
If you’re craving a dinner that absolutely bursts with bright flavor and a touch of flair, Sizzling Chimichurri Chicken Thighs belong at the very top of your to-make list. Golden, juicy chicken with a feisty drizzle of herby, garlicky chimichurri—this easy recipe is restaurant-worthy, unfussy, and perfect for any weeknight mood boost.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly Juicy Chicken: Searing the chicken thighs ensures a golden crust and locks in every bit of flavor.
- Vibrant Homemade Chimichurri: That zippy, herby sauce instantly wakes up your taste buds and transforms the whole dish.
- Super Simple Prep: Just one skillet and a quick sauce—Sizzling Chimichurri Chicken Thighs are doable even on busy nights.
- Customizable Heat & Zest: You can easily tweak the sauce to your perfect spice and tanginess level—make it truly your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple and approachable, letting each ingredient truly shine. Every item plays a starring role—bringing color, savory depth, and that unforgettable fresh-herb punch to your Sizzling Chimichurri Chicken Thighs.
- 1 ½ pounds chicken thighs (boneless, skinless): The dark meat stays ultra-tender and flavorful, and boneless thighs cook quickly in the skillet.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and amping up the flavors—don’t skimp!
- About ½ cup chicken bone broth: Used to deglaze the pan and build a luscious, savory glaze around the chicken.
- 1 shallot, finely minced: Adds a delicate oniony sweetness to your chimichurri for complexity.
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced: This is where the sauce gets its bold, audacious flavor.
- ⅓ cup olive oil: Smooths out the sauce and carries all those herby notes beautifully.
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice: Brings a bright, sunny acidity that keeps everything lively.
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar: Its depth and tang cut through the richness, making each bite pop.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: The perfect touch of heat—add more or less as you like!
- 1 teaspoon salt: Rounds out all the other flavors in the chimichurri.
- 1 ½ cups fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped: The backbone of chimichurri—don’t be shy, heap it in!
Variations
One of the joys of Sizzling Chimichurri Chicken Thighs is how effortlessly you can make it your own! Whether you need to adjust for dietary needs or just want to experiment, there’s a world of flavor-packed tweaks to try.
- Make it spicy: Toss in some extra red pepper flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika to the chimichurri for even more kick.
- Go dairy-free or Whole30: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly, but you can double-check your broth or swap in homemade stock to fit your needs.
- Try different herbs: Mix up the chimichurri with fresh cilantro, mint, or oregano to change up the signature flavor.
- Swap protein: Use the same flavor approach with boneless chicken breasts, pork chops, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
How to Make Sizzling Chimichurri Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Sear the Chicken Thighs for Maximum Flavor
First, get your skillet nice and hot over medium-high heat—hear that gentle sizzle when the chicken hits the pan. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper, then lay them in the pan, leaving a little space between each piece. Leave them absolutely undisturbed for 10 to 12 minutes so they develop a perfect, golden crust.
Step 2: Flip & Finish Cooking
Once the bottom is beautifully browned, flip each thigh and cook for another 5 minutes. This step ensures both sides get that gorgeous golden color and the chicken finishes cooking through—don’t rush it!
Step 3: Deglaze & Glaze with Broth
Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the chicken bone broth, starting with ¼ cup and adding more as needed. As the liquid bubbles, use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those browned chicken bits from the pan. Let the broth simmer and reduce until it forms a rich, glossy glaze—this coats the chicken for an ultra-savory finish.
Step 4: Whip Up the Zippy Chimichurri Sauce
While your Sizzling Chimichurri Chicken Thighs rest, quickly stir together all the chimichurri ingredients—shallot, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, and heaps of fresh parsley—in a bowl. Stir until everything is well combined and the kitchen smells absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Assemble, Spoon, and Serve
Transfer the chicken to a platter, spoon the fresh chimichurri sauce generously over each thigh, and get ready for applause—these beauties are ready to be devoured!
Pro Tips for Making Sizzling Chimichurri Chicken Thighs
- The Pat-Dry Trick: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning—this guarantees the crispiest sear and prevents steaming.
- Pan Space Matters: Give the thighs plenty of breathing room in the skillet so they brown, not steam. Cook in batches if needed!
- Sauce Timing Secret: Always make the chimichurri right before serving for peak fresh flavor—it brightens up every bite.
- Broth Glaze Magic: Don’t skip reducing the broth; it creates a pan sauce that clings to the chicken and delivers a huge flavor payoff.
How to Serve Sizzling Chimichurri Chicken Thighs
Garnishes
Spooning extra chimichurri sauce right before serving makes a world of difference—go heavy! For a final pop of color and freshness, sprinkle the platter with a handful of extra chopped parsley, and if you like, a few lemon wedges on the side.
Side Dishes
Sizzling Chimichurri Chicken Thighs absolutely love good company—think fluffy white rice, roasted potatoes, or a simple mixed greens salad. You could also serve them over warm grains like quinoa or farro to soak up every drop of the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun spin, slice the chicken and pile it onto toasted bread for chimichurri chicken sandwiches, or layer it in lettuce wraps for a gorgeous, fresh appetizer. Serving family-style on a big platter with a cascade of that green sauce will always feel a little bit festive, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sizzling Chimichurri Chicken Thighs keep beautifully—simply transfer cooled chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store any extra chimichurri separately to preserve its vibrant flavor.
Freezing
The chicken itself freezes well; let the thighs cool completely, then wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Chimichurri is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze small portions if needed—just know the herbs may darken slightly.
Reheating
For the juiciest results, reheat chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, just until warmed through. Spoon reserved chimichurri over after reheating to preserve its punchy, herby snap.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts work nicely—just adjust the cooking time downward, as they cook faster and can dry out more easily. Be sure not to overcook and slice against the grain for tenderness.
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Is the chimichurri very spicy?
The heat level is mild to moderate thanks to the red pepper flakes, but you can control it easily—use less (or more) depending on your preference, or even swap in a pinch of smoked paprika for a milder kick.
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Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Absolutely—chimichurri can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature and give it a quick stir before spooning over your hot Sizzling Chimichurri Chicken Thighs.
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What’s the best way to chop the parsley for chimichurri?
Use a sharp knife and chop the parsley finely, but not into a mush—a little bit of leafiness keeps the texture lively in the finished sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to wake up your weeknight dinner routine, these Sizzling Chimichurri Chicken Thighs are just the solution. I hope you’ll give them a try—the savory chicken, the bright sauce, and that irresistible sizzle will have you coming back for seconds every time. Enjoy every bite!
PrintSavory Chimichurri Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying, Sauteing
- Cuisine: Argentinian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delight your taste buds with these flavorful Chimichurri Chicken Thighs. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are seared to perfection and topped with a zesty chimichurri sauce that brings a burst of freshness to every bite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- Salt and pepper to season
- About 1/2 cup chicken bone broth (start with 1/4 cup and add more as needed)
For the Chimichurri:
- 1 shallot, finely minced
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. While the skillet heats up, season your chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken thighs to the dry skillet, making sure there is enough space between them and they aren’t crowded. Cook, undisturbed, for 10 to 12 minutes or until they appear almost cooked through.
- Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Turn the temperature to medium-low and add the chicken broth, scraping up the chicken bits as the broth deglazes the pan with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Allow the sauce to reduce until there is only a thin glaze over the bottom of the pan, tossing the chicken in the sauce as you go.
- While the chicken is resting, make the chimichurri sauce by combining the shallot, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, and parsley in a small mixing bowl. Stir to incorporate.
- Spoon the chimichurri over the chicken thighs, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with chimichurri sauce
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg