Description
A flavorful, herb-infused Chimichurri Chicken Thighs recipe featuring a zesty marinade of fresh parsley, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Perfectly baked for a juicy and tender dish, ideal for meal prep or a delicious dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the chimichurri sauce/marinade:
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless, if preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce
- In a bowl, combine parsley, cilantro, garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir in olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice until well mixed.
- Set aside half of the chimichurri sauce for serving.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- In a large bowl or zip-top bag, coat the chicken with the chimichurri sauce (reserve half for later).
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours).
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken thighs, skin-side down, for about 3 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip the thighs and transfer the skillet to the oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 4: Serve
- Drizzle the reserved chimichurri sauce over the baked chicken thighs.
- Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Grilled Option: Instead of baking, grill the marinated chicken thighs over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side.
- Boneless Thighs or Breasts: Adjust baking time to 18-20 minutes for boneless cuts.
- Spicier Chimichurri: Add extra red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño.
- Herb Substitutions: Swap cilantro for basil or extra parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- marinate time: 1-24 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Argentine-Inspired
Keywords: chimichurri chicken, baked chicken thighs, chimichurri sauce, marinated chicken, Argentine chicke