Ingredients
Scale
For the Chimichurri Sauce:
- 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
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to season)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce:
- In a food processor, combine the cilantro, parsley, oregano, shallot, garlic, and jalapeno.
- Add the lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, kosher salt, and a few grinds of black pepper.
- Pulse the mixture until well combined and finely chopped. The consistency should be coarse but spreadable.
- Set aside 1/4 cup of the chimichurri for marinating the chicken and keep the remainder for serving.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken thighs in a large baking dish.
- Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Pour 1/4 cup of the chimichurri sauce over the chicken, turning to coat evenly.
- Cover the dish and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
3. Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- Grill the chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165u00b0F (74u00b0C) and the juices run clear.
- Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter.
4. Serve:
- Spoon the reserved chimichurri sauce generously over the grilled chicken.
- Serve immediately with any remaining chimichurri on the side.
Notes
- Herbs: If cilantro isn’t to your taste, substitute it with extra parsley or even basil for a different twist.
- Spice Level: Prefer a milder sauce? Reduce or omit the jalapeno. For more heat, keep some of the seeds or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Citrus: Substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a slight variation in flavor.
- Chicken Options: Bone-in chicken thighs or even drumsticks can be used for added flavor, though cooking times will increase slightly.
- Cooking Methods: If grilling isn’t an option, the chicken can be seared in a grill pan or baked at 400u00b0F (204u00b0C) for about 20-25 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes