Zesty Air-Fried Chimichurri Chicken Thighs Recipe For Dinner

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and these air-fried chimichurri chicken thighs strike the perfect balance between effortless and delicious.

Packed with zesty Argentine-inspired flavors, this recipe turns simple chicken into a mouthwatering meal that sings with herbaceous notes.

The air fryer works magic, creating crispy skin while keeping the meat incredibly juicy and tender.

Chimichurri’s vibrant green sauce brings a bold punch of garlic, parsley, and tangy vinegar that transforms ordinary chicken thighs.

Quick to prepare and even faster to cook, these chicken thighs will become your new go-to dinner solution.

Each bite promises a burst of fresh herbs and perfectly crisp exterior that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Dive into this simple yet spectacular dish that proves gourmet cooking can be totally stress-free.

Why Air-Fried Chimichurri Chicken Thighs Delight

• Quick Marination Magic: Whip up a zesty marinade that infuses chicken with bold, tangy flavors in just minutes, transforming ordinary poultry into a mouthwatering meal.
• Crispy Skin Delight: Air frying delivers perfectly golden, crunchy chicken skin without excess oil, giving you that restaurant-quality texture right at home.
• Foolproof Cooking Technique: No culinary expertise needed – the air fryer does the hard work, ensuring juicy chicken every single time with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or meal prep, this recipe adapts to any occasion and satisfies diverse taste buds with its vibrant chimichurri profile.

Ingredients for Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful cut of meat that becomes crispy when air-fried.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and create a moist cooking environment.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the overall flavor of the chicken.
• Paprika, Oregano, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provide a robust and aromatic seasoning profile that complements the chicken's natural taste.

How to Cook Air-Fried Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

Whip up a tangy marinade by combining all liquid and dry seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl.

Grab a whisk and blend everything until well incorporated, releasing those mouthwatering aromas.

Step 2: Coat Chicken in Marinade

Nestle chicken thighs into the marinade, ensuring every nook and cranny gets covered.

Use your hands to massage the seasonings deeply into the meat.

Seal the bowl and let the chicken chill in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to mingle and intensify.

Step 3: Prepare Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.

Make sure the chicken is positioned skin-side up for maximum crispiness.

No need to add extra oil – the marinade has you covered.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Slide the chicken into the air fryer basket.

Cook for 22-24 minutes, flipping midway to ensure even browning.

The goal is golden, crispy skin and a juicy interior that hits 165°F internally.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the sizzling chicken to a serving platter.

Drizzle with fresh chimichurri sauce for an extra burst of herbal goodness.

Pair with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Tips for Perfect Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

• Let chicken soak in the flavorful marinade for the full 4 hours to achieve deeper, more robust taste profiles.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F for safe and perfectly cooked meat without drying out.
• Pat chicken thighs dry before marinating to help skin become extra crispy and golden when air-frying.
• Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer without touching to allow hot air circulation and even cooking.
• Prepare homemade chimichurri sauce while chicken cooks to serve fresh and enhance overall flavor experience.

Flavorful Twists on Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Variation: Replace paprika with za'atar spice blend and add dried mint for a Middle Eastern flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken Version: Swap oregano with Cajun seasoning and add cayenne pepper for a bold, zesty kick.
• Gluten-Free Lean Protein Option: Use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Low-Sodium Wellness Adaptation: Reduce salt content, use fresh herbs for flavor, and incorporate low-sodium seasoning alternatives like fresh lemon zest and herb blends.

Serving Suggestions for Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

• Zesty Dinner Plate Companion: Serve alongside fluffy cilantro-lime rice to soak up the delicious chimichurri sauce and complement the chicken's bold flavors.
• Fresh Mediterranean Sidekick: Pair with a crisp Greek salad featuring cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese for a light, refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
• Hearty Harvest Spread: Accompany with roasted seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus to create a colorful and nutritious meal that highlights the chicken's herb-infused profile.
• Weekend Fiesta Style: Create a build-your-own taco station with warm tortillas, extra chimichurri sauce, diced avocados, and lime wedges for a fun, interactive dining experience.

How to Store Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains fresh and safe to eat.
• Wrap individual chicken thighs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
• Preheat air fryer to 350°F. Warm chicken for 3-4 minutes, checking periodically to prevent drying out. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, rotating halfway through, until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• What is chimichurri sauce?

A vibrant green Argentine sauce made with fresh parsley, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and red pepper flakes, traditionally used as a condiment for grilled meats.

• Can I use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs?

Both work well, but bone-in thighs typically provide more flavor and juiciness. Adjust cooking time slightly for boneless thighs, which may cook faster.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh. The juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink.

Air-Fried Chimichurri Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

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

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Description

Sizzling air-fried chimichurri chicken thighs bring Argentinian zest to your dinner table with bold herbal flavors and crispy skin. Herb-packed marinade and quick air-frying technique deliver a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs (skin-on)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Liquids and Extras:

• 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large lemon (juiced, approximately 0.25 cup or 60 milliliters juice)
• 1 recipe chimichurri sauce

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust marinade by whisking together aromatic spices, tangy citrus, and fragrant herbs in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Thoroughly massage the marinade into chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is completely enveloped in the flavorful mixture.
3. Allow marinated chicken to rest and absorb flavors in the refrigerator for a minimum of half an hour, permitting spices to penetrate deeply.
4. Preheat air fryer to 390°F, creating an optimal environment for crispy, golden-brown skin.
5. Arrange chicken thighs skin-side facing upward in the air fryer basket, maintaining adequate spacing between pieces for even circulation.
6. Cook for approximately 22-24 minutes, rotating chicken midway through the cooking process to guarantee uniform browning and consistent internal temperature.
7. Verify doneness by confirming the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer.
8. Remove thighs and let them rest briefly, allowing juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
9. Plate the chicken and generously drizzle with vibrant, herbaceous chimichurri sauce for a burst of fresh, zesty flavor.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by marinating chicken for the full 4 hours, allowing spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
• Create crispier skin by patting chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning and air frying.
• Adjust cooking time for smaller or boneless chicken thighs, reducing minutes by 3-5 to prevent overcooking.
• Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts or drumsticks, maintaining similar cooking temperatures and times.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 24 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg