Introduction
A Mouthwatering Red Chimichurri Whole Roasted Chicken Recipe is the perfect way to bring restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen. Imagine tender, golden-roasted chicken infused with aromatic herbs, smoky paprika, and a vibrant red chimichurri sauce that drips with garlicky, tangy goodness. This Argentinian-inspired dish isn’t just a meal—it’s a culinary experience that balances spice, freshness, and crisp texture in every bite.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This recipe delivers crispy skin, succulent meat, and an irresistible smoky aroma, making it a show-stopper for dinner parties or cozy Sunday roasts. Once you try this, it’ll easily become your go-to roast chicken recipe for every occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🌶 Bold & Smoky Flavor: The red chimichurri combines paprika, garlic, and herbs for a complex, spicy kick.
🍗 Juicy Every Time: The infused marinade under the skin guarantees a moist interior.
🕒 Easy to Prepare: Minimal prep and one roasting pan—perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
🧄 Loaded with Antioxidants: Olive oil, garlic, and parsley offer health benefits and heart-friendly fats.
🍋 Balanced Taste: A touch of lemon and vinegar cuts through the richness beautifully.
🇦🇷 Argentinian Inspiration: A global twist that brings South American flair to your table.
💥 Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers stay flavorful for sandwiches, salads, or wraps.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 whole chicken (about 4–5 lbs) – ensure it’s fully thawed for even cooking.
2 tablespoons olive oil – helps achieve crispy, golden skin.
Salt and black pepper – for balance and seasoning.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika – deepens the roasted color and adds warmth.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – enhances the savory notes.
1 lemon, quartered – for natural acidity and freshness.
A few sprigs of rosemary, thyme, or parsley – aromatic herbs for stuffing.
For the Red Chimichurri Sauce:
½ cup olive oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar
½ red bell pepper, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Make the Red Chimichurri
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, bell pepper, garlic, paprika, red pepper flakes, oregano, cumin, salt, and parsley. Let it rest for 15–20 minutes—this blooming time allows flavors to meld and intensify.
Food Science Tip: The vinegar slightly denatures the garlic and herbs, softening their bite and creating a balanced, tangy base.
🔹 Step 2: Prep the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels—this ensures a crispier texture.
Rub it with olive oil, then season evenly with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stuff the cavity with lemon quarters and fresh herbs for aromatic steam while roasting.
Carefully loosen the skin around the breast area and spoon 3 tablespoons of the red chimichurri under the skin. This infuses deep flavor directly into the meat.
🔹 Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Place the chicken on a roasting rack or pan. Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
About 20 minutes before it’s done, brush the surface with 2–3 tablespoons of chimichurri sauce for a glossy, caramelized finish.
🔹 Step 4: Rest & Serve
Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before carving. This step redistributes juices for maximum tenderness.
Serve warm, drizzling extra red chimichurri sauce over the top or on the side.
Pro Tips
🔸 How can I make my Red Chimichurri Whole Roasted Chicken crispy?
Drying the chicken thoroughly before roasting and brushing with olive oil helps the skin crisp beautifully.
🔸 Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes! For stronger flavor, rub chimichurri under the skin, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Roast directly from room temperature the next day.
🔸 What’s the best wine pairing for this dish?
A Malbec or Tempranillo pairs perfectly with the smoky, herby notes of the chimichurri.
🔸 Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole bird?
Absolutely—use bone-in thighs or breasts and reduce roasting time to about 35–40 minutes.
Best Ways to Serve
Pair your Mouthwatering Red Chimichurri Whole Roasted Chicken Recipe with:
Garlic mashed potatoes
Roasted vegetables or couscous salad
Grilled corn or chimichurri rice
A chilled glass of red wine or sparkling lemonade
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal | 21% |
| Protein | 38g | 76% |
| Fat | 29g | 45% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.5g | 2% |
| Sodium | 490mg | 20% |
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze sliced chicken and leftover sauce separately for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or drizzle fresh chimichurri over cold chicken for a zesty twist.
FAQs
Is chimichurri supposed to be spicy?
Traditional chimichurri is mildly spicy. Adjust red pepper flakes to your liking for more or less heat.
Can I use green chimichurri instead?
Yes, but red chimichurri adds a deeper, smokier flavor ideal for roasted chicken.
What makes Argentinian Red Chimichurri different?
The red version incorporates bell pepper, paprika, and chili for warmth, while green chimichurri relies on parsley and oregano for freshness.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for fiery depth.
Citrus Twist: Replace vinegar with lime juice for a tropical profile.
Herb Lover’s Version: Add cilantro or basil to your chimichurri mix.
Grill Version: Cook over indirect heat for smoky, flame-kissed flavor.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a Mouthwatering Red Chimichurri Whole Roasted Chicken Recipe that fills your home with irresistible aromas and brings people together around the table. Juicy, vibrant, and full of life—this dish turns simple ingredients into a flavor celebration.