of flavor.

3.  Opt for glass jars for storing chimichurri, and each time you use it, use a clean spoon to scoop out a fresh portion.4.  If planning to store chimichurri for several days (it can last up to 10 days), thoroughly disinfect the jar with boiling water to maintain freshness.

WW Points

Uncooked boneless skin-less chicken breast 0 points
Chives 0 points
Table salt 0 points
Garlic 0 points
Vinegar 0 points
Fresh lime juice 0 points
Cubanelle pepper 0 points
Olive oil 7 points
Basil 0 points
Dried oregano 1 point
Fresh parsley 0 points
Water 0 points