Chimichurri Rice Recipe is an Argentine-inspired rice recipe that delivers bright herb flavor, simple stovetop cooking, and quick weeknight convenience in one easy side dish. Jasmine or basmati rice cooks in broth with garlic and olive oil before being finished with fresh cilantro chimichurri sauce for bold, garlicky flavor and fluffy texture.
If you enjoy this dish, you may also like our Instant Pot Jasmine Rice Recipe or our Basmati Rice Recipe.
Chimichurri Rice Recipe at a Glance 🔎
- 🕒 Prep Time: 5 minutes
- ⏱️ Cook Time: 20 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 4
- 🔥 Cook Method: Stovetop
- 🍽️ Cuisine (or General Category): Argentine-inspired
- 👩🍳 Pair With: Medium Rare Filet Mignon, Panko Chicken, grilled vegetables
- ⭐ Difficulty Level: Easy
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This is one of our favorite herb rice sides for family dinners. A forkful with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables always disappears fast. ~Jami
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Why We Love This Recipe
- Bright Herb Flavor: Chimichurri sauce adds garlic, vinegar, and fresh herbs that transform simple rice into a bold side dish. We use it in this Steak Chimichurri Dense Bean Salad Recipe, too!
- Quick Stovetop Cooking: The entire dish cooks in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Versatile Side Dish: Serve it with steak, chicken, seafood, or roasted vegetables.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Leftover chimichurri rice reheats well and works great in rice bowls or salads.
Key Ingredients
This chimichurri rice recipe uses just a few basic ingredients.
- Jasmine or Basmati Rice: Long-grain rice works best because the grains stay fluffy and separate when cooked.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Used to toast the rice and garlic, adding richness and helping develop flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the rice a fragrant base that pairs beautifully with chimichurri.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Cooking the rice in broth instead of water adds a deeper savory flavor.
- Chimichurri Sauce: The star ingredient is made from parsley, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and spices. It coats the rice with bright herb flavor.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the rice.
- Fresh Parsley or Cilantro: Optional garnish that adds color and freshness when serving.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Jasmine Rice: Brown rice can be used for a whole grain option, but requires a longer cook time.
- Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth keeps the dish fully vegetarian.
- Chimichurri Sauce: Store-bought works well, but homemade chimichurri sauce delivers the freshest flavor.
- Flavor: Add a small pinch of lemon zest before serving to brighten the herb flavors.
- Spice: Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper for subtle heat.
- Rice Bowl: Serve the rice topped with grilled steak or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
How To Make Chimichurri Rice
STEP ONE: Prepare the Rice
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. Drain well to remove excess starch so the rice cooks fluffy and separate.
STEP TWO: Toast the Garlic and Rice
Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, then stir in the rice and toast for 1-2 minutes so the grains become slightly glossy.
STEP THREE: Cook the Rice
Pour in broth and add salt. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
STEP FOUR: Finish with Chimichurri
Remove the rice from the heat and let it rest briefly. Fluff with a fork and gently fold in chimichurri sauce until evenly coated, then garnish with parsley or cilantro before serving.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Let the rice rest before folding in the chimichurri so the heat doesn't dull the fresh herbs.
✔️ DO Use fresh herbs for the chimichurri.
✔️ DO Leave the lid on and resist stirring while cooking.
❌ DO NOT Cook over high heat. Gentle simmering ensures fluffy grains.
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Storage
Store leftover chimichurri rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore moisture.
Chimichurri Rice Recipe FAQs
Chimichurri rice is rice tossed with chimichurri sauce made from herbs, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar. The sauce coats the rice with bright, tangy flavor. The dish is inspired by Argentine chimichurri sauce, traditionally served with grilled meats.
Chimichurri rice tastes bright, garlicky, and herb-forward with a slight tang from vinegar. The flavor is fresh, similar to a parsley-garlic pesto but lighter and more acidic.
Traditional chimichurri sauce contains parsley, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Some variations also include cilantro, lemon juice, or shallots.
Yes, leftover rice works great for chimichurri rice. Warm the rice gently and fold in chimichurri sauce just before serving.
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📖 Recipe
Chimichurri Rice Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice or jasmine rice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 to 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- ⅓ to ½ cup cilantro chimichurri sauce
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or cilantro chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse 1 cup of jasmine or basmati rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. Drain well.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the rinsed rice and stir for 1 minute.
- Pour in 1½ cups chicken or vegetable broth and add ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove the rice from heat and let it rest 2-3 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then gently fold in ⅓ to ½ cup chimichurri sauce until evenly coated.
- Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
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Video
Notes
- Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes so the grains develop a light nutty flavor.
- Keep the lid on while the rice simmers.
- Use freshly made chimichurri sauce for the brightest herb flavor.
- Add the chimichurri after the rice cooks so the herbs stay vibrant.
Jami Powell says
This is one of our favorite rice recipes to pair with grilled steak!