Name: Zesty Chimichurri Chicken for a Flavorful BBQ Night
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (Can substitute with chicken breasts for a leaner option.); 1 bunch Flat Leaf Parsley (Fresh herb that’s key to a vibrant chimichurri.); 1 tbsp Oregano (Fresh is recommended, but dried works in a pinch.); 1 piece Red Chili Pepper (Can swap with dried red pepper flakes.); 3 cloves Garlic Cloves (Finely chop for better infusion.); 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Use high-quality oil.); 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar (Can substitute with white wine vinegar.); 1 tsp Kosher Salt (Adjust to taste based on dietary restrictions.); 1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper (Adds an extra layer of seasoning.)

As the sun begins to set and the air is filled with the sound of sizzling grills, there’s nothing more satisfying than a plate of Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Thighs. This recipe brings together juicy, perfectly charred chicken thighs smothered in a vibrant chimichurri sauce—herbaceous, zesty, and undeniably fresh. Imagine hosting a summer gathering where everyone raves about this quick and easy dish—it’s gluten-free and a healthy dinner option that even the busiest weeknights can accommodate. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep! Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply spice up your weeknight dinner routine, this chimichurri chicken is a delightful addition. Ready to make your taste buds dance? Let’s dive into the details of this flavorful recipe!

1bb045a6 591f 4c9e acba

Why is Chimichurri Chicken a Must-Try?

Bursting with Flavor: Each bite of Grilled Chimichurri Chicken offers a delightful mix of herbs that invigorate your taste buds, making it the ultimate summer dish.

Quick Preparation: In just 30 minutes, you can serve a gourmet meal that’s sure to impress friends and family.

Healthy Option: This gluten-free chicken is packed with lean protein and healthy fats, perfect for any nutritious diet!

Versatile Pairing: Enjoy with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad, as it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, keeping your meals exciting.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for meal prep, this dish tastes even better the next day with the flavors melding beautifully—perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings!

Impress Your Guests: Serve this at your next barbecue and watch as everyone asks for the recipe, just like they would for my Cheesy Chicken Spinach or Fiery Chicken Ramen!

Chimichurri Chicken Ingredients

For the Chicken
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs – The main protein that remains juicy and flavorful; can substitute with chicken breasts for a leaner option.

For the Chimichurri Sauce
• Flat Leaf Parsley – Fresh herb that’s key to a vibrant chimichurri; always opt for fresh for the best flavor.
• Oregano – Adds warm depth; fresh is recommended, but 1 teaspoon of dried works in a pinch.
• Red Chili Pepper – Provides a spicy kick; can easily swap with ½ teaspoon of dried red pepper flakes for heat.
• Garlic Cloves – Essential for aromatic charm; finely chop for better infusion into the sauce.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – The base fat for chimichurri, ensuring smoothness and richness, so use a high-quality oil.
• Red Wine Vinegar – Balances the flavor with acidity; white wine vinegar can be a substitute if needed.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances overall flavor; adjust to your taste based on dietary restrictions.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Adds an extra layer of seasoning for a well-rounded taste.

Note: This delicious chimichurri chicken is gluten-free, making it a fantastic choice for those wanting a healthy dinner option!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chimichurri Chicken

Step 1: Make the Chimichurri Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine finely chopped flat-leaf parsley, fresh oregano, and red chili pepper. Add minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir the mixture well until all ingredients come together, creating a vibrant sauce rich in flavor and color. Set it aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the chicken.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs in a large mixing bowl and pour about one-third of the freshly made chimichurri sauce over them. Using your hands or a spoon, ensure each piece of chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes for a quick marination, or longer if you have time, up to 4-8 hours for enhanced flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Grill
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, about 375-400°F (190-200°C). Once hot, lightly oil the grates using a paper towel dipped in cooking oil. This step prevents the chicken from sticking, ensuring beautiful grill marks and easy flipping later on.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let excess marinade drip off. Place chicken thighs on the preheated grill, cooking for 4-6 minutes per side. To check if they are ready, look for grill marks and an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), which indicates the chicken is thoroughly cooked and juicy.

Step 5: Serve with Chimichurri
Once grilled to perfection, transfer the chicken thighs to a serving plate. Generously drizzle the remaining chimichurri sauce over the warm chicken, allowing each bite to be infused with that vibrant flavor. Serve immediately, and savor the deliciousness of your homemade chimichurri chicken with your favorite sides!

1bb045a6 591f 4c9e acba aa50b73e73bcbl rawg5k

How to Store and Freeze Chimichurri Chicken

Fridge: Store leftover chimichurri chicken in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Keep the chimichurri sauce separate to maintain its vibrant flavor.

Freezer: Freeze the chimichurri chicken in airtight freezer bags for up to 3 months. Label bags with the date for easy sorting later.

Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Warm the chicken in the oven or microwave until heated through, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Marinade Storage: Extra chimichurri sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week or frozen for later use, adding zesty flavor to any future meals.

Expert Tips for Grilled Chimichurri Chicken

Marinate Smartly: For optimal flavor, marinate for 4-8 hours. Avoid exceeding 24 hours to prevent chicken thighs from becoming mushy and overly soft.
Even Thickness: Pound the chicken thighs to an even thickness before grilling, which helps them cook evenly and gives you those perfect grill marks!
Alternative Cooking Method: If grilling isn’t an option, don’t fret! You can also cook the chicken on a skillet over medium-high heat and achieve delicious results.
Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the chimichurri sauce. The better the oil, the richer and more flavorful your chimichurri chicken will be.
Flavorful Variations: Experiment by adding citrus zest such as lemon or lime to the chimichurri for a refreshing twist. Different herbs like cilantro can substitute for parsley, adding diversity!
Test for Doneness: Always check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption while retaining juiciness.

Make Ahead Options

Grilled Chimichurri Chicken is an excellent choice for meal prep, allowing you to savor the vibrant flavors even on your busiest weeknights. You can prepare the chimichurri sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. Additionally, marinate the chicken thighs in the chimichurri sauce for 24 hours ahead of time, ensuring the flavors penetrate the meat beautifully. Just keep in mind not to marinate for more than 24 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming mushy. When you’re ready to cook, simply grill the marinated chicken as directed, and you’ll have a delicious, homemade meal with minimal effort!

What to Serve with Grilled Chimichurri Chicken?

Enhancing your grilled chicken experience can elevate your summer meals and delight your guests with vibrant flavors.

Grilled Vegetables: Charred zucchini, bell peppers, and corn on the cob create a beautiful color palette and balance with the chicken’s zestiness.
Crispy Potato Wedges: These crunchy and golden-brown wedges offer a comforting texture that complements the juicy chicken flawlessly.
Fresh Cucumber Salad: A light salad, with crisp cucumbers and a tangy dressing, provides a refreshing contrast and cleanses the palate after each bite.
Quinoa Tabbouleh: This herbaceous mix of quinoa, parsley, and tomatoes adds a nutty flavor and packed nutrition, perfectly pairing with the rich chimichurri chicken.
Garlic Bread: Toasted bread smeared with garlic butter makes for a delightful side that can soak up any leftover chimichurri sauce.
Peach Iced Tea: This sweet and refreshing beverage enhances the meal while echoing the summer vibes, making for an inviting dinner setting.

Chimichurri Chicken Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to mix things up with these creative ideas to customize your chimichurri chicken experience!

Chicken Breasts: Swap out chicken thighs for breasts for a leaner option. Just be sure to use a bit more chimichurri sauce.
Fresh Herbs: Try using fresh cilantro or basil instead of parsley for a different flavor profile. Each herb brings a unique twist that can brighten the dish!
Citrus Twist: Add lemon juice and zest to your chimichurri for a refreshing citrus kick that compliments the meat beautifully.
Spice Level: If you love heat, toss in some diced jalapeños along with the red chili pepper for a fiery flavor boost. It will awaken your taste buds!
Sweetness: Incorporate a touch of honey to your chimichurri sauce for a sweet balance that plays wonderfully with the tangy vinegar.
Grilled Veggies: Don’t forget to grill some mixed vegetables alongside! Veggies like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers can elevate your meal with added nutrients and flavors.
Make it Smoky: For a smoky flavor, include some smoked paprika in the chimichurri. This adds a delightful depth, reminiscent of a summer barbecue.
Garlic Lovers: Increase the garlic cloves for an even more aromatic experience. The robust flavor enhances the overall dish and makes it even more irresistible.

These variations will keep your summer cookouts lively and your weeknight dinners exciting. And if you’re looking for more delightful chicken options, be sure to explore my recipes for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli or Balsamic Glazed Chicken!

1bb045a6 591f 4c9e acba aa50b73e73bcbr kgdjuk

Chimichurri Chicken Recipe FAQs

What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?
I recommend using boneless skinless chicken thighs for their juicy and flavorful profile. If you prefer chicken breasts, you can substitute them, but be mindful that they may require additional chimichurri sauce for the perfect burst of flavor.

How can I make sure my chimichurri sauce tastes fresh?
Absolutely! To ensure freshness, always opt for fresh flat-leaf parsley and oregano instead of dried herbs. The vibrant flavor from fresh herbs makes a world of difference in your chimichurri sauce, elevating the taste of your chimichurri chicken.

How should I store leftover chimichurri chicken?
Store your leftover chimichurri chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. For the best flavor, keep the chimichurri sauce separate and drizzle it over the chicken just before serving!

Can I freeze chimichurri chicken?
Yes! To freeze chimichurri chicken, place it in airtight freezer bags, ensuring you remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It’s best used within 3 months. Label the bags with the date, and when you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat until it reaches 165°F (75°C).

How do I prevent the chicken from becoming mushy during marination?
For the best results, marinate chicken thighs for 4-8 hours, as this timeframe enhances flavor without compromising texture. Avoid exceeding 24 hours, as prolonged marination can lead to mushy chicken.

What should I serve with chimichurri chicken?
Pair your chimichurri chicken with grilled vegetables like corn on the cob and asparagus, or even a fresh salad with tomatoes and cucumbers. These accompaniments not only enhance the meal but keep your dining experience exciting!