This easy chimichurri chicken thighs recipe is packed with flavor! Juicy chicken thighs get a zesty boost from a fresh chimichurri sauce made with herbs, garlic, and olive oil.
You’ll love how quick this dish is to prepare! Just whip up the sauce, marinate the chicken, and bake it. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels a little special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs provide juiciness and flavor. If you prefer, boneless, skinless thighs or chicken breasts can work too, but adjust cooking times since they cook faster.
Fresh Herbs: The herbs bring brightness to the dish. If you’re short on fresh herbs, you can use dried ones, just remember to use less (about 1/3 the amount), as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Olive Oil: Good quality olive oil enhances the chimichurri flavor. If you want a substitute, avocado oil is a lovely alternative due to its mild taste.
Red Wine Vinegar: Adds tanginess to the chimichurri. If you don’t have it, feel free to use white wine vinegar or even lemon juice for a little zing.
Red Pepper Flakes: Use these for a hint of heat! If you want a spicier kick, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce instead.
How Do You Get Crispy Chicken Skin?
Getting that perfect crispy skin on your chicken thighs is all about the searing process. Follow these steps to ensure good results:
- Make sure your skillet is preheated properly. A hot skillet allows the skin to crisp up nicely.
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning. Moisture can prevent crispiness.
- Don’t move the chicken around too much while searing; let it cook undisturbed for the best browning.
After searing, remember to bake in the oven until fully cooked. This combination gives the best of both worlds: crispy skin and juicy meat!
Easy Chimichurri Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, finely chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried oregano)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1/3 cup olive oil (for chimichurri sauce)
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and around 25-30 minutes for cooking. You’ll have tasty chimichurri chicken thighs ready in under an hour, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is hot enough to cook the chicken evenly.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps achieve that crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
3. Make the Chimichurri Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped parsley, cilantro, oregano, and minced garlic. Then add red wine vinegar, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if you like some heat), and 1/3 cup of olive oil. Stir well until everything is combined, and set it aside.
4. Sear the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, gently place the chicken thighs skin side down into the skillet. Sear for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
5. Flip and Cook:
Carefully flip the chicken thighs over and cook for another 2 minutes. This helps brown the other side before transferring to the oven.
6. Bake the Chicken:
Now that the chicken is seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Serve with Chimichurri:
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and spoon a generous amount of chimichurri sauce over the top of each thigh. This fresh sauce adds a delightful burst of flavor!
8. Enjoy!
Serve the chicken immediately with any extra chimichurri on the side. Enjoy your flavorful meal!
This recipe highlights juicy, flavorful chicken thighs with fresh, herbaceous chimichurri, making it perfect for an easy and vibrant meal!
FAQ for Easy Chimichurri Chicken Thighs
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used! They will cook faster, so keep an eye on them and check for doneness at about 15-20 minutes in the oven.
How Can I Store Leftover Chimichurri Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to keep the chicken moist.
Can I Make the Chimichurri Sauce in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chimichurri sauce up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in a sealed container in the fridge, and give it a good stir before serving!
What Can I Serve With Chimichurri Chicken Thighs?
This dish pairs beautifully with sides like rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with salad or crusty bread to soak up the extra chimichurri sauce!
