Chimichurri Chicken Recipe: A Flavor-Packed, Easy Dinner Option
Chimichurri Chicken Recipe – Juicy, flavorful oven-baked chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant homemade chimichurri sauce. Easy, healthy, and perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner.
Looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful chicken dish? This Chimichurri Chicken recipe is the perfect balance of fresh, zesty, and slightly spicy flavors that make every bite irresistible. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or serving guests at a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Why You'll Love This Dish
Bursting with Flavor: The fresh herbs, garlic, and lime juice in the chimichurri sauce create a tangy, herby, and slightly spicy kick that elevates the chicken.
Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or easily available at the grocery store.
Versatile: You can serve it with rice, roasted vegetables, or even slice it up for tacos or salads.
Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal hands-on time and delivers a gourmet-style meal with ease.
Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein and healthy fats, this dish fits well into a balanced diet.
Ingredients Breakdown
Chimichurri Sauce
This vibrant sauce is what takes the chicken to the next level. Here's a breakdown of each ingredient and why it matters:
Fresh Parsley (1 Cup, finely chopped): Adds a bright, earthy freshness that is the foundation of chimichurri.
Cilantro (½ Cup, chopped): Introduces a citrusy, slightly peppery taste that complements the parsley.
Garlic (5-6 Cloves, minced): Brings depth and a rich, savory aroma.
Red Wine Vinegar (2 tbsp): Gives the sauce its tangy kick, balancing the oil and herbs.
Olive Oil (½ Cup): Adds richness and helps the flavors meld together.
Crushed Red Pepper (1 tsp): Provides just the right amount of heat.
Dried Oregano (1 tsp): Offers a slightly floral and earthy note that pairs beautifully with the fresh herbs.
Salt & Pepper (to taste): Enhances all the flavors.
Juice of Half a Lime: Gives a fresh citrusy burst that brightens the sauce.
Chicken
The chicken thighs are juicy, flavorful, and easy to cook. Here's why they work so well:
Chicken Thighs (5-6 pieces): They remain juicy and tender, making them perfect for absorbing the chimichurri marinade.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Helps crisp up the skin while keeping the inside moist.
Salt & Pepper (to taste): Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce
Finely chop the parsley, cilantro, and garlic. You can do this by hand or use a food processor for a quicker method.
In a bowl, mix the chopped herbs and garlic with olive oil, red wine vinegar, crushed red pepper, dried oregano, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
Stir well and let it sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to help the marinade adhere better.
Rub both sides of the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Pour half of the chimichurri sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.
Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but preferably up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet, making sure they aren’t crowded.
Bake for 35-45 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4. Serve and Enjoy
Drizzle the remaining chimichurri sauce over the hot, juicy chicken for the ultimate flavor experience.
Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad.
Helpful Tips for the Best Chimichurri Chicken
Marinate Longer for More Flavor: While 30 minutes is enough, marinating for 4 hours will enhance the taste even more.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and cilantro are key—dried herbs won’t provide the same flavor.
Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, reduce the crushed red pepper.
Cooking Method Variations:
Grilling: This recipe also works great on the grill! Grill chicken over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side.
Stovetop: Sear the chicken in a pan over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, then finish in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Meal Prep Friendly: Cook a batch and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Chimichurri Chicken
Ingredients
- Fresh Parsley (1 Cup, finely chopped)
- Cilantro (½ Cup, chopped)
- Garlic (5-6 Cloves, minced)
- Red Wine Vinegar (2 tbsp)
- Olive Oil (½ Cup)
- Crushed Red Pepper (1 tsp)
- Dried Oregano (1 tsp)
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
- Juice of Half a Lime
- Chicken Thighs (5-6 pieces)
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp)
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Finely chop the parsley, cilantro, and garlic. You can do this by hand or use a food processor for a quicker method.
- In a bowl, mix the chopped herbs and garlic with olive oil, red wine vinegar, crushed red pepper, dried oregano, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well and let it sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to help the marinade adhere better.
- Rub both sides of the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour half of the chimichurri sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but preferably up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet, making sure they aren’t crowded.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Drizzle the remaining chimichurri sauce over the hot, juicy chicken for the ultimate flavor experience.
- Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad.
Notes
Helpful Tips for the Best Chimichurri Chicken
- Marinate Longer for More Flavor: While 30 minutes is enough, marinating for 4 hours will enhance the taste even more.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and cilantro are key—dried herbs won’t provide the same flavor.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, reduce the crushed red pepper.
- Cooking Method Variations:
- Grilling: This recipe also works great on the grill! Grill chicken over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side.
- Stovetop: Sear the chicken in a pan over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, then finish in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Cook a batch and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
This Chimichurri Chicken recipe is the perfect balance of freshness and bold flavors that will have you coming back for more. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a must-try. Enjoy!
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