Juicy Grilled Chicken Thighs With Chimichurri Recipe

Succulent chicken thighs dancing with zesty chimichurri sauce promise an explosion of Argentine-inspired flavors.

These grilled chicken thighs with chimichurri deliver a punch of herbaceous freshness that electrifies every bite.

Bright green herbs mingle with tender, perfectly charred meat in a culinary celebration.

Marinating the chicken infuses deep, complex notes that sing of outdoor grilling and summer gatherings.

Bold garlic and tangy parsley create a vibrant sauce that transforms simple chicken into an extraordinary meal.

Each forkful brings a delightful balance of smoky char and bright, verdant seasonings.

You won’t be able to resist these irresistible, flavor-packed chicken thighs that bring the spirit of South American cuisine right to your plate.

Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri Benefits

• Elevate your ordinary grilled chicken with a zesty chimichurri sauce that transforms a simple meal into a restaurant-quality experience.
• Minimal prep work and straightforward grilling technique make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated steps.
• Suitable for casual family dinners, backyard barbecues, or impromptu gatherings, this dish appeals to various tastes and dietary preferences with its vibrant, fresh ingredients.
• The flexible marinating time allows for advanced preparation, making it ideal for those who love planning ahead or want to maximize their cooking efficiency.

What You Need for Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful cut of meat that serves as the main protein for the dish.
• Cilantro, Parsley, Oregano: Fresh herbs that create the vibrant green base of the chimichurri sauce.

• Shallot, Garlic, Jalapeno: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and a subtle heat to the chimichurri sauce.

• Lemon Juice, Red Wine Vinegar, Olive Oil: Acidic and rich liquids that balance and blend the flavors of the chimichurri sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken and sauce.

Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Cooking Steps

Step 1: Create Vibrant Chimichurri Sauce

• Cilantro
• Parsley
• Oregano
• Shallot
• Garlic
• Jalapeno

Blend until the herbs are finely chopped, creating a bright green mixture with an incredible herbal fragrance that fills the kitchen.

Step 2: Enhance the Chimichurri Flavor

• Lemon juice
• Red wine vinegar
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Fresh ground pepper

Pulse the blender until everything combines into a slightly coarse sauce with a zesty, bold flavor profile.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken thighs in a baking dish and season with salt and pepper.

Pour chimichurri sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece gets completely coated.

Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes to 24 hours to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.

Step 4: Prepare the Grill

Remove chicken from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.

Heat grill to medium-high temperature, creating the perfect cooking environment for juicy, flavorful chicken.

Step 5: Grill to Golden Perfection

Place marinated chicken thighs on the hot grill.

Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, allowing beautiful char marks to develop.

Check doneness by ensuring juices run clear and the exterior is slightly crispy.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer grilled chicken to a serving platter.

Drizzle with additional chimichurri sauce or serve extra sauce on the side for dipping.

The bright, herbal sauce transforms simple grilled chicken into an extraordinary meal that will impress everyone at the table.

Tips for Perfect Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

• Use freshly picked herbs for the chimichurri to maximize vibrant flavors and aromatic intensity.
• Adjust jalapeno quantity to match your heat tolerance, removing seeds for milder sauce or adding more for extra kick.
• Longer marination (up to 24 hours) intensifies flavor penetration, but avoid exceeding this time to prevent meat texture breakdown.
• Maintain medium-high heat for perfect chicken thighs, ensuring crispy exterior and juicy interior without burning.
• Allow grilled chicken to rest 5-7 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and keeps meat tender and moist.

Save and Reheat Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

• Place cooled chicken thighs in an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chimichurri sauce in a separate sealed container to maintain its fresh flavor.
• Wrap individual chicken thighs in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out excess air and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Store chimichurri sauce in a separate small container with a tight lid.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drizzle reserved chimichurri sauce before serving to restore moisture.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval. Add a splash of chicken broth or reserved chimichurri to keep meat juicy and prevent toughness.

Sides for Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Opt for an Argentinian Malbec, which mirrors the bold and herbaceous chimichurri sauce. Its robust red fruit notes and spicy undertones beautifully complement the grilled chicken's smoky profile.
• Refreshing Cocktail Companion: Craft a zesty mojito with fresh mint, lime juice, and white rum. The bright, herbal elements will echo the chimichurri's green ingredients and cut through the chicken's richness.
• Perfect Side Dish Match: Prepare grilled corn with cotija cheese and chili powder. The sweet-spicy corn enhances the chicken's charred exterior while providing a complementary texture and flavor contrast.
• Herb-Friendly Salad Partner: Toss a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and toasted pine nuts. The peppery greens and tangy dressing will harmonize with the chimichurri's vibrant herbal notes.

Chimichurri Chicken Thighs Recipe Variations

• Low-Carb Herb Swap: Replace cilantro and parsley with fresh basil and mint for a Mediterranean-inspired low-carb version that reduces overall carbohydrate content.
• Gluten-Free Marinade Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and substitute red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Swap chicken thighs with thick-cut portobello mushrooms or firm tofu, using the same chimichurri marinade for a plant-based protein option that maintains robust flavor profiles.
• Spice Level Adjustment: For heat-sensitive individuals, remove jalapeno seeds or substitute with mild green chiles, while keeping the authentic chimichurri essence intact.

FAQs

• What is chimichurri sauce made of?

Chimichurri is a vibrant green sauce originating from Argentina, made with fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley, combined with garlic, shallots, jalapeno, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

• Can I make chimichurri in advance?

Yes, you can prepare chimichurri sauce up to 3-4 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually intensify and become more robust over time.

• Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

While not mandatory, marinating helps infuse the chicken with deeper flavors and helps tenderize the meat. Even a short 20-minute marination can significantly enhance the taste of your grilled chicken thighs.

• What type of grill works best for this recipe?

Both gas and charcoal grills work well for this recipe. The key is maintaining a medium-high heat around 375-400°F to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and develops a nice, slightly charred exterior.

Grilled Chicken Thighs With Chimichurri Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling grilled chicken thighs with chimichurri sauce bring Argentinian street flavor to your backyard feast. Bold herbs and zesty marinade create a mouthwatering dance of smoky meat and fresh green complexity you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) boneless skinless chicken thighs

Herbs and Greens:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh Italian parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 small shallot
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 jalapeno pepper
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) kosher salt
• fresh ground pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chimichurri base by combining cilantro, parsley, oregano, shallot, garlic, and jalapeno in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped, creating a vibrant green herb mixture with an intense aromatic profile.
2. Incorporate lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper into the herb blend. Process until ingredients are thoroughly integrated, achieving a slightly coarse but well-mixed consistency.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then generously coat with 1/4 cup of prepared chimichurri sauce. Ensure even coverage by turning pieces thoroughly. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to 24 hours to allow flavors to penetrate.
4. Remove chicken from refrigerator 15 minutes before grilling to bring to room temperature. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F), creating optimal cooking conditions.
5. Arrange marinated chicken thighs on the grill, cooking 5-6 minutes per side. Look for clear juices and a slightly charred exterior as indicators of proper doneness. Avoid frequent turning to maintain moisture and develop robust grill marks.
6. Transfer grilled chicken to serving platter. Accompany with additional chimichurri sauce for drizzling or dipping. The herbaceous sauce elevates the dish, transforming simple grilled meat into a flavor-packed culinary experience.

Notes

• Use freshly picked herbs for the most vibrant and intense chimichurri flavor, as dried herbs can make the sauce taste flat and less aromatic.
• Longer marinating times (up to 24 hours) will intensify the flavor penetration, but even 20 minutes can deliver delicious results for time-pressed cooks.
• Maintain a medium-high heat to achieve perfect char marks without burning the chicken, ensuring juicy meat with a crispy exterior.
• For gluten-free diets, this recipe is naturally gluten-free; for low-carb options, serve with a side salad instead of grains to keep the meal light and protein-focused.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Argentinian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 615
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 54 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 38 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 44 g
• Cholesterol: 170 mg