Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri

Juicy, tender grilled chicken thighs are a delight to serve at any gathering. The highlight of this dish is the vibrant chimichurri sauce, which infuses the chicken with fresh flavors. Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners, Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri stands out with its ease of preparation and bold taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-Packed: The chimichurri sauce brings a zesty kick that elevates the chicken’s natural savoriness.
• Versatile Use: Enjoy it as a main dish or slice it for salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
• Quick Preparation: With minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and fresh herbs, it’s a nutritious choice for any meal.
• Customizable Marinade: Adjust the spice level by adding more jalapeño or tweak the herbs to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. For this recipe, you’ll need a few essential items to ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Grill
• Baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Makes blending the chimichurri quick and easy, ensuring all ingredients are finely chopped and well combined.
• Grill: Provides that perfect char and flavor to the chicken, enhancing its overall taste.
• Baking dish: A great way to marinate the chicken evenly while keeping it contained.

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Ingredients

Juicy, tender grilled boneless skinless chicken thighs are served with a flavor-packed chimichurri sauce that is used as both a marinade and topping.

For the Chimichurri Sauce

• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (fresh)
• 1/2 cup fresh Italian parsley (chopped, fresh)
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 small shallot (peeled)
• 2 cloves garlic (peeled)
• 1/2 jalapeno pepper (seeded)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red apple vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• fresh ground pepper

For the Chicken

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs

How to Make Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri

Step 1: Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce

In a food processor, combine the cilantro, parsley, oregano, shallot, garlic, and jalapeño.

Step 2: Blend Ingredients

Add the lemon juice, red apple vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pulse until well combined and finely chopped.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken in a baking dish. Season with salt and pepper. Cover with 1/4 cup of the chimichurri sauce. Turn to coat completely. Marinate for 20 minutes to 24 hours in the refrigerator.

Step 4: Heat Grill

Take the chicken out of the fridge to warm up slightly while heating your grill to medium-high.

Step 5: Grill Chicken

Cook the marinated chicken about 5-6 minutes per side until juices run clear.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your grilled chicken thighs hot with extra chimichurri on the side for dipping or drizzling over each serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri

Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri is a delicious dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor. Here are some creative serving suggestions to complement this tasty meal.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve the grilled chicken atop a fresh salad mix for a light and healthy option. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado for extra texture.

With Quinoa Pilaf

• Pair the chicken with fluffy quinoa pilaf that includes vegetables like bell peppers and peas. This adds a nutty flavor and completes the meal.

In Tacos

• Shred the grilled chicken and serve it in corn tortillas. Top with extra chimichurri, diced onions, and slices of lime for a flavorful taco experience.

Over Rice

• Place the grilled chicken on a bed of steamed rice, drizzling additional chimichurri on top. This is an easy way to soak up all the delicious flavors.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri

To achieve succulent Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri, follow these helpful tips for the best results.

• Marinate longer – For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken thighs for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
• Preheat your grill – Ensure your grill is hot before placing the chicken on it. This helps to sear the meat and lock in juices.
• Use a meat thermometer – Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
• Let it rest – Allow your grilled chicken to rest for about 5 minutes after cooking. This helps retain moisture when sliced.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri

Pairing side dishes with Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri enhances its flavors and creates a complete meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Roasted Vegetables – Toss seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots in olive oil and roast until tender.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting side that complements the grilled chicken nicely.
3. Black Bean Salad – A refreshing black bean salad mixed with corn, tomatoes, and cilantro makes for a zesty accompaniment.
4. Couscous Salad – Fluffy couscous mixed with cucumbers, herbs, and lemon juice adds lightness to your meal.
5. Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn brushed with olive oil and grilled until charred pairs perfectly with chimichurri flavors.
6. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw made from cabbage and carrots adds crunch and balances out the richness of the chicken thighs.
7. Baked Sweet Potatoes – Sweet potatoes baked until soft create a sweet counterpoint to the savory chimichurri sauce.
8. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad – A protein-packed salad of chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese brings freshness to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Ignoring the Marinade Time: Not allowing enough time for the chicken to marinate can result in bland flavor. Aim for at least 20 minutes, but overnight is best for deeper flavor penetration.

• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken thighs too long can make them dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure perfect juiciness.

• Skipping Fresh Herbs: Using dried herbs instead of fresh can diminish the flavor of your chimichurri. Always opt for fresh herbs for the best taste and aroma.

• Not Using Enough Salt: Chicken often needs proper seasoning to enhance its flavor. Don’t be afraid to season generously with salt before grilling.

• Forgetting to Let Chicken Rest: Cutting into grilled chicken immediately can cause juices to run out, making it dry. Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking for maximum juiciness.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover grilled chicken thighs in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri

• Wrap each thigh individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for about 1-2 minutes until hot.

• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri that may help you:

How do I make chimichurri sauce?

To make chimichurri sauce, blend fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley with garlic, shallots, jalapeño, vinegar, lemon juice, and olive oil until finely chopped and well combined.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! This chimichurri sauce works beautifully with beef or lamb as well. Adjust cooking times based on the type of meat you choose.

How spicy is chimichurri?

The spiciness largely depends on how much jalapeño you add. You can adjust it according to your preference by using more or less jalapeño pepper.

Can I prepare chimichurri ahead of time?

Absolutely! Chimichurri can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully over time.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize the chimichurri by adding different herbs or spices based on your taste preferences. This recipe makes an excellent main dish for any occasion—perfect for summer cookouts or cozy dinners at home. Give it a try!