Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri

The magic of this dish lies in its perfect balance of smoky grilled chicken and the zesty brightness of homemade chimichurri. The juicy, tender chicken thighs are seasoned with a smoky-spiced marinade and grilled to perfection. Then they’re generously topped with vibrant green chimichurri, a bold, herbaceous sauce made from fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil.

This recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, summer cookouts, or anyone looking to elevate simple grilled chicken into something unforgettable. It pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Whether you’re meal prepping or impressing guests, this dish will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Chimichurri Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs and toss until fully coated. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.

2. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the chimichurri by combining parsley, cilantro, garlic, vinegar, red pepper flakes, and olive oil in a bowl. Mix well and season with salt and pepper. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

3. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.

4. Grill chicken thighs for 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and charred around the edges.

5. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.

6. Spoon chimichurri sauce generously over the grilled chicken before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri: A Flavor-Packed Favorite for All Seasons

If you’re looking for a meal that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor, grilled chicken thighs with chimichurri are a recipe that should definitely be on your radar. This dish combines juicy, tender chicken thighs seasoned with warm spices and a drizzle of bright, herbaceous chimichurri sauce. Whether you’re cooking outdoors on the grill or indoors with a grill pan, the result is a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish that feels gourmet but takes minimal effort.

Why Chicken Thighs?

Chicken thighs are often underrated compared to chicken breasts, but they deserve just as much love in the kitchen. They’re naturally juicier and more flavorful thanks to a slightly higher fat content, and they hold up beautifully on the grill without drying out. When marinated properly and grilled to perfection, chicken thighs develop a deliciously crispy exterior while remaining succulent on the inside. They also reheat well, making them perfect for meal prep or next-day leftovers.

For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are used for ease and versatility. They cook quickly and evenly, absorb marinades beautifully, and are easy to serve in a variety of settings, taco fillings, rice bowls, wraps, or simply served alongside your favorite side dishes.

The Chimichurri Sauce: What It Is and Why You’ll Love It

Chimichurri is a bold and vibrant sauce that originates from Argentina and Uruguay. Traditionally served with grilled meats, it’s made from fresh parsley, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, and a mix of spices. Cilantro is sometimes added (as in this variation) to create a more layered herb flavor. Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat, but you can easily adjust or omit based on your preference.

What makes chimichurri so irresistible is the way it cuts through the richness of grilled meats with its tangy, garlicky brightness. It’s also incredibly versatile, you can use it as a marinade, a dipping sauce, or even drizzle it over vegetables, seafood, or eggs.

The best part? Chimichurri is a no-cook sauce that takes just minutes to make and keeps well in the fridge. You can double or triple the batch and use it throughout the week to elevate a variety of dishes.

The Flavor Profile

This grilled chicken thighs with chimichurri recipe hits all the right flavor notes:

• Savory & Smoky: The chicken is seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, giving it that mouthwatering BBQ flavor.

• Bright & Herbal: The chimichurri adds layers of freshness from the parsley and cilantro, with a zesty punch from vinegar and garlic.

• Mild Heat: Optional red pepper flakes give the sauce just enough spice to awaken the palate without overwhelming it.

• Balanced Richness: The olive oil in both the marinade and the sauce ties all the flavors together, creating a rich but balanced dish.

Nutritional Highlights

This dish is more than just delicious, it’s also a well-rounded, nutritious option for those looking to eat healthier:

• High in Protein: Chicken thighs provide high-quality protein to help build and repair tissues.

• Low in Carbs: Naturally low in carbohydrates, this meal is ideal for low-carb, keto, or paleo lifestyles.

• Rich in Healthy Fats: The extra virgin olive oil in the chimichurri is a great source of monounsaturated fats, known for their heart-health benefits.

• Packed with Antioxidants: Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro are full of antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and support overall health.

Serving Suggestions

One of the best aspects of this recipe is how flexible it is when it comes to serving:

• For a Low-Carb Meal: Serve with grilled zucchini, asparagus, or a side salad with lemon vinaigrette.

• For a Comfort Meal: Pair with roasted potatoes or a warm rice pilaf.

• For Meal Prep: Slice the grilled chicken and portion it into containers with quinoa and veggies.

• For Entertaining: Serve the grilled chicken thighs whole on a platter, with a bowl of chimichurri on the side and grilled flatbreads.

You can also slice the chicken thinly and use it in tacos, sandwiches, or wraps. A soft tortilla filled with grilled chicken, shredded cabbage, a dollop of chimichurri, and a sprinkle of queso fresco makes for an unbeatable handheld meal.

Make It Your Own

This dish is a great foundation to experiment with flavors based on your preferences:

• Swap the herbs: Don’t love cilantro? Use only parsley or add fresh oregano.

• Add citrus: A splash of lemon or lime juice in the chimichurri can add a lovely zing.

• Adjust the heat: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for more kick.

• Marinate longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. It becomes even more tender and flavorful.

• Grill alternatives: No grill? No problem. Use a grill pan or bake the chicken in the oven at 425°F (220°C) until cooked through and slightly crispy.

Why This Dish Is a Must-Have

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, prepping meals for the week, or just looking for something different to add to your dinner rotation, this grilled chicken thighs with chimichurri dish is a must. It’s:

• Quick to prepare

• Bursting with flavor

• Nutritionally balanced

• Perfect for any season

• Easily customizable

Plus, it gives off serious “restaurant-quality” vibes without requiring complicated techniques or ingredients.

Storage and Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken and chimichurri separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep for up to 4 days and can be enjoyed cold or reheated. Chimichurri should be consumed within 5–6 days for optimal freshness. It may separate slightly as it sits, just give it a stir before serving.

You can also freeze the grilled chicken for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stovetop or in the oven.

Conclusion

Grilled chicken thighs with chimichurri is one of those dishes that’s effortlessly elegant and endlessly satisfying. With its bold flavors, simple prep, and versatile use, it’s the kind of meal that works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for a backyard cookout with friends. The vibrant green chimichurri adds the perfect pop of color and freshness, transforming humble chicken thighs into a show-stopping centerpiece.

If you’re looking to level up your chicken game or impress guests with something vibrant and flavorful, this recipe is a fantastic place to start. Give it a try, and it just might become a regular in your kitchen rotation.