PF
Close-up of a grilled chicken meal in a plastic container, garnished with green onions.
Stovetop~40 minComplexity

Chimichurri Chicken and Rice

Chimichurri Chicken and Rice delivers 28g protein and 554 calories per serving—a balanced dinner with built-in carbs for glycogen replenishment after lifting. Quick-preps 4 servings on the stovetop, blending protein and starch in one container. Streamline your meal prep workflow by eliminating separate rice batches from your routine.

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Ingredients

4 servings
  • Olive oil(60g)

    Regular (not extra-virgin) olive oil for high-heat cooking. EVOO for dressings.

  • Vinegar, Red Wine(30g)
  • Oregano, Dried(3g)
  • Cumin, Ground(1g)
  • Red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 tsp salt ($0.02)
  • Garlic(60g)
  • Parsley, Fresh(120g)
  • Cilantro, Fresh(120g)
  • Olive oil(15g)

    Regular (not extra-virgin) olive oil for high-heat cooking. EVOO for dressings.

  • Chicken Breast, Boneless Skinless(340g)

    Boneless skinless. Buy in bulk and freeze — Costco rotisserie packs work too.

  • Pinch salt and pepper ($0.05)
  • Yellow Onion
  • Tomato
  • Peas, Sweet, Frozen(120g)
  • White Rice(240g)
  • 1.5 cups water ($0.00)
  • 1/4 tsp salt ($0.02)

Instructions

  1. 1Combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, cumin, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Finely chop the fresh parsley and cilantro leaves, mince the garlic, then stir them into the oil mixture. Set the chimichurri aside to allow flavors to blend.
  2. 2Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat for 1–2 minutes until shimmering. Add the chicken and cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and no longer pink in the center.
  3. 3Remove the cooked chicken to a plate. Dice the onion and add it to the same skillet over medium heat. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
  4. 4Dice the tomato and add it to the skillet with the onion. Cook 2–3 minutes over medium heat, stirring gently, until the tomato begins to break down and release its juices.
  5. 5Return the chicken to the skillet and add the frozen peas, uncooked rice, 2 cups water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir briefly to combine. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, about 3–4 minutes.
  6. 6Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer gently for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. Remove from heat, keep covered, and let rest for 10 minutes.
  7. 7Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Gently fold the chimichurri into the rice until evenly combined—avoid vigorous stirring to prevent mushiness. Taste and add salt if needed.
  8. 8Divide the chimichurri chicken and rice evenly into 4 airtight containers while hot. Cool slightly before sealing and refrigerating for up to 4 days.

Nutrition — Per Serving

554

calories

28g

protein

22g

fat

Carbohydrates
61g
Saturated fat
3.3g
Sodium
108 mg
Dietary fiber
4.6g

4 servings per batch · ~277g each

Macro data sourced from USDA FoodData Central

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Common questions

How much protein does Chimichurri Chicken and Rice have per serving?

Each serving has 28g of protein and 554 calories with 22g fat and 61g carbs. The carbohydrate content is substantial, so this works best as a post-workout or higher-calorie day option.

How long does Chimichurri Chicken and Rice take to prep?

This is a quick prep recipe that makes 4 servings on the stovetop in one batch. It's efficient for meal prepping if you're cooking for 2-3 days at a time.

Is Chimichurri Chicken and Rice good for muscle gain?

At 28g protein and 554 calories per serving, the carbohydrate load (61g) makes this ideal for muscle gain phases where you're eating in a caloric surplus. It provides steady energy and glycogen replenishment for training.

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