Zesty Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri Recipe

Succulent grilled chicken thighs dance with vibrant chimichurri, creating a flavor explosion that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners.

Argentinian herbs and zesty spices mingle in this classic sauce, promising a mouthwatering experience.

Bold green notes from parsley and garlic complement the tender, smoky meat perfectly.

Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully marinated bite, inviting culinary adventure.

Fresh ingredients make this recipe sing with authentic charm and simplicity.

Marinading techniques unlock deep, complex flavors that will surprise and delight.

You can’t resist the aromatic blend of herbs and charred chicken that beckons from the grill.

Prepare to embark on a taste journey that celebrates bold, rustic cooking.

Why Grilled Chicken Thighs With Chimichurri Stand Out

• Customize with Bold Flavor: Chimichurri sauce transforms ordinary chicken into a zesty, restaurant-quality meal with minimal kitchen effort.
• Grill Like a Pro: Learn simple grilling techniques that create perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat, making you look like a culinary expert without complicated steps.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Impress family and friends with a delicious dinner that comes together faster than ordering takeout, packed with fresh herbs and bold seasoning.
• Versatile Meal Option: Adaptable recipe works great for weeknight dinners, weekend barbecues, or casual gatherings, satisfying different taste preferences with its vibrant sauce.

What’s Inside Grilled Chicken Thighs With Chimichurri

• Chicken Thighs: Flavorful cut of meat that provides rich taste and juicy texture when grilled.

• Parsley, Cilantro: Fresh herbs that create a vibrant and aromatic green sauce base.
• Garlic: Adds bold, pungent flavor to the chimichurri sauce.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Provides tangy acidity to balance the herb mixture.
• Olive Oil: Helps blend ingredients and adds smooth, rich undertone to the sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Enhance overall flavor profile with depth and mild heat.
• Garlic Powder: Adds concentrated garlic flavor to season the chicken.

• Lemon: Provides bright, zesty citrus note to complete the dish.

Cooking Grilled Chicken Thighs With Chimichurri

Step 1: Whip Up Chimichurri Sauce

• Fresh parsley
• Cilantro
• Garlic cloves
• Red wine vinegar
• Olive oil
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend everything until the sauce becomes smooth and brilliantly green. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken for Grilling

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Ensure each thigh gets an even coating of spices.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Heat the grill to medium-high temperature around 400°F. Create two cooking zones: direct and indirect heat areas.

Step 4: Sear Chicken Skin

Place chicken thighs skin-side down on direct heat. Grill for 5-7 minutes until the skin turns crispy and develops a gorgeous golden-brown color.

Step 5: Complete Cooking Process

Flip chicken pieces and move them to the indirect heat zone. Continue cooking for 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Step 6: Rest and Refresh Chicken

Remove chicken from grill. Let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Step 7: Add Chimichurri Magic

Generously drizzle the prepared chimichurri sauce over the grilled chicken thighs.

Step 8: Brighten with Citrus

Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top to add a zesty, tangy finish.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the chicken immediately. Offer extra chimichurri sauce on the side for dipping and additional flavor enjoyment.

Tips For Juicy Grilled Chicken Thighs With Chimichurri

• Select Fresh Herbs: Use vibrant, crisp parsley and cilantro for maximum flavor intensity in the chimichurri sauce.
• Pat Chicken Thoroughly: Remove excess moisture from chicken thighs to achieve perfectly crispy skin during grilling.
• Monitor Grill Temperature: Maintain consistent medium-high heat around 400°F to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
• Rest Meat Properly: Allow grilled chicken to rest 5 minutes before serving to help juices redistribute and maintain tenderness.
• Adjust Spice Level: Control red pepper flakes quantity to personalize chimichurri sauce's heat according to your preference.

Flavor Ideas For Grilled Chicken Thighs With Chimichurri

• Spicy Jalapeño Chimichurri: Replace red pepper flakes with fresh minced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat and fresh green color.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Substitute some parsley with fresh oregano and add a sprinkle of dried za'atar spice blend for a Middle Eastern-inspired flavor profile.
• Citrus-Infused Chimichurri: Mix in orange zest and replace red wine vinegar with fresh orange juice to create a brighter, more tangy sauce with subtle sweetness.
• Smoky Chipotle Version: Blend in a small amount of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to introduce a deep, smoky undertone to the traditional chimichurri marinade.

What To Serve With Grilled Chicken Thighs With Chimichurri

• Elevate Herb-Packed Chicken Delight
• Pair Zesty Argentinian Malbec with robust red fruit notes that complement the chimichurri's bold herbal flavors, cutting through the rich chicken's richness.
• Rustic Sidekick Selection
• Create a fresh quinoa salad with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the grilled chicken's intense seasoning and provide a cooling contrast.
• Wine-Free Refreshment Route
• Mix a crisp ginger-lime sparkling water with fresh mint leaves, delivering a bright, clean palate cleanser that echoes the chimichurri's vibrant herbal undertones without overpowering the dish's delicate grilled chicken profile.

How To Store Grilled Chicken Thighs With Chimichurri

• Store leftover grilled chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate the chicken from the chimichurri sauce to maintain its crispy texture.
• Wrap individual chicken thighs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Keep extra chimichurri sauce in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Pour a thin layer of olive oil on top to preserve freshness and prevent oxidation.
• Warm refrigerated chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.

Grilled Chicken Thighs With Chimichurri Q&A

• What ingredients make chimichurri sauce special?

Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro combined with garlic, red wine vinegar, and olive oil create a vibrant, tangy sauce that brings bold flavor to grilled meats.

• How do I know when chicken thighs are perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat while remaining juicy.

• Can I prepare chimichurri sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the sauce up to 2 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually intensify as it sits.

Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent grilled chicken thighs with chimichurri sing with Argentine passion, blending herbal zest and smoky char. Juicy meat meets bold green sauce, creating a perfect summer grill experience for hungry diners seeking bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)

Herbs and Spices for Chicken:

• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Chimichurri Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Additional Components:

• 1 lemon (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Blend parsley, cilantro, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a food processor until smooth to create vibrant chimichurri sauce.
2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and generously season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring even coverage.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F), preparing both direct and indirect cooking zones.
4. Place chicken thighs skin-side down on direct heat, grilling for 5-7 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
5. Rotate chicken and transfer to indirect heat zone, continuing to cook for an additional 10-12 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
7. Drizzle generous amount of prepared chimichurri sauce over grilled chicken thighs.
8. Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top for bright, zesty finish.
9. Serve immediately, accompanied by extra chimichurri sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken by using a meat mallet before seasoning to ensure even thickness and faster, more consistent cooking.
• Marinate chicken in chimichurri sauce for 2-4 hours before grilling to enhance flavor penetration and create more juicy meat.
• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and prevent drying out during grilling process.
• For gluten-free and low-carb diets, this recipe is naturally compliant without needing modifications.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Argentinian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg