Chimichurri Chicken Thighs are juicy and full of flavor! These tender chicken pieces are grilled or baked and topped with a zesty chimichurri sauce made from herbs, garlic, and vinegar.
You won’t believe how easy they are to make! I love serving them with rice or salad. Plus, the sauce is so good, you’ll want to put it on everything! 🤤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs add great flavor and keep the meat juicy. If you prefer a leaner option, boneless, skinless thighs work well too, but might need less cooking time.
Smoked Paprika: This spice gives a lovely smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even a dash of cayenne can work, but they’ll change the flavor profile slightly.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley is essential for the chimichurri. If you’re out of cilantro, just leave it out! No harm done. You can also try basil for a different twist.
Red Wine Vinegar: It balances the chimichurri’s flavor. In a pinch, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be swapped in, giving a similar tang.
How Do I Make Chicken Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating the chicken is key to infusing flavor and moisture. Combine olive oil, spices, and chicken in a bowl, rubbing the mixture over the meat. A longer marinade, like overnight, enhances flavor, but even 30 minutes will elevate the dish.
- Mix well, ensuring all chicken is coated.
- Cover and refrigerate. The acidity from the spices helps tenderize.
- Bring chicken to room temp before grilling for even cooking.
Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked perfectly—165°F (75°C) is the goal! Let it rest afterward to keep it juicy before adding chimichurri.
How to Make Chimichurri Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Chimichurri:
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (optional), finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. You’ll also need about 15-20 minutes for grilling. So, altogether, you can expect to spend around 1 hour in total, depending on how long you choose to marinate the chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken thighs in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything well and make sure each chicken thigh is coated evenly. For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, letting it sit in the refrigerator overnight works wonders!
2. Making the Chimichurri Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating, grab a medium bowl. Mix together the chopped parsley, cilantro (if you’re using it), minced garlic, red pepper flakes, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice. Stir everything well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the chimichurri aside; it will be ready to drizzle over your grilled chicken!
3. Grilling the Chicken:
Now, it’s time to fire up the grill! Preheat it to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Grill them for about 7-8 minutes until they have a nice char. Then, flip the chicken and continue grilling for another 7-8 minutes. You want to make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Serve and Enjoy:
When the chicken is done, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Before serving, drizzle the chimichurri sauce over the chicken and serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Chimichurri Chicken Thighs!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will cook faster, so adjust your grilling time to about 5-6 minutes per side. Make sure to check that the internal temperature still reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What Can I Substitute for Red Wine Vinegar?
If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute. Both will provide a nice acidity to the chimichurri sauce, but keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly.
Can I Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce in Advance?
Yes, you can make the chimichurri sauce a day ahead! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to help the flavors meld, and give it a quick stir.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Thighs?
Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or briefly microwave them. Enjoy them cold as well, sliced over salads!
