Churrasco-Style Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce

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

Juicy Brazilian churrasco grilled chicken thighs paired with a vibrant, herbaceous chimichurri sauce for bold flavor. This brazilian-inspired chicken ready in about 31 minutes blends (about 3 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, coarse salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 16 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 425°F). Pat 6 bone-in chicken thighs dry, then season all over with 1 tablespoon coarse salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the chicken and rub evenly to coat. Grill chicken skin-side down for 7-8 minutes until crisp, then flip and grill for another 7-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare chimichurri by combining 1 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 1/3 cup olive oil in a bowl. Stir well to combine and let sit at room temperature.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve topped generously with the fresh chimichurri sauce.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 31 minutes (15 min prep + 16 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

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

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

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

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 Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce 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 Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce?

Brazilian chicken 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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