Paraguayan-Style Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce

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

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in traditional Paraguayan spices, served with a vibrant chimichurri sauce that bursts with fresh herbs and garlic. This latin american-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 85 minutes blends pounds boneless chicken thighs, olive oil, smoked paprika 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 320 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: 70 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs and toss to coat thoroughly. 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 oregano, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 2 tbsp olive oil in a small bowl. Stir well and set aside to let flavors meld.
  3. Step 3: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the marinated chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outside is nicely charred.
  4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from the grill and rest for 5 minutes. Serve topped generously with the chimichurri sauce, enjoying the fresh, tangy contrast to the smoky chicken.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 85 minutes (70 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Paraguayan-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 Paraguayan-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 Paraguayan-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.

Is Paraguayan-Style Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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