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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Both bone-in and boneless chicken thighs work well. I prefer bone-in for more flavor and moisture, but boneless is a quicker option if you’re short on time. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner cut.
Olive Oil: This is key for both cooking and the chimichurri. If you’re looking for a substitute, avocado oil has a similar flavor and works beautifully for grilling. For a twist, try using flavored oils like garlic or chili oil.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley is a must for chimichurri, but you can mix it up with cilantro or basil for a different taste. Dried oregano can replace fresh in a pinch, just use less—about one-third of the amount.
Red Wine Vinegar: This adds a nice tang. If you don’t have it, feel free to use apple cider vinegar or lemon juice instead. They add acidity that balances the richness of the chicken.
How Do I Get the Chicken Thighs Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken thighs can be a bit tricky, but with the right technique, you’ll get juicy results. The key is to create a good sear while keeping the inside tender. Here’s how:
- Always preheat the grill or pan to medium-high heat before adding the chicken. This helps achieve that nice char.
- Season the chicken thighs well with salt and pepper and coat them with olive oil. This enhances flavor and prevents sticking.
- Cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Brush the chimichurri sauce on the thighs during the last minute of cooking for maximum flavor.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, making every bite delicious!
How to Make Chimichurri Chicken Thighs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Chimichurri Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare, plus around 15-20 minutes for grilling. So, in total, you should expect to spend about 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your Grill:
Start by heating your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. This will ensure that the chicken gets a nice sear and cooks evenly.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and rub it all over the chicken to coat it evenly. This will help enhance the flavors and keep the chicken moist while cooking.
3. Make the Chimichurri Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped parsley, 1/2 cup olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Stir everything together well and set the sauce aside for a bit. The flavors will meld beautifully while the chicken cooks.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 6-8 minutes on each side. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C) and the outside to be nicely charred. This gives it that delicious grilled flavor!
5. Finish with Chimichurri:
During the last minute of grilling, brush some of the chimichurri sauce onto the chicken thighs. This will add an extra layer of flavor and keep them juicy!
6. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help the juices settle in. When you’re ready to serve, top the chicken thighs with additional chimichurri sauce and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if you like. Enjoy your delicious chimichurri chicken thighs!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are great for this recipe, you can also use chicken breasts or drumsticks. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary: breasts tend to cook faster, so check for doneness around 5-7 minutes per side to prevent drying out.
How Should I Store Leftover Chimichurri Chicken Thighs?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the chimichurri sauce separate if possible to maintain freshness. Reheat in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Parsley for the Chimichurri?
No worries! If fresh parsley isn’t available, you can substitute it with fresh cilantro for a different flavor twist. Alternatively, you can use dried parsley; just use about a third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Can I Make the Chimichurri Sauce in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the chimichurri sauce up to 2 days ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before using to bring back its vibrant flavors.
