Easy Chimichurri Chicken

Chimichurri chicken is a vibrant and flavor-packed dish made with juicy grilled chicken thighs marinated in a bold, herby chimichurri sauce. Perfect for summer grilling or weeknight dinners, this easy recipe delivers juicy meat and zesty freshness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy prep with just a few simple steps

• Bursting with fresh herb and garlic flavor

• Uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs for maximum juiciness

• Chimichurri sauce can be made ahead for convenience

• Great for entertaining or summer cookouts

• Can be cooked on the grill, grill pan, or skillet

• Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free

• Pairs well with a wide range of sides

• Makes excellent leftovers for tacos, salads, or bowls

• Crowd-pleasing and highly customizable

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs

For the Chimichurri Sauce

• Flat-leaf parsley

• Fresh oregano or dried oregano

• Red chili pepper or red pepper flakes

• Garlic cloves

• Extra virgin olive oil

• Red wine vinegar

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Make the chimichurri sauce: In a bowl, mix finely chopped parsley, oregano, chili, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Set aside or refrigerate for later use.

2. Marinate the chicken: Place chicken in a bowl and coat with about ⅓ of the chimichurri sauce. Cover and marinate in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor).

3. Grill the chicken: Preheat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Grill the chicken for 4 to 6 minutes per side, or until cooked through (internal temp 165°F/75°C).

4. Serve: Transfer grilled chicken to a serving platter and spoon the remaining chimichurri sauce on top. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes (including marinating)

Variations

• Use chicken breast: Substitute chicken thighs with filleted breasts; adjust cooking time accordingly.

• Oven-baked option: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until cooked through.

• Add lemon: Add lemon zest or juice for a citrusy twist.

• Herb mix-up: Use cilantro, basil, or mint for a different chimichurri spin.

• Spice level: Adjust the chili to make it more or less spicy.

• Chimichurri dressing: Use leftover sauce on grilled veggies, roasted potatoes, or salads.

• Meal prep bowls: Serve with rice, quinoa, or greens for healthy lunch bowls.

• Skewer version: Thread chicken pieces onto skewers for grilled chimichurri chicken kabobs.

• Taco filling: Use sliced leftovers in tortillas with slaw and lime crema.

• Grill with veggies: Cook zucchini, peppers, or onions alongside for a complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.

• Freeze grilled chicken (without sauce) for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

• Add extra chimichurri sauce after reheating for freshness.

Make-ahead tip:

• Chimichurri sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, filleted chicken breasts work well. You may need extra chimichurri sauce to cover them, and they cook slightly faster.

Can I cook this chimichurri chicken in the oven?

Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

How far in advance can I marinate the chicken?

Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours. Avoid marinating longer than 24 hours to prevent the meat from becoming mushy.

Can I make chimichurri sauce ahead of time?

Yes. It actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.

Is chimichurri spicy?

It can be, depending on the chili used. Adjust the amount or type of chili to suit your spice preference.

What sides go well with chimichurri chicken?

Serve with grilled vegetables, rice, potatoes, quinoa, salads, or warm flatbreads.

Can I use dried herbs?

Yes. Substitute 1 teaspoon of dried oregano for fresh. Parsley should ideally be fresh for best flavor.

How do I store leftover chimichurri sauce?

Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Stir before using.

Can I freeze chimichurri chicken?

Yes. Freeze grilled chicken without sauce, and thaw before reheating. Add fresh chimichurri after reheating.

What’s the best oil for chimichurri?

Extra virgin olive oil is best for authentic flavor and richness.

Conclusion

Chimichurri chicken is the kind of recipe that delivers bold, fresh flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or prepping easy weeknight meals, this juicy grilled chicken paired with zesty chimichurri is sure to be a hit. Make extra sauce—you’ll want it on everything.