Churrasco-Style Chicken with Chimichurri Marinade

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant herb and citrus blend, grilled to juicy perfection with a fresh chimichurri sauce. This brazilian-inspired grilling ready in about 145 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh oregano for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 120 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Trim excess fat from chicken thighs and pat dry with paper towels. In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp minced oregano, 3 tbsp minced parsley, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp red wine vinegar. Whisk until emulsified.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F). Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are golden brown.
  4. Step 4: While chicken rests, finely chop 2 tbsp cilantro. Mix with remaining marinade for chimichurri. Serve chicken with chimichurri spooned over top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Churrasco-Style Chicken with Chimichurri Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 145 minutes (120 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Churrasco-Style Chicken with Chimichurri Marinade?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Churrasco-Style Chicken with Chimichurri Marinade?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Churrasco-Style Chicken with Chimichurri Marinade for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Churrasco-Style Chicken with Chimichurri Marinade?

Brazilian grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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