Grilled Turkey Breast with Chimichurri: A Juicy, Herb-Fresh Spin on a Classic

If you’ve ever felt like turkey only belongs at the holiday table, this grilled turkey breast with chimichurri will change your mind real fast. It's fresh, fast, and full of vibrant flavors—thanks to a zesty herb sauce and perfectly grilled meat. Think of it as a crossover between your favorite summer BBQ and a healthier, modern take on traditional Roast Turkey Recipes. This Turkey Breast Recipe is ideal if you're craving something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It's also a killer option when you're looking for lighter Turkey Dinner Ideas that still deliver that comforting, hearty feel.

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Grilled Turkey Breast with Chimichurri

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 3

Equipment

• Grill gas or charcoal
• Meat Thermometer
• Tongs
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowl and whisk

Ingredients

  

For the turkey

• 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless turkey breast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning for a bold Cajun turkey breast twist
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of ½ lemon

For the chimichurri

• 1 cup flat-leaf parsley finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano or 1 tablespoon dried
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• ½ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

Season the turkey

1. Rub the turkey breast with olive oil and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (or Cajun seasoning), salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
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Heat your grill

1. Set your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). If you're using charcoal, bank the coals to one side for a two-zone setup.

Grill to perfection

1. Grill the turkey for about 8–10 minutes per side until a thermometer reads 160°F in the thickest part. Then let it rest for 5–10 minutes—it’ll rise to a safe 165°F and stay super moist.

Whip up the chimichurri

1. Mix parsley, oregano, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let it sit while the turkey grills so the flavors can marry.
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Serve and enjoy

1. Slice the turkey thinly across the grain and spoon chimichurri generously over the top.

Pair It With

Grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a chilled farro salad work great alongside this dish. It’s also delicious with something tangy like pickled onions or a cucumber-yogurt salad. For drinks, go with a crisp white wine, a light lager, or even a homemade limeade if you're keeping it alcohol-free.

FAQs

1. Is boneless or bone-in turkey breast better for this recipe?

Boneless turkey breast is ideal here. It cooks faster and more evenly, especially on the grill. This is one of those Boneless Turkey Breast Recipes that feels fancy but is super doable.

2. What if I want to make this in the oven or slow cooker?

Absolutely! This recipe adapts beautifully. For Oven Roasted Turkey or Boneless Turkey Breast Recipes Oven-style, roast it at 375°F until it hits 160°F. For a Slow Cooker Turkey Breast version, cook it low and slow with a little broth or citrus juice. It’s a great alternative to traditional Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipes, and the chimichurri still brings everything to life at the end.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely! This is perfect if you're Cooking Turkey Breast Day Before Thanksgiving or meal prepping for the week. Just grill, slice, and store in an airtight container. Reheat gently and top with fresh chimichurri before serving.

4. How do I keep grilled turkey moist?

Letting it rest after cooking is key. Don’t skip the resting time! Also, a good marinade or rub and cooking it to the right internal temp (160°F before resting) helps you get that juicy, Moist Turkey every time.

5. Can I use this for a holiday meal?

Yes! It’s one of those Holiday Turkey Recipes that’s perfect for small gatherings or non-traditional celebrations. If you’re not feeling a full roast but still want that Turkey Dinner Recipes feel, this hits the spot—especially when paired with classic sides. It might even sneak its way into your list of Best Thanksgiving Recipes.