Description
This Chimichurri Chicken Recipe features juicy, seared chicken thighs topped with vibrant homemade chimichurri sauce made with fresh parsley, garlic, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. The sauce doubles as both marinade and finishing drizzle, making this an easy yet flavor-packed dinner perfect for busy weeknights or summer grilling.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
For the Chimichurri Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Make the Chimichurri:
In a bowl, combine parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow flavors to meld. - Marinate the Chicken:
Place chicken thighs in a bowl. Add half of the chimichurri sauce and 1/2 tsp salt. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor. - Cook the Chicken:
- Grill Method: Grill over medium-high heat (about 425°F) for 5 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Finish and Serve:
Transfer cooked chicken to a serving platter and spoon the remaining chimichurri sauce over the top. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts; slice them lengthwise for even cooking.
- Chicken tenders work well but cook faster than thighs.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving for extra juiciness.
- Chimichurri can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling or Stovetop
- Cuisine: Argentine-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg