Grilled Skewered Chicken with Brazilian Chimichurri

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender grilled chicken thighs marinated and served with a vibrant Brazilian-style chimichurri sauce bursting with fresh herbs and garlic. This brazilian-inspired chicken ready in about 80 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 70 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1.5-inch chunks. In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add chicken chunks and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the chimichurri sauce by mixing 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil in a small bowl. Stir until combined and let flavors meld.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
  4. Step 4: Grill chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with 1/4 cup chimichurri sauce drizzled over the top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Skewered Chicken with Brazilian Chimichurri take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (70 min prep + 10 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 Grilled Skewered Chicken with Brazilian Chimichurri?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Skewered Chicken with Brazilian Chimichurri?

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 Grilled Skewered Chicken with Brazilian Chimichurri 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 Grilled Skewered Chicken with Brazilian Chimichurri?

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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