Delicious Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Thighs: A Flavorful Recipe for Any Occasion

If you’re looking for a fresh and flavorful way to upgrade your chicken dinners, chimichurri chicken thighs might just become your new favorite. This recipe combines juicy, tender chicken thighs with a vibrant, homemade chimichurri sauce made from fresh herbs, garlic, lemon, and olive oil. The result? A bold and zesty dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for the grill, oven, or skillet.

Thanks to their rich texture and ability to absorb marinades well, chicken thighs pair beautifully with the tangy, herb-loaded chimichurri. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a weekend cookout, this dish is simple, satisfying, and sure to impress.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cooking options, serving ideas, storage tips, and more—so you can make the most delicious chimichurri chicken thighs at home with confidence.

What Are Chimichurri Chicken Thighs?

Chimichurri sauce and its South American roots

Chimichurri is a bold, uncooked green sauce originating in Argentina and Uruguay. Traditionally served with grilled meats, it’s a blend of finely chopped herbs like cilantro and parsley, combined with olive oil, garlic, vinegar, and a kick of chili. While steak is the classic pairing, chicken thighs absorb its flavor beautifully—making for a vibrant, juicy, and slightly spicy bite.

What makes chimichurri stand out is its acidity and freshness. Unlike creamy or tomato-based marinades, chimichurri keeps things light and herbaceous, allowing the natural flavors of your protein to shine through. The best part? It doubles as both a marinade and a sauce.

Discover great ideas like our Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta.

Why chicken thighs are the perfect pairing

Chicken thighs—especially boneless, skinless ones—are a natural match for chimichurri. They’re more flavorful and juicy than chicken breasts, and their rich meat complements the zesty, acidic profile of the sauce. Because thighs are fattier, they also hold up better to high-heat grilling or oven roasting. When marinated in chimichurri, the herbs penetrate the meat deeply, and the acids help tenderize without overcooking.

Ingredients for Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

Chimichurri Sauce Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Fresh cilantro	1/2 cup	Finely chopped
Fresh Italian parsley	1/2 cup	Finely chopped
Fresh oregano (or dried)	1 tbsp (or 1 tsp dried)	Fresh oregano gives the best flavor
Small shallot	1 small	Peeled and finely chopped
Garlic cloves	2 cloves	Peeled and minced
Jalapeño pepper	1/2 pepper	Seeded and finely chopped
Fresh lemon juice	1 tbsp	Adds brightness and tang
Apple cider vinegar	1 tbsp	Adds acidity and complexity to the flavor
Olive oil	1/2 cup	Healthy fat base for the sauce
Kosher salt	1 tsp	For seasoning
Fresh ground pepper	To taste	For seasoning

Chicken Thighs Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Boneless skinless chicken thighs	2 lbs	Ensure chicken is fresh and high quality
Kosher salt	To taste	For seasoning
Fresh ground pepper	To taste	For seasoning

How to Make Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce

1. Combine the Fresh Ingredients:
   In a food processor, add the fresh cilantro, parsley, oregano, shallot, garlic, and jalapeño pepper.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients:
   Add the fresh lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, kosher salt, and ground pepper.
3. Blend Until Smooth:
   Pulse everything until well combined and finely chopped, leaving a bit of texture for a rustic feel.
4. Taste and Adjust:
   Taste the sauce and adjust with more salt, pepper, or vinegar to balance the flavors.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Thighs

1. Season the Chicken:
   Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl. Season them with salt and pepper.
2. Coat the Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce:
   Pour about 1/4 cup of chimichurri sauce over the chicken thighs. Ensure the chicken is well coated.
3. Marinate:
   Cover the chicken and refrigerate for 20 minutes to 24 hours for the best flavor infusion.

Grilling Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

1. Preheat the Grill:
   Heat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill the Chicken:
   Grill the chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and juicy on the inside.
3. Serve with Extra Chimichurri Sauce:
   Once grilled, serve the chicken with the remaining chimichurri sauce on the side for extra flavor.

Don’t miss our healthy green juice recipe for a refreshing beverage to pair with your meal.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes That Pair Well with Chimichurri Chicken Thighs:

Side Dish	Notes
Roasted Vegetables	Roasted carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers are perfect companions.
Quinoa	A light, protein-rich alternative to rice.
Grilled Corn on the Cob	A sweet and smoky addition to the meal.
Green Salad	A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette will complement the richness of the chicken.

Tips for Perfect Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Solution
Over-marinating the chicken	Don’t marinate for more than 24 hours.
Grilling at too high heat	Don’t grill at high heat to avoid burning.
Using non-fresh herbs	Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, so avoid using dried herbs for the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why You’ll Love Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

This recipe for Chimichurri Chicken Thighs is simple yet bursting with flavor. The combination of fresh herbs, tangy vinegar, and the richness of olive oil makes for an unforgettable dish. Perfect for any grilling occasion, this dish is sure to please everyone at your table.

Enjoy this vibrant and delicious recipe with your family and friends – it’s a meal that’s both satisfying and healthy.

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