Chimichurri Chicken Soup Recipes

CHIMICHURRI CHICKEN SOUP

Steps:

• for the chimichurri: In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, combine all chimichurri ingredients and process until a smooth paste forms. With a spatula, transfer chimichurri to a bowl and let stand at room temperature while preparing the soup, to let flavors blend.
• for the soup: In a large pot (I use this one), heat oil and butter over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until it starts to soften, about 4 minutes. Add celery, garlic, and kosher salt. Continue to sauté until all vegetables are softened, about 4 to 5 minutes more.
• Add whole pieces of boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the pot, along with chicken stock, white wine vinegar, bay leaf, and cumin. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Partially cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently until chicken is just cooked through. This should take about 20 to 25 minutes. Using tongs, transfer chicken to large plate and let cool slightly. Let soup sit, undisturbed, while shredding meat into bite-size pieces with two forks. If any scum develops on the surface of the soup, skim it off with a big spoon and discard.
• Add shredded chicken back to the pot of soup, along with white beans, thyme leaves, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Taste and adjust with additional salt and black pepper, if needed. Don't be afraid to add salt and pepper to amp up the flavor! Discard bay leaf.
• Serve soup hot with chimichurri on the side, for individuals to swirl in as much as they please. Also offer chopped cilantro and sliced green onions for garnish.

CHIMICHURRI CHICKEN MARINADE

Steps:

• For the marinade: Add the parsley, vinegar, oregano, red pepper flakes, scallions and garlic to a food processor and pulse a few times to combine. With the food processor running, stream in the oil until uniform in a consistency. Add the lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon salt and several grinds of pepper. Pulse just to combine. Add 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or 8 boneless skinless thighs (about 1 1/2 pounds) to a large resealable plastic bag. Pour in the marinade, squeeze out the air, seal tightly and massage gently to coat the chicken. Refrigerate for 2 hours or freeze up to 1 month; defrost in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
• To cook: Transfer the chicken to a foil-lined baking sheet and roast in a 425-degree F oven until cooked through and an instant-read thermometer registers 165 degrees F, 20 to 25 minutes.

CHIMICHURRI CHICKEN

Steps:

• Make the sauce: On a cutting board, smash and coarsely chop the garlic with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mash the mixture using the side of your knife until a coarse paste forms. Move the paste to the side of the cutting board, then chop the parsley and oregano together with the remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Combine the garlic paste and the chopped herbs and chop and mash until the herbs are bruised and fragrant.
• Transfer to a medium bowl. Add the red-pepper flakes, black pepper, vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil; stir to combine. (You should have about 3/4 cup chimichurri. It can be prepared in advance and refrigerated in an airtight container up to 2 days.)
• Make the chicken: Pat the chicken dry. If thickness varies greatly, pound to an even thickness, about 1/2-inch. Rub half the chimichurri all over the chicken and let sit for at least 10 minutes. (You could also refrigerate overnight; just let it come to room temperature before cooking.)
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Wipe off excess marinade from the chicken and cook until juices run clear, about 5 minutes per side for thighs and 4 minutes per side for breasts. (For grilling and oven instructions, see Tips below.)
• Serve with remaining chimichurri spooned over top.