Chimichurri Chicken Thighs Recipe

Chimichurri Chicken Thighs have seriously saved my dinner plans so many times, I’ve lost count. You know those nights where you open the fridge and just stare? Yeah, that’s usually me, but then I remember this recipe and boom, I’m back in business. Cooking chicken can turn boring fast (ugh, plain chicken breast again?) so trust me, you want something with a kick. This one is loaded with flavor, crazy easy, and nobody complains, not even the picky ones. And hey, if you love easy chicken recipes, you really gotta check out this easy crockpot chicken thighs recipe or maybe if you want that sweet-meets-savory twist, I recommend bacon brown sugar chicken tenders for another night. Anyway. Let’s get into it!

Key Ingredients for Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

Alright, ingredient time. Don’t think you need anything fancy—just some fresh stuff, a little patience (ok, not too much), and you’re golden. The whole thing really centers around the chimichurri, the punchy Argentinian sauce. You absolutely need fresh parsley. Flat Italian parsley knocks curly parsley out of the park. Don’t use dried—it just tastes tired. Next up is good olive oil, not the cheap, bitter one hiding at the back of your pantry.

Garlic is non-negotiable, but if you’re that person who thinks two cloves is “spicy,” maybe just use one. There’s also red wine vinegar for that zing, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re wild. Chicken thighs are ideal because, honestly, they’re forgiving — don’t dry out like those sad chicken breasts. Salt, pepper, a little oregano, and if you want extra bright flavor, squeeze some fresh lemon in—totally optional, but oh man, do I recommend it.

Seriously, if you forget an ingredient, don’t panic. Chimichurri Chicken Thighs are flexible. I’ve made them when I was missing half the list and nobody knew. But don’t skip the parsley or garlic—just don’t.

How to Make Chimichurri Chicken

Here’s where it gets real—making these Chimichurri Chicken Thighs is easier than tying your shoes (well, maybe just as easy). First, whip up your chimichurri. Toss everything—parsley, garlic, vinegar, oil, oregano, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes—into a food processor and zip it around till it’s a chunky sauce. Don’t puree the heck out of it, you want texture. No processor? Chop everything as fine as you can and stir. Done.

Rub about half of that saucy goodness all over the chicken thighs. Use your hands, don’t be shy. Let those sit. Half-hour is great, but overnight? Magic. When you’re ready, grill or sear them in a hot pan until good and golden. (Hey, oven works in a pinch, too.) Just cook them till the juices run clear and there’s a little char. Plop them on a plate and spoon over the rest of the chimichurri. It’s rustic. It’s messy. It’s five-star kinda good.

And pro move—this technique works on other cuts. Try swapping in drumsticks, or even boneless thighs if that’s all you got. Chickens don’t judge.

I tried these Chimichurri Chicken Thighs for a weeknight dinner and they changed the game. Super juicy and the chimichurri makes it taste like a restaurant meal. My picky teen even asked for seconds. Thanks for the easy win!

Recipe Tips

So, want these Chimichurri Chicken Thighs to taste awesome every single time? A couple tips from my many, many (maybe embarrassing) nights making this:

• If the chicken thighs are bone-in, add a couple extra minutes cooking time. More flavor, though.
• Marinate as long as you possibly can. Even 20 minutes in chimichurri makes a difference, but overnight just—wow.
• Don’t wipe off the extra marinade. Let it cook with the chicken, get all crispy and sizzly.
• If grilling, don’t keep flipping them. Let them sit, get those brown bits (the best part).
• Got leftovers? Chop ’em up for salads or wraps—easy next-day lunch.

Eating a chicken dinner doesn’t have to be a snooze-fest, seriously.

Pair These With

Looking for juicy Chimichurri Chicken Thighs sides that’ll impress even the weird eaters at your table? Try these out:

• Roasted potatoes—nothing beats them, and you don’t need a recipe.
• Simple steamed veggies. Broccoli, green beans, whatever you got.
• Crusty bread—soak up that chimichurri sauce.
• Summer salad. Use what’s fresh at your market, go wild!

No rules here. Serve with what makes you happy, or just whatever is quick. If you want more chicken ideas, maybe give this bbq chicken tostadas recipe a look for leftover inspiration.

Make Ahead and Storage

I get it, time is short. But the cool thing about Chimichurri Chicken Thighs? You can totally prep ahead. Throw the chicken with marinade in a bag the night before and forget about it. When you’re home later, they’ll be ready for the grill (or pan, or oven—see, flexible). Leftovers? Toss ‘em in a sealed container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for 3-4 days—just reheat gently so they stay moist.

Oh, and the chimichurri sauce itself? Make a double batch. It actually gets better after a day in the fridge and goes on everything—eggs, veggies, sandwiches. It’s fridge gold.

If you’re meal prepping or just want easy chicken without thinking, check out best crockpot chicken breast easy delicious. It’s another lifesaver when you can’t be bothered.

Common Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yep. Just keep an eye so they don’t dry out—thighs are juicier but breasts work fine.

Is chimichurri spicy?
Not really, unless you go wild with the red pepper flakes. Totally adjustable!

Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Definitely. Oven at 425°F and roast till golden, about 25-30 minutes.

Do I have to marinate the chicken?
If you’re in a rush, no. But the flavor soaks in so much better if you let it sit, so try to give it a bit of time.

What if I don’t have a food processor?
Old-school method: Chop everything by hand. It’ll taste just as good, promise.

You Have To Try This One Yourself

Honestly, these Chimichurri Chicken Thighs are weeknight heroes and dinner party champions—no lie. The whole thing takes barely any effort and the flavors are just off the charts. Make it once, then go tell a friend to try it. Really, recipes this good are meant to be shared. Want an alternate take or step-by-step photos? Head over to these Chimichurri Chicken Thighs if you need a visual walk-through! For more chicken ideas, don’t skip these best oven roasted boneless chicken breasts and the sauce-lovers will find happiness with creamy chicken fettuccine alfredo recipe. Go give it a shot—I promise it’ll end up in your regular dinner rotation.

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