Grilled chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant chimichurri sauce are a quick and delicious way to elevate your summer meals. The tangy, herby flavor of chimichurri complements the juicy, tender chicken thighs perfectly, making this dish a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, Chimichurri Chicken Thighs deliver both taste and simplicity.
Why Chimichurri Chicken Thighs Are the Ultimate Grilled Meal
Chimichurri Chicken Thighs are the epitome of a quick, flavorful, and family-friendly meal. The combination of the smoky grilled chicken thighs and the fresh, herby chimichurri sauce creates a mouthwatering balance that’s perfect for any occasion. The best part? This dish is easy to prepare and can be customized based on your dietary preferences. If you’re a fan of bold flavors and easy grilling, chimichurri chicken thighs should definitely be on your radar.
Ingredients for Chimichurri Chicken Thighs
Here’s a quick look at the key ingredients you’ll need for this delicious recipe:
• Fresh Cilantro: Adds a fresh, vibrant taste to the chimichurri sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Parsley: Complements cilantro with its bright, grassy notes.
• Oregano: Brings an earthy, slightly bitter flavor to balance the other herbs.
• Shallot: Provides a mild, sweet onion flavor without overpowering the chimichurri.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic richness to the sauce.
• Jalapeño: Gives the chimichurri a slight kick of heat.
• Lemon Juice: Offers acidity and freshness to cut through the richness of the chicken.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds tanginess and depth of flavor to the chimichurri sauce.
• Olive Oil: Acts as the base for the chimichurri, ensuring the sauce has the right texture.
• Kosher Salt and Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor of both the chicken and the chimichurri.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: The star of the dish, offering juicy and flavorful meat that’s perfect for grilling.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you want to switch things up or need substitutions, consider these ideas:
• Chicken Breasts: For a leaner option, chicken breasts can replace thighs, though they will require shorter cooking time.
• Cilantro-Free Chimichurri: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with more parsley for a more traditional chimichurri taste.
• Other Vinegars: If you don’t have red wine vinegar, try using white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor.
• Add More Heat: For extra spice, you can add a few more jalapeño slices or even a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Thighs
- Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce: In a food processor, combine 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro, 1/2 cup of fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano, 1 peeled shallot, 2 cloves of peeled garlic, and 1/2 jalapeño pepper (seeds removed). Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper to taste. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Marinate the Chicken Thighs: Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and season them with salt and pepper. Pour 1/4 cup of chimichurri over the chicken and coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken thighs for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is cooked, serve with extra chimichurri sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling over the top.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Chimichurri Chicken Thighs
- Avoid Overcooking: Chicken thighs cook quickly, so be sure to check for doneness after 5-6 minutes on each side. Juices should run clear, and the internal temperature should be 165°F.
- Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to ensure the juices settle and keep the meat tender.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid undercooking or overcooking, a meat thermometer ensures perfect results every time.
- Marinate Longer for More Flavor: While 20 minutes of marination is fine, allowing the chicken to sit in the chimichurri sauce for a few hours enhances the flavor significantly.
Pairing Ideas and Variations for Chimichurri Chicken Thighs
Pair these chimichurri chicken thighs with any of the following for a complete meal:
• Grilled Vegetables: Consider pairing with grilled vegetables like corn on the cob or zucchini. Drizzle extra chimichurri sauce over them for an added burst of flavor.
• Salads: A fresh salad like watermelon salad, with its juicy sweetness, pairs beautifully with the tangy chicken.
• Coconut Lime Rice: A side of coconut lime rice complements the bold flavors of chimichurri and adds a tropical flair.
• Gluten-Free Option: This dish is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The chimichurri sauce itself can be frozen in an ice cube tray for easy portioning and can be stored for up to 6 months.
The Health Benefits of Chimichurri Chicken Thighs
Chimichurri Chicken Thighs offer a delicious way to enjoy lean protein while adding a burst of fresh herbs and healthy fats from olive oil. The fresh herbs, such as parsley and cilantro, provide antioxidants, while the olive oil contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. With only 444 calories per serving, this meal is both nutritious and satisfying, making it a great option for anyone looking for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
Chimichurri Chicken Thighs are the ultimate grilled meal that combines juicy, tender chicken with the tangy, herby goodness of chimichurri sauce. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or hosting a summer BBQ, this recipe offers bold flavors and an easy cooking process that everyone will love. The combination of fresh herbs, zesty vinegar, and a hint of spice makes each bite irresistible. Serve with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.
With the flexibility to marinate the chicken for as little as 20 minutes or as long as 24 hours, this recipe can fit into any schedule, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, flavorful meal even on the busiest days. So fire up the grill and let the chimichurri do the magic—your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs about Chimichurri Chicken Thighs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe. However, keep in mind that chicken breasts cook faster than thighs. If using chicken breasts, it’s best to cut them in half or butterfly them to ensure even cooking. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken thighs for anywhere between 20 minutes to 24 hours. For the most flavor, marinate for at least 2 hours. If you’re short on time, 20 minutes at room temperature will still yield tasty results.
Can I cook Chimichurri Chicken Thighs indoors?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook the chicken on a grill pan or cast-iron skillet. Preheat the pan on medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, just like on the grill. This method will still result in juicy, flavorful chicken.
How do I store leftover Chimichurri Chicken Thighs?
Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you have extra chimichurri sauce, it can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for 3-6 months. To freeze chimichurri, pour it into an ice cube tray, freeze, and transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for easy use later.
Chimichurri Chicken Thighs – Easy and Delicious Grilled Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Grilled chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant chimichurri sauce deliver juicy, tender meat with a fresh, herby, and tangy flavor perfect for any summer meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano
- 1 shallot, peeled
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/2 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine cilantro, parsley, oregano, shallot, garlic, and jalapeño; pulse until finely chopped.
- Add lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, kosher salt, and pepper; pulse to combine into chimichurri sauce.
- Trim excess fat from chicken thighs; season with salt and pepper.
- Pour 1/4 cup chimichurri over chicken and coat evenly; marinate at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours in fridge.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill chicken thighs 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Serve with extra chimichurri sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
Avoid overcooking chicken; use a meat thermometer for best results. Let chicken rest a few minutes after grilling to retain juices. Marinate longer for deeper flavor. Can be cooked indoors on grill pan or cast-iron skillet if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Argentinian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 444
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
