The Zesty Chimichurri Chicken Thighs Recipe You’ll Adore

Argentinian chimichurri chicken thighs bring zesty, herb-packed excitement to your dinner table.

Vibrant green sauce mingles with juicy meat, creating an explosion of flavors.

Weeknight meals demand something special, and this recipe delivers bold taste without complicated techniques.

Fresh parsley, garlic, and tangy vinegar dance together in a marinade that promises incredible depth.

Marinating works magic, infusing each tender piece with robust, bright notes.

Simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next culinary adventure.

Why Chimichurri Chicken Thighs Steal the Show

• Boost Flavor Instantly: Pack your chicken with an explosion of zesty, herbal chimichurri sauce that transforms ordinary poultry into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece.
• Master Quick Meal Prep: Craft this delectable dish in minimal steps, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner gatherings without complicated techniques.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, choosing between grilling or baking, and pairing with various side dishes to suit your taste preferences.
• Impress Without Stress: Create a gourmet-style meal that looks sophisticated but requires simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, making you feel like a culinary pro.

Everything You Need for Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful meat that serves as the primary protein for this delicious dish.

• Parsley, Cilantro, Oregano: Fresh herbs that provide vibrant, aromatic flavors to the chimichurri sauce.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent and robust flavor to both the chicken seasoning and chimichurri sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and spicy kick to the chimichurri.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Essential spices that enhance the chicken's overall taste and seasoning.

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Provides richness and helps bind the chimichurri sauce while adding a smooth texture.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Brings a tangy and acidic element to balance the flavors in the chimichurri sauce.

How to Cook Chimichurri Chicken Thighs Easily

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Cooking

Grab some chicken thighs and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Generously season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and massage the spices into every inch of the meat, ensuring maximum flavor absorption.

Step 2: Create Vibrant Chimichurri Sauce

• Fresh parsley
• Cilantro
• Oregano
• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Red wine vinegar

Chop the herbs finely and combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and let the sauce sit for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 3: Cook Chicken to Perfection

Choose your cooking method:

Grilling:

Place chicken thighs skin-side down on a preheated grill at 400°F. Cook for 6-7 minutes until beautiful grill marks appear. Flip and continue cooking for another 6-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Oven Baking:

Line a baking sheet with foil and arrange chicken thighs. Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping midway to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Dress and Present

Remove chicken from heat and generously drizzle chimichurri sauce over the top. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for additional dipping.

Step 5: Complete the Meal

Complement your chicken with grilled vegetables or a fresh side salad. Enjoy the burst of herbal and tangy flavors in every bite!

Top Tips for Flavorful Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

• Master Moisture Technique: Pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown skin that locks in delicious flavors.
• Herb Freshness Hack: Use freshly chopped herbs for maximum flavor intensity in the chimichurri sauce, avoiding dried herbs which can taste flat.
• Temperature Precision: Always use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F (75°C), guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat without drying out.
• Marinating Magic: Let chimichurri sauce sit for 15-30 minutes before serving to allow herbs and ingredients to blend and develop deeper, more complex flavors.
• Versatile Cooking Option: Easily switch between grilling and baking methods depending on weather or kitchen setup without compromising the chicken's deliciousness.

Chimichurri Chicken Thigh Styles You Can Try

• Vegetarian Herb Tofu: Replace chicken thighs with firm tofu, marinate in chimichurri sauce, and grill or bake until crispy edges form for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Mediterranean Lamb Option: Swap chicken for lamb chops, keeping the same chimichurri marinade and cooking technique to create a richer, more robust Mediterranean-style dish.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Pairing: Serve chimichurri chicken over roasted cauliflower rice instead of traditional grains, reducing carbohydrate intake while maintaining full flavor profile.
• Spicy Jalapeño Variation: Add finely chopped fresh jalapeños to the chimichurri sauce for an extra kick of heat and additional layer of complexity in the traditional recipe.

Perfect Sides for Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

• Pair Zesty Whites: Crisp, acidic white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the bright, herbal chimichurri sauce. Their refreshing notes cut through the richness of the chicken thighs.
• Create Citrus Cocktails: Mix a tangy Argentine-inspired cocktail like Pisco Sour or Paloma. These citrusy drinks mirror the vibrant chimichurri flavors and enhance the grilled chicken's smoky profile.
• Serve Rustic Sides: Roasted sweet potatoes or grilled corn with a sprinkle of cotija cheese provide earthy balance to the herb-packed chicken. Their subtle sweetness contrasts beautifully with the bold chimichurri sauce.

How to Store Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place chicken in a single layer, cover with chimichurri sauce, and seal tightly. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual chicken thighs in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Chimichurri Chicken Thigh FAQs

• What is chimichurri sauce?

A traditional Argentine condiment made with fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar. It’s a tangy, zesty sauce that adds bright flavor to grilled meats.

• Is chimichurri sauce spicy?

It can be. Adding red pepper flakes increases the heat level. You can control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of pepper flakes or leaving them out completely.

• Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs work great and will cook slightly faster than bone-in thighs. Just ensure they reach the same internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

Chimichurri Chicken Thighs Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes (grilling) or 22-24 minutes (baking)
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling chimichurri chicken thighs deliver bold Argentine flavors that dance across your palate with zesty herbs and tangy marinade. Succulent chicken emerges perfectly grilled, promising a memorable meal packed with bright, fresh herb excitement you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh Herbs and Aromatics:

• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried oregano)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy exterior. Season thoroughly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, then drizzle with olive oil, massaging the spices into the meat for maximum flavor absorption.
2. Create the chimichurri sauce by finely chopping fresh parsley, cilantro, and oregano. Incorporate minced garlic and red pepper flakes for additional zest. Blend extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to rest and meld flavors for 10-15 minutes.
3. Preheat grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). For grilling, place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 6-7 minutes until distinctive grill marks appear. Flip and continue cooking for another 6-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For oven method, arrange chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, rotating midway for uniform cooking.
4. Remove chicken from heat and generously drizzle with prepared chimichurri sauce. The vibrant herb sauce will complement the rich, crispy chicken thighs.
5. Plate the chimichurri chicken alongside grilled vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete, restaurant-quality meal. Offer additional chimichurri sauce for those who enjoy extra flavor.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is completely dry before seasoning to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and enhances flavor.
• Marinate chicken in chimichurri sauce for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking to intensify the herb-infused taste and tenderize the meat.
• Customize the heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes or using milder alternatives like smoked paprika for those with sensitive palates.
• Transform this recipe into a low-carb or keto-friendly option by serving with roasted low-carb vegetables like zucchini, cauliflower, or asparagus instead of traditional sides.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (grilling) or 12-14 minutes (baking)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Argentinian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg