Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri

Name: Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: Argentinian
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro; 1/2 cup fresh Italian parsley; 1 tablespoon fresh oregano; 1 small shallot; 2 cloves garlic; 1/2 jalapeño pepper; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon red apple vinegar; 1/2 cup olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe By:

Juliette

Posted:

September 25, 2025

Updated:

September 25, 2025

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Juicy and flavorful, Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri are perfect for any occasion. This dish combines tender chicken thighs with a zesty chimichurri sauce that enhances the natural flavors while providing a delightful kick. Ideal for summer barbecues, family dinners, or meal prep, this recipe guarantees satisfaction with its vibrant taste and ease of preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The chimichurri sauce is packed with fresh herbs and spices, making every bite bursting with flavor.
Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time, you can spend more time enjoying your meal rather than cooking it.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main dish or slice it for salads, wraps, or sandwiches.
Healthy Choice: Lean chicken thighs provide protein while the sauce adds nutrients without extra calories.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Marinate the chicken ahead of time and grill when ready to serve.

Tools and Preparation

To achieve the best results for your grilled chicken thighs, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Food processor
Grill
Baking dish
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Food processor: Makes blending the chimichurri ingredients quick and easy, ensuring a smooth texture.
Grill: Provides that delicious smoky flavor to the chicken and achieves perfect grill marks.
Baking dish: Ideal for marinating the chicken evenly in the chimichurri sauce.

Ingredients

For the Chimichurri Sauce

1/2 cup fresh cilantro (fresh)
1/2 cup fresh Italian parsley (chopped, fresh)
1 tablespoon fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 small shallot (peeled)
2 cloves garlic (peeled)
1/2 jalapeño pepper (seeded)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon red apple vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
fresh ground pepper

For the Chicken

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs

How to Make Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri

Step 1: Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce

In a food processor, combine:
1. Cilantro, parsley, oregano, shallot, garlic, and jalapeño.
2. Add in lemon juice, red apple vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pulse until well combined and finely chopped.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken in a baking dish.
Season with salt and pepper.
Pour 1/4 cup of chimichurri over the chicken.
Turn to coat completely.
Marinate for 20 minutes to 24 hours in the refrigerator.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Remove chicken from refrigerator to warm slightly while heating grill to medium-high heat.
Cook chicken about 5-6 minutes per side until juices run clear.

Step 4: Serve

Serve your grilled chicken thighs hot off the grill with extra chimichurri on the side for drizzling.

This simple yet elegant recipe for Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri will impress your guests or family while keeping cooking fun and straightforward!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri

Grilled chicken thighs with chimichurri are versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a cozy family dinner, these juicy chicken thighs will impress your guests.

With Fresh Salad

A crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers pairs perfectly with the flavorful chicken. Drizzle some extra chimichurri on top for added taste.

In Tacos

Use the grilled chicken as a filling for soft corn tortillas. Top with sliced avocado, diced onions, and a drizzle of chimichurri for a delicious twist.

Over Rice or Quinoa

Serve the chicken on a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. The grains soak up the chimichurri sauce, making each bite flavorful.

With Grilled Vegetables

Complement your chicken with seasonal grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus. The smoky flavor enhances the meal.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri

To ensure your grilled chicken thighs turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour (up to 24 hours) enhances flavor and tenderness.
Preheat Your Grill: Make sure your grill is hot before placing the chicken on it. This helps achieve great sear marks and prevents sticking.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This guarantees juicy and safe-to-eat chicken.
Let It Rest: After grilling, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices inside.
Experiment with Chimichurri: Feel free to adjust chimichurri ingredients to suit your taste—add more garlic or spice it up with additional jalapeño.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri

Pairing side dishes with grilled chicken thighs can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement this dish well.

Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs provide a hearty side that balances the dish.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your meal.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with olive oil and grilled until charred makes for a delightful summer side.
Garlic Bread: Toasted bread topped with garlic butter adds a comforting touch that pairs well with chimichurri sauce.
Couscous Salad: A light couscous salad tossed with lemon and fresh vegetables complements the flavors in your main dish.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: A refreshing salad featuring chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs adds protein and freshness to your plate.
Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles serve as a low-carb alternative that absorbs excess sauce beautifully.
Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli provides a nutrient-rich option that balances out richer flavors from the chicken and sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

Skipping the Marinade: Failing to marinate the chicken can result in bland flavors. Always allow enough time for the chicken to soak up the chimichurri sauce.
Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken thighs too long can lead to dryness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Not Using Fresh Herbs: Dried herbs lack the vibrant flavor of fresh herbs in chimichurri. Always opt for fresh herbs for the best taste.
Ignoring Rest Time: Cutting into chicken immediately after grilling will cause juices to escape. Let your chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Using Low-Quality Olive Oil: A good olive oil enhances the chimichurri flavor. Invest in a quality oil for better results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover grilled chicken thighs in an airtight container.
They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri

Freeze grilled chicken thighs in a freezer-safe bag or container.
They will maintain their quality for up to 3 months.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat chicken on a baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover; heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist, and cook until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri:

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinating the chicken for at least 20 minutes will greatly enhance its flavor, but you can leave it overnight for even better results.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! This chimichurri sauce pairs well with beef, lamb, or turkey if you’re looking for variety.

What is chimichurri sauce made of?

Chimichurri sauce is typically made from fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, and spices.

How do I make my chimichurri spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of jalapeño pepper or add red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.

Can I prepare chimichurri ahead of time?

Absolutely! Chimichurri can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to one week. Just give it a good stir before using.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize this recipe by adding different herbs or spices based on your preference. Whether served at a summer barbecue or as a weeknight dinner, this dish promises satisfaction. Give it a try!