Chimichurri Chicken Thighs Recipe That Will Transform Dinner Tonight

Have you ever found yourself staring into your refrigerator at 6 PM, wondering how to transform those chicken thighs into something spectacular without spending hours in the kitchen? You’re not alone! These chimichurri chicken thighs have been my go-to solution for busy weeknights for years. I first discovered this recipe when my mother-in-law visited from Argentina and showed me her family’s cherished chimichurri sauce recipe. What I love most about these chimichurri chicken thighs is how they deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort – perfect for those nights when you want something impressive but don’t have the energy for complicated cooking.

The vibrant green sauce paired with juicy chicken thighs creates a meal that feels special enough for company but simple enough for Monday night dinner. Let me show you how to make this family favorite that’s changed our weeknight dinner game forever.

Ingredients for Perfect Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

Chimichurri chicken thighs start with quality ingredients that bring together the perfect balance of herbaceous, tangy, and savory flavors. Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish:

For the chicken:

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2-2.5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

For the chimichurri sauce:

• 1 cup fresh parsley, packed
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, packed
• 3 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves (or 1 tablespoon dried)
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Don’t have fresh herbs on hand? While fresh is best for authentic chimichurri, you can substitute dried herbs in a pinch – just reduce the quantities by two-thirds and add a splash of water to help rehydrate them.

Timing

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

This chimichurri chicken thigh recipe comes together in less than half the time of most roasted chicken recipes, making it perfect for weeknights when time is tight.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

Preparing the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures crispy skin on your chimichurri chicken thighs.
3. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and minced garlic.
4. Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil, then season generously with the spice mixture, making sure to get some under the skin.
5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in a large cast-iron skillet or oven-safe dish.

Making the Chimichurri

1. While the oven preheats, add parsley, cilantro, oregano, and garlic to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped but not puréed.
2. Transfer the herbs to a bowl and stir in olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
3. Let the sauce sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This resting time is what gives chimichurri chicken thighs their distinctive depth of flavor.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
2. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
3. Spoon generous amounts of chimichurri sauce over the hot chicken thighs just before serving.

Pro tip: Reserve about half of your chimichurri sauce for the table – the bright, fresh sauce makes a perfect companion for each bite of the chimichurri chicken thighs.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of chimichurri chicken thighs (2 thighs with sauce) contains approximately:

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fat: 42g (mostly heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil)
• Fiber: 1g

These chimichurri chicken thighs are naturally low-carb and packed with protein, making them perfect for those following keto or paleo eating plans. For more protein-packed dinner ideas, check out these high-protein meals at HarmonyMeal.

Equipment Needed for Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

Creating perfect chimichurri chicken thighs requires minimal equipment, which is another reason I love this recipe for busy weeknights:

• Large cast-iron skillet or oven-safe baking dish
• Food processor or sharp knife for herb chopping
• Mixing bowl for the chimichurri sauce
• Instant-read meat thermometer
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

If you don’t have a food processor, don’t worry! Traditional chimichurri is actually made by hand-chopping all the herbs, which some argue gives an even better texture for chimichurri chicken thighs.

Why You’ll Love These Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

There are countless chicken recipes out there, but these chimichurri chicken thighs have earned a permanent spot in my rotation for good reason:

• Budget-friendly protein – chicken thighs are typically less expensive than chicken breasts while delivering more flavor
• Make-ahead friendly – the chimichurri sauce actually improves if made a day in advance
• One-pan wonder – less cleanup means more time to enjoy your evening
• Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free – perfect for accommodating dietary restrictions
• Versatile – pairs beautifully with everything from roasted potatoes to a simple green salad

My family requests these chimichurri chicken thighs at least twice a month, and I’m always happy to oblige since they’re so simple to prepare!

Healthier Alternatives for Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

While this chimichurri chicken thigh recipe is already pretty wholesome, here are some modifications you can make to suit different dietary needs:

• Lower fat: Use skinless chicken thighs and reduce the olive oil in the chimichurri to 1/3 cup
• Keto/low-carb: The recipe is naturally low in carbs! Serve with cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables
• Mediterranean diet: The recipe fits perfectly as is, featuring olive oil and fresh herbs
• AIP-friendly: Omit the red pepper flakes and nightshades; use fresh herbs exclusively
• Sodium-conscious: Reduce salt and add more fresh lemon juice for brightness

For a completely different spin, you can even use the same chimichurri sauce on grilled portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian alternative with similar flavor profiles to the original chimichurri chicken thighs.

If you’re looking for more healthy chicken recipes, browse HarmonyMeal’s collection of lightened-up chicken dishes.

Serving Suggestions for Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

These chimichurri chicken thighs are incredibly versatile when it comes to side dishes. Here are my favorite ways to serve them:

• Classic pairing: Crispy roasted potatoes and a simple arugula salad
• Low-carb option: Cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles
• Grain-based: Fluffy quinoa or brown rice to soak up the extra chimichurri
• Summer favorite: Grilled corn on the cob and heirloom tomato salad
• Make it a feast: Serve alongside a platter of grilled vegetables and crusty bread

For a beautiful presentation, arrange the chimichurri chicken thighs on a large platter, drizzle with additional sauce, and garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herb sprigs. This family-style service encourages everyone to help themselves and creates a wonderful communal dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

Even though this recipe is relatively straightforward, there are a few pitfalls that can affect your chimichurri chicken thighs:

1. Overcooking the chicken: Thighs are forgiving, but they can dry out if left in the oven too long. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness at 165°F.

2. Making chimichurri too smooth: Traditional chimichurri has texture – avoid over-processing the herbs into a paste. You want visible bits of herbs in your sauce for authentic chimichurri chicken thighs.

3. Skipping the skin-side up position: Always bake chicken thighs skin-side up to achieve that gorgeous crispy exterior that makes chimichurri chicken thighs so irresistible.

4. Using cold chicken straight from the refrigerator: Let your chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking for more even results.

5. Making too little chimichurri: This sauce is liquid gold! Make extra to use throughout the week on eggs, sandwiches, or other proteins.

Storing Tips for Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

One of the best things about chimichurri chicken thighs is how well they work for meal prep and leftovers:

• Refrigeration: Store cooked chicken thighs separately from extra chimichurri sauce. The chicken will keep for 3-4 days, while the sauce stays fresh for up to 1 week.

• Freezing: While you can freeze the cooked chicken thighs for up to 3 months, I don’t recommend freezing the chimichurri sauce as it loses its vibrant flavor and color.

• Reheating: For the juiciest reheated chimichurri chicken thighs, warm them in a 300°F oven until just heated through (about 15 minutes), then add fresh chimichurri sauce.

• Meal prep idea: Make a double batch of chimichurri sauce on Sunday and use it throughout the week – it’s fantastic on eggs, steak, fish, or stirred into Greek yogurt for a quick dip.

For more meal prep ideas using versatile proteins like chicken thighs, visit HarmonyMeal’s meal planning section.

Conclusion

These chimichurri chicken thighs have saved countless weeknight dinners in my household, bringing vibrant flavor to the table with minimal effort. The combination of juicy, perfectly cooked chicken thighs and the bright, herbaceous chimichurri sauce creates a meal that feels special no matter how simple it was to prepare.

What I love most about this recipe is its adaptability – whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, health-conscious family members, or trying to impress dinner guests, these chimichurri chicken thighs rise to the occasion every time.

I’d love to hear how your chimichurri chicken thighs turn out! Drop a comment below with your experience or any creative twists you added to make this recipe your own. And if you’re looking for more simple but impressive chicken recipes, check out HarmonyMeal’s collection of 30-minute chicken dinners.

FAQs About Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

Print

Follow & Join the Harmony Meal Community

📌 Love indulging in rich and cheesy comfort food?
Get inspired with more crave-worthy breakfasts, comforting dinners, and irresistible desserts.
👉 Follow us on Pinterest for easy-to-save recipes and meal ideas you’ll actually want to make.

📘 Let’s be foodie friends!
Join our community of passionate home cooks and flavor chasers.
👉 Follow Harmony Meal on Facebook to share your own dishes, get exclusive content, and connect with others who love to eat and create.