Zesty Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Thighs Recipe for Summer Fun

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

The zesty grilled chimichurri chicken thighs blend herbal freshness with smoky char, creating an irresistible meal.

Bright parsley, tangy garlic, and robust olive oil combine to elevate these juicy chicken pieces beyond ordinary grilling.

Each bite delivers a punch of herbaceous complexity that awakens the palate.

Marinating infuses deep, bold notes into every tender morsel of meat.

The grill transforms these thighs into a smoky, crispy masterpiece that beckons hungry diners.

FAQs

• What is chimichurri sauce?

A zesty, herby condiment originating from Argentina, made with fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil, traditionally served with grilled meats.

• Can I make chimichurri sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to 1-2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator for the best flavor and freshness.

• Is chimichurri sauce spicy?

The sauce has a mild heat from jalapeño, but you can adjust the spiciness by removing the seeds or using less jalapeño for a milder version.

• What herbs work best in chimichurri?

Parsley and cilantro are the classic herbs, but you can experiment with a mix of fresh herbs like oregano or add a touch of mint for a unique twist.

Chimichurri Chicken Thighs Perks

• Burst with Flavor: Chimichurri sauce transforms ordinary chicken into a zesty, herb-packed culinary adventure that tingles taste buds with fresh, vibrant ingredients.
• Flexible Cooking Option: Versatile recipe allows swapping chicken types like thighs, breasts, or drumsticks, making it perfect for adapting to personal preferences or available ingredients.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Minimal steps and basic kitchen tools like a food processor help home cooks create a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques or extensive cooking skills.
• Meal Prep Champion: Marinades can be prepared well in advance, allowing busy families to have a delicious dinner ready with minimal last-minute effort, and sauce keeps for several days in the refrigerator.

Chimichurri Chicken Thighs Ingredients

• Cilantro: Fresh herb that provides a bright and zesty flavor to the chimichurri sauce.
• Parsley: Adds a clean, crisp green taste to the herb mixture.
• Oregano: Contributes an earthy and slightly peppery note to the sauce.

• Shallot: Provides a mild and sweet onion-like flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent and robust taste that enhances the overall seasoning.
• Jalapeño: Brings a spicy kick and depth to the chimichurri sauce.

• Lemon Juice: Adds acidity and brightness to balance the flavors.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Provides a tangy and sharp undertone to the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Creates a smooth and rich base for the chimichurri sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.

• Chicken Thighs: The main protein that will be marinated and grilled with the chimichurri sauce.

Chimichurri Chicken Thighs Steps

Step 1: Prepare Chimichurri Sauce Blend

Place cilantro, parsley, oregano, shallot, garlic, and jalapeño in a food processor.

Pulse until the mixture is vibrant and fragrant.

Step 2: Add Liquid Flavor Enhancers

Add lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to the processor.

Continue pulsing until the sauce is finely chopped and well combined.

Step 3: Marinate Chicken

Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper and place them in a baking dish.

Pour about a quarter cup of chimichurri sauce over the chicken, turning to coat evenly.

Marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes up to 24 hours.

Step 4: Prepare Grill

Remove chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

Step 5: Grill Chicken Perfectly

Grill chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side, cooking until juices run clear when pierced.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer grilled chicken to a serving plate and serve with extra chimichurri sauce on the side for dipping.

Chimichurri Chicken Thighs Tips

• Let chicken soak in chimichurri for at least 20 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and tenderize the meat.
• Maintain medium-high heat and cook chicken 5-6 minutes per side to ensure juicy, perfectly cooked thighs without burning.
• Swap thighs with breasts or drumsticks, adjusting cooking time – breasts need 4 minutes per side, bone-in cuts require extra minutes.
• Prepare chimichurri sauce and consume within 1-2 days for the most vibrant, zesty taste and optimal herb quality.
• Keep extra chimichurri on the side for guests to drizzle additional tangy, herbaceous flavor over their grilled chicken.

Chimichurri Chicken Thighs Variations

• Vegetarian Herb Tofu Skewers: Replace chicken with firm tofu, cut into cubes, and marinate in chimichurri sauce for a plant-based alternative that maintains the zesty herb flavor.
• Mediterranean Lamb Option: Swap chicken for lamb pieces, which absorb the chimichurri marinade beautifully and provide a rich, robust protein choice for meat lovers.
• Gluten-Free Seafood Adaptation: Use shrimp or white fish fillets instead of chicken, ensuring the recipe remains gluten-free while offering a lighter protein option with similar herb-infused taste.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Accompaniment: Serve the grilled protein over roasted cauliflower rice to create a low-carb meal that complements the chimichurri's bright, fresh flavors.

Serving Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

• Party Platter Perfection: Create a vibrant spread with grilled chimichurri chicken thighs as the centerpiece, surrounded by colorful grilled vegetables, warm flatbreads, and extra chimichurri sauce.
• Picnic Power Meal: Pack cooled chicken thighs in airtight containers with a separate chimichurri sauce container for a delicious outdoor dining experience that's easy to transport and serve.
• Protein-Packed Bowl: Layer sliced grilled chicken over quinoa or brown rice, top with additional fresh chimichurri, and add roasted corn or black beans for a hearty and nutritious meal.
• Taco Night Twist: Shred the grilled chicken, warm soft tortillas, and create a build-your-own taco station with chimichurri as a zesty alternative to traditional taco sauces.

Storing Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

• Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture to avoid overcooking.

Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Argentinian Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Thighs bring zesty herb flavors to your summer table. Juicy marinated chicken kissed with smoky grill marks and fresh parsley sauce promises a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 pounds (2 lbs) boneless skinless chicken thighs

Herbs and Aromatics:

• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 small shallot, peeled
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• fresh ground pepper

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant chimichurri sauce by blending cilantro, parsley, oregano, shallot, garlic, and jalapeño in a food processor until finely chopped.
2. Incorporate lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper into the herb mixture, pulsing until thoroughly combined.
3. Transfer chicken to a baking dish, season with salt and pepper, then generously coat with 1/4 cup of the prepared chimichurri sauce.
4. Refrigerate the marinating chicken for 20 minutes to 24 hours, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
5. Remove chicken from refrigerator 15 minutes before grilling to bring to room temperature.
6. Preheat grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F.
7. Grill chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
8. Alternative protein options include chicken breasts (halved and pounded to 1/2 inch thick), drumsticks, or bone-in thighs, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
9. Serve immediately with additional chimichurri sauce on the side for extra flavor.
10. Note: Chimichurri sauce maintains best quality when consumed within 1-2 days, though it can be refrigerated up to a week.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken thoroughly by pounding to even thickness, ensuring consistent cooking and juicier meat.
• Choose fresh herbs directly from the garden or farmer’s market for maximum flavor intensity and vibrant chimichurri sauce.
• Try heat levels by adjusting jalapeño quantity or substituting with milder peppers like poblano for sensitive palates.
• Marinating chicken for longer (up to 24 hours) intensifies the herb-infused flavors and helps break down protein fibers, creating more succulent results.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Argentinian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 567
• Sugar: 0.8 g
• Sodium: 460 mg
• Fat: 44 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 34 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 44 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg