Chimichurri Chicken Bites are a great party appetizer that always fly off the plate!
Chimichurri Chicken Bites are one of our family's favorite dinners. Except for my daughter Kylie; she won't touch them to save her life. Because they're green, you know. 😂 But Katie? She can't run down the stairs fast enough when she knows they're ready.
Me? I'll put chimichurri sauce on just about anything. Within reason.
WHAT IS CHIMICHURRI?
Chimichurri is an Argentinian sauce and condiment that Argentinian's put on just about everything. It's filled with flavor and a wonderful acidic tang that can really bring a dish to life. It can also be used as a marinade. I make it most often in the summertime when fresh herbs are everywhere but it's delicious anytime, on and in almost any dish you can come up with. It's most commonly used to top grilled steak, however, which is another reason it's perfect for summer barbecues.
WHAT'S IN CHIMICHURRI SAUCE?
Fresh herbs, such as parsley and oregano, olive oil, garlic, vinegar, and sometimes red pepper flakes. The ingredients vary a bit, depending on the recipe, but I've found that those are the most common. Different herbs can be used as well. For example, you could make a cilantro chimichurri with a very different flavor profile. The sauce can be blended completely, as in this recipe, or the herbs can be hand chopped for a more "chunky" sauce.
HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN BITES?
Making the chicken bites is basically the same as making chicken meatballs. But chicken bites sound so much more fun, doesn't it? You can make them as I've instructed in the recipe below, or you can bake them in on a sheet pan at 400F for about 15 minutes or so until they're cooked through. I like to broil them for the last couple minutes of baking time so they brown a bit on the top. But my preferred method is cooking them in a skillet as they tend to stay a bit moister that way.
HOW TO SERVE CHIMICHURRI CHICKEN BITES?
I serve my Chimichurri Chicken Bites one of two ways: on a platter with toothpicks and the sauce in a small bowl in the center for dipping (see the photo below) or on a platter with toothpicks but the sauce poured onto the platter and the bites sitting right in the sauce (as in the photos above). I prefer the latter as I think it's not only prettier but easier for guests to pick up. Both ways work well, however, so choose whichever way you like.
MORE DELICIOUS CHIMICHURRI RECIPES:
If you'd like more recipes from Latin America or what dishes would go well with these Chimichurri Chicken Bites, scroll down to see what my fellow bloggers created for our monthly Progressive Dinner Party. We've got everything covered, from cocktails to dessert!
Chimichurri Chicken Bites
A unique appetizer that flies off the plate every time!
Ingredients
For the chicken bites:
- 2 lb ground chicken (or turkey)
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup breadcrumbs, (for keto use ground pork rinds)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, (for keto use avocado oil)
For the chimichurri sauce:
- 2 cups fresh parsley
- ¼ cup fresh oregano
- 3 garlic cloves
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil, (for keto use avocado oil)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon each coarse salt & freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
For the chimichurri sauce:
- Place all ingredients into a high-powered blender and blend until very smooth. Allow to sit at room temperature while you make the chicken bites to allow flavors to meld.
For the chicken bites:
- Using your hands, mix together the ground chicken, egg, garlic, breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper. Form the mixture into small, bite-sized rounds (meatballs), about 1-inch thick.
- Heat the 2 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken bites and cook them until they're nicely browned on all sides and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes, in batches if necessary. (Alternatively you can bake these at 400°F for about 15 minutes).
- Serve the chicken bites on a platter with a small bowl of chimichurri sauce for dipping. Alternatively, you can place the bites in a shallow dish with sides, pour in some of the sauce and set the bites on top, then serve the remaining on the side for dipping.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1079Total Fat: 89gSaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 68gCholesterol: 336mgSodium: 1054mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 59g
The amounts include all of the chimichurri sauce.
Flavors of Latin America!
Cocktails
- The Caipirinha - Brazil's Signature Cocktail - Creative Culinary
Appetizers
- Chimichuri Chicken Bites - The Wicked Noodle
Breads
- Pan Blanco Cuencano - Karen's Kitchen Stories
Main Course
- Instant Pot Chicken Filled Arepas (gluten free) - The Heritage Cook
Side Dishes
- Patatas Bravas Chilenas (Chile Potatoes) - From a Chef's Kitchen
- Easy Colombian Patacones or Green Plantains - Mother Would Know
Desserts
- Tres Leches Cake - That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Welcome to Progressive Eats, our virtual version of a Progressive Dinner Party. Each recipe in our menu this month features the flavors of Latin America and our host this month is Karen who blogs at Karen's Kitchen Stories.
If you're unfamiliar with the concept, a progressive dinner involves going from house to house, enjoying a different course at each location. With Progressive Eats it's a virtual party. A theme is chosen each month, members share recipes suitable for a delicious meal or party, and you can hop from blog to blog to check them out. Come along and see all of the delicious summer dishes!
- Easy Tater Tot Casserole - December 19, 2025
- Sausage Bean Soup (Stovetop or Instant Pot) - December 16, 2025
- Mediterranean Cottage Cheese Bowls - December 4, 2025
Margaret says
Is it possible to make these in advance? And is it ok to serve at room temperature?
Thanks!
Kristy Bernardo says
Yes and yes!
SandyB says
Can’t wait to make these, but recipe says it makes only 4? and a serving is 1 meatball? 2 Pounds of meat should make a lot more than four at 1” size?? any idea how many this makes as I want to do a party of about 30 people. Thanks
Kristy Bernardo says
Hi Sandy! It says "4 servings", in other words, it serves approximately 4 people. I always try to err on the side of big eaters, so it probably will serve more than that, especially if it's not for a meal. You'll get about 50 meatballs, give or take, so hopefully that will help you plan your party!
Lucretia says
Great idea , would love to make these. I rather bake these instread of frying. Any idea how long to bake and what temperature?
Kristy Bernardo says
I mentioned these instructions in the body of the post but I'll update it to include them in the recipe card, too. You can bake these at 400F for about 15 minutes. Have a great day!
Wendy Lucier says
These look yummy! Can you bake them in the oven instead of the pan? Just wanted a faster option.
Kristy says
Hi Wendy, I haven't tried it but I don't see why not! Let me know how you like them. Cheers - Kristy
Lu says
@Wendy Lucier, stumble across your comment. I to prefer to bake, have you and how did it come out
Mimi Rippee says
Wow! What fun! I’m surprised they’re popular with young ones with the vinegar flavor, but you have to start them young! My husband still hates vinegar, so I guess I’m influenced by him in what I’m “allowed” to cook! This is a wonderful recipe.
Kristy says
Hi Mimi! My youngest has always been a "good eater" so I'm fortunate to have at least one. 🙂 Thank you for your kind comment! Cheers - Kristy
Barb says
Of course those comments about wanting to lick the screen are ridiculous...but are they? Doggone it Kristy I'm dying here I want some of these SO bad. My herbs need to be used and this is calling my name. I will gladly eat those that your daughter snubs her nose at! 🙂
Lauren | Lemon & Mocha says
These chimichurri chicken bites look so good! Love this idea for a party!
Carol Borchardt says
I'm a huge fan of chimichurri and look for different ways to enjoy it! Pairing with chicken meatballs is such a great idea! Can't wait to try for a party this holiday season!
Jane Bonacci says
What a great appetizer, such fun and I can only imagine how they would fly off the platter at a party! Great choice!!
Karen says
These are gorgeous and sound amazing. I have the grandkid that won't touch anything green, and the other one will try anything!
Laura says
What fun little appetizers! Chimichurri is such a versatile condiment and with fresh herbs everywhere these days, it's a natural for our Progressive Eats feast. I'm with Katie on this one.
Ansh says
These will be eaten in no time at my house. Anything chimichurri is game on :))
Liz says
I love, love any meatball, but never thought of serving them with chimichurri! Delicious idea, though my husband would grab the ketchup :/