Can I cook Chimichurri Chicken Thighs indoors without a grill?

Absolutely. A cast iron grill pan or heavy cast iron skillet preheated over medium-high heat produces excellent results. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The cast iron creates beautiful browning and caramelization that is very similar to outdoor grilling.

How long should I marinate Chimichurri Chicken Thighs?

A minimum of 20 minutes produces good flavor penetration and is sufficient for a weeknight dinner. For the most deeply flavored and tender result, marinate for 2 to 4 hours. The maximum recommended marinating time is 24 hours as the acidity in the lemon juice and vinegar can begin to affect the texture of the chicken beyond this point.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Chimichurri recipe?

Yes with an important adjustment. If using chicken breasts, butterfly them or cut them in half and pound to approximately ½-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and prevents the leaner breast meat from drying out. Reduce the grill time to approximately 4 minutes per side and monitor closely with a thermometer.

How long does homemade chimichurri sauce keep?

For the best flavor and most vibrant green color, use chimichurri within 1 to 2 days. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week though the herbs will darken slightly over time. Freeze in ice cube trays for up to 3 to 6 months for convenient long-term storage.

Chimichurri Chicken Thighs The Most Juicy Flavorful Grilled Recipe

Name: Chimichurri Chicken Thighs Juicy Tender and Bursting With Incredible Flavor
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Argentinian American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup fresh cilantro; 1/2 cup fresh Italian parsley chopped; 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 wine vinegar; 1/2 cup olive oil; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs; Salt and pepper for seasoning

Description

Juicy tender Chimichurri Chicken Thighs marinated and topped with a vibrant fresh chimichurri sauce of cilantro, parsley, oregano, garlic, shallot, jalapeño, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar. A spectacular 40-minute Argentinian-inspired grilled chicken dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup fresh cilantro

1/2 cup fresh Italian parsley chopped

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 wine vinegar

1/2 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs

Salt and pepper for seasoning

Instructions

1. Combine cilantro parsley oregano shallot garlic and jalapeno in food processor and pulse until roughly chopped

2. Add lemon juice red wine vinegar olive oil salt and pepper and pulse until finely chopped but not smooth

3. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper and coat with 1/4 cup chimichurri

4. Refrigerate minimum 20 minutes or up to 24 hours

5. Remove chicken from refrigerator 10 to 15 minutes before grilling

6. Heat grill to medium-high and cook chicken 5 to 6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165F

7. Rest 3 to 5 minutes then serve with reserved chimichurri spooned generously over the top

Notes

Do not over-process chimichurri; it should have visible herb texture not be smooth.

Allow chicken to rest 3 to 5 minutes after grilling for maximum juiciness.

Reserve most of the chimichurri for serving rather than using all as marinade.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dinner Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Argentinian American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 444
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 790mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 44g
Cholesterol: 215mg

Keywords: chimichurri chicken thighs, chimichurri chicken thighs recipe, grilled chimichurri chicken, chimichurri marinade for chicken, easy chimichurri recipe