This Chimichurri Chicken can be made in a skillet, the oven or on the grill. The delicious sauce is a taste of summer all year long!
I hate to brag, but my chimichurri recipe is one of the most requested recipes that my friends want me to bring to dinner parties and potlucks. I love it so much too that I had to find an excuse to pair it with a protein to turn it into a weeknight dinner.
You’re going to LOVE this meal!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Super easy: Make the sauce, cook the chicken then top it with the chimichurri. Easy as that!
- Delicious flavours: The homemade chimichurri sauce is so yummy (and way better than the pre-bought stuff).
Ingredients and substitutions
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs – chicken cutlets would also be good.
Chimichurri sauce
- Fresh parsley – you can try using just cilantro, but the flavour will be different.
- Fresh cilantro – fresh oregano would also be good.
- Olive oil – or any other neutral cooking oil like avocado oil.
- Red wine vinegar – apple cider vinegar would also be good.
- Garlic – freshly minced garlic is best but you can use the jarred variety in a pinch.
- Red chili – diced jalapeno or green chilis are a milder option.
How to make chimichurri chicken
Step 1: Make the sauce.
Blend the chimichurri ingredients together.
Step 2: Cook the chicken.
Bake, pan fry or grill the chicken.
Step 3: Make any sides.
Cook the potatoes or make any other sides of your choice.
Step 4: Top the chicken with the sauce.
Spoon the chimichurri sauce over the chicken and serve.
Recipe tips and tricks
- Mix it up: If you don’t have a blender, chop up the sauce ingredients super fine and mix together.
- Use less spice: For a mild sauce, leave out the red chili.
- Go for white meat: Swap out the thighs for chicken cutlets or breasts.
- Marinate it: Marinate the chicken for 20-30 minutes in the sauce to let the flavours really seep in.
Frequently asked questions
What does chimichurri taste like?
Chimichurri is a bright and refreshing sauce that gets its main flavour from the fresh cilantro and parsley.
Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?
Yes, grilling is a delicious alternative. Marinate the chicken as you normally would, then grill over medium heat until cooked through.
What if I don’t have all the herbs listed for the chimichurri sauce?
While fresh herbs are ideal, you can use a combination of what you have available. Parsley and oregano are the most traditional and important if you have to choose.
What to serve with chimichurri chicken
Since this dish has so much flavour,I recommend keeping the sides light. Here are some side dish ideas to try:
- Baby potatoes or mashed potatoes
- Cilantro lime rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- Garden salad with a light vinaigrette or a drizzle of any leftover chimichurri sauce
Storing and reheating
Store: Refrigerate the chicken and chimichurri sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
Reheat: Sprinkle the chicken with a bit of water to retain moisture, then microwave for 1-2 minutes until it’s warm.
Freeze & reheat from frozen: Place the chicken in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in the microwave or oven until heated thoroughly.
More easy chicken recipes
Meal prep tools
- Grab some glass meal prep bowls if you plan on turning this recipe into leftovers.
- I get all my free-range chicken from Butcher Box, conveniently delivered to me frozen.
- Get an instant-read thermometer to make sure your chicken is cooked through.
Baked Chimichurri Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Chimichurri sauce
- 1 bunch washed fresh parsley
- 1 bunch washed fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 red chili, deseeded optional
- 1 pinch each salt & pepper
Baby potatoes – optional side dish
- 2 cups golden baby potatoes, sliced in half
- 1 red pepper, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp each salt & pepper
Instructions
Chimichurri sauce
- Add ingredients for chimichurri to a blender or food processor, and pulse until roughly chopped and blended. Alternatively, you can chop all ingredients very finely and mix together.
Oven
- Preheat oven to 450 F. Add chicken to a parchment-lined baking sheet and season with salt & pepper. Bake chicken thighs for 12-15 minutes until fully cooked. Remove from oven and serve with chimichurri sauce and choice of side. Enjoy!
Skillet
- Heat a skillet over med-high heat. Add chicken to skillet once skillet is hot, seasoning with salt & pepper and sauteeing for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time. Remove chicken from skillet and serve with chimichurri sauce and choice of side. Enjoy!
BBQ
- Preheat BBQ to 450 F. Season chicken with salt & pepper. Once BBQ is hot, grill chicken thighs for 10-12 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Remove from grill and serve with chimichurri sauce and choice of side. Enjoy!
Roasted baby potatoes – optional side dish
- Preheat oven to 450 F. Toss potatoes, red pepper and red onion with olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder and salt & pepper.
- Add mixture to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, or add to a foil pouch and grill for 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking time. Serve with chicken and enjoy!
Video
Comments & Reviews
Breanna says
Made this last night and thought it was fantastic!
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you enjoyed!
Ashley says
Great healthy dinner. My picky eater husband even enjoyed the chimichurri. The potatoes were a little dry so I think tossing them in a little oil first would have helped.
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you enjoyed!