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Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

Chimichurri chicken thighs with a vibrant herb sauce and charred, crispy skin. Chicken is marinated with half the chimichurri, grilled until 165°F, then topped with the remaining sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
marinating 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Argentinian
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

chicken thighs
  • 8 chicken thighs bone-in or boneless
  • 1 salt and pepper to taste salt and pepper to taste
chimichurri
  • 1 cup fresh parsley, packed
  • 0.25 cup fresh oregano
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 0.25 cup red wine vinegar
  • 0.5 cup olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 salt to taste

Equipment

  • 1 grill

Method
 

Make the chimichurri
  1. Blend fresh parsley, fresh oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and salt until smooth but slightly chunky, about 30-60 seconds. Stop once the mixture is cohesive with visible herb bits.
Season and marinate the chicken
  1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and brush them with half the chimichurri. Use a thin, even coating so the herbs adhere to the skin.
  2. Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours in the refrigerator. Keep it covered so the surface stays moist while absorbing flavor.
Grill
  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Aim for a steady heat so the thighs char without drying out.
  2. Grill the chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is crispy. Flip once and continue grilling until both sides are deeply browned with charred spots.
  3. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute so the thighs stay tender.
  4. Serve the grilled chicken topped with the remaining fresh chimichurri. Spoon it generously so the bright green sauce contrasts with the charred surface.

Notes

For the best texture, keep a close eye on the grill and avoid moving the thighs too early—let them sear to build crisp skin and char. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently so the chimichurri stays fresh-tasting. Freezing is not recommended for the chimichurri topping, but you can freeze cooked chicken (up to 2 months) and add fresh sauce after reheating. For a lower-fat option, reduce olive oil to 1/4 cup while blending and stretch the sauce with extra vinegar and a splash of water.