The Juiciest Crispy Chicken Thighs with Green Onion Chimichurri Recipe

My culinary adventure with crispy chicken thighs took an unexpected turn when I discovered this vibrant chimichurri combination.

Bold green onions charred to perfection create an incredible depth of flavor for home cooks seeking something extraordinary.

Smoky and bright notes dance across tender meat, promising a meal that breaks traditional recipe boundaries.

Rich pan drippings infuse each bite with intense complexity you’ll absolutely adore.

Argentina-inspired techniques merge seamlessly with simple ingredients that anyone can master.

Succulent chicken skin reaches golden-brown perfection while herbal chimichurri adds a wild, untamed spirit to your plate.

Prepare to experience a dish that transforms ordinary weeknight cooking into something spectacular.

Crispy Chicken Thighs With Chimichurri That’s Bold And Fresh

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this delicious chicken dish in under an hour with minimal prep, making it perfect for busy families seeking a flavorful meal without complicated techniques.
• Crispy Skin Sensation: Achieve restaurant-quality golden, crunchy chicken skin through a simple stovetop-to-oven method that guarantees perfectly cooked meat with an irresistible exterior.
• Versatile Flavor Boost: The charred green onion chimichurri adds a zesty, herbaceous punch that transforms basic chicken thighs into an exciting, gourmet-style meal that works for casual dinners or weekend entertaining.
• Low-Effort Gourmet Experience: Master professional-level cooking techniques with straightforward steps that require minimal culinary skills, allowing home cooks to create impressive dishes without stress or complicated equipment.

Chicken Thighs with Green Onion Chimichurri Essentials

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful cut with crispy skin, bone-in preferred for maximum taste and moisture.

• Green Onions, Parsley, Oregano, Chives: Fresh herbs that provide bright, zesty flavor and vibrant green color to the sauce.

• Garlic: Sharp, pungent flavor that adds depth to the chimichurri.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides subtle heat and spicy undertone.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall flavor profile.

• Red Wine Vinegar: Tangy acid that balances and brightens the chimichurri.
• Olive Oil: Rich, smooth base for chimichurri and helps char green onions.
• Neutral Oil: Used for cooking chicken, ensuring even and crisp skin.

Crispy Chicken Thighs with Charred Green Onion Chimichurri – Steps to Follow

Step 1: Bring Chicken to Room Temperature

Unwrap chicken thighs and let them relax on the counter for 20 minutes.

Thoroughly blot each thigh with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Shower both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring an even coating.

Step 2: Fire Up the Green Onion Magic

Ignite a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.

Drizzle green onions with olive oil and toss them into the hot pan.

Let them char and caramelize for 2-3 minutes on each side, developing deep smoky flavors.

Transfer the blackened onions to a cutting board and chop roughly.

• Chopped charred green onions
• Fresh parsley
• Dried oregano
• Chopped chives
• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes
• Red wine vinegar
• Olive oil

Stir the ingredients and season with salt to create a vibrant chimichurri sauce.

Step 3: Transform Chicken into Crispy Perfection

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Return the skillet to medium-high heat and coat the bottom with neutral oil.

Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down, allowing them to sizzle and develop a golden, crispy exterior for 4-5 minutes.

Flip the thighs and transfer to a plate.

Repeat with remaining chicken.

Arrange all thighs skin-side up in the skillet and slide into the oven.

Roast for 20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 4: Plate and Celebrate

Lavish the crispy chicken thighs with generous spoonfuls of chimichurri.

Scatter extra fresh herbs on top for a burst of color and flavor.

Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Chicken Thigh Tips With Charred Chimichurri

• Use clean paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring super crispy skin that browns beautifully and prevents steaming.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and creating that gorgeous golden-brown crust on chicken thighs.
• Let chicken sit at room temperature before cooking to guarantee even cooking and prevent tough, undercooked meat.
• Adjust herb ratios to personal taste, or swap fresh herbs with dried versions if needed, maintaining the vibrant green flavor profile.
• Cook chicken skin-side down first to render fat and create an irresistibly crisp exterior that locks in juicy meat.

Chicken Thighs and Chimichurri That Reheat With Zing

• Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, preserving quality for up to 3 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• While quick, microwaving can make crispy skin soggy, so oven reheating is recommended for maintaining texture.

Green Picks For Chicken Thighs

Pair Perfectly: Culinary Companions for Crispy Chicken Thighs

• Unleash Bold Red Wine: Zinfandel or Malbec complements the charred chicken's rich flavors, cutting through the crispy skin with robust fruity notes.
• Create Fresh Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, which balances the chicken's richness and echoes the chimichurri's bright herbs.
• Match Craft Beer Magic: Select an amber ale or hoppy IPA that stands up to the crispy meat's intensity and enhances the herb-packed chimichurri's zesty profile.
• Serve Creamy Contrast: Add roasted garlic mashed potatoes to provide a smooth, comforting texture that perfectly complements the chicken's crisp exterior and herbal sauce.

Crispy Chicken Thighs with Charred Green Onion Chimichurri Versions

• Herb-Crusted Alternative: Swap traditional seasoning with a blend of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and basil for an aromatic coating on the chicken.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tamari instead of standard seasonings and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Spicy Kick Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños to the chimichurri for those craving extra heat.
• Plant-Based Transformation: Replace chicken thighs with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms, marinating them in similar seasonings and using the same cooking technique for a vegetarian-friendly meal.

FAQs

• What makes the chimichurri unique in this recipe?

The chimichurri features charred green onions, which adds a smoky depth and caramelized flavor to the traditional herb sauce, creating a more complex and robust condiment compared to standard chimichurri.

• Why should I let the chicken sit at room temperature before cooking?

Allowing chicken thighs to rest at room temperature helps them cook more evenly, ensuring a crispy exterior and juicy interior by preventing temperature shock when placed in a hot skillet.

• How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked while maintaining its moisture and preventing dryness.

• Can I use different herbs in the chimichurri if I don't have all the specified ones?

Yes, you can substitute or adjust herbs based on availability. While traditional chimichurri uses parsley as a base, you can experiment with similar fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to create your own variation.

Crispy Chicken Thighs with Charred Green Onion Chimichurri Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp, golden crispy chicken thighs with charming green onion chimichurri dance with Argentine-inspired flavors on your plate. Bold herb sauce and perfectly seared chicken promise a memorable meal waiting to satisfy your culinary cravings.

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Ingredients

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Chimichurri Herbs and Aromatics:

• 6 green onions
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) chopped fresh oregano
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) chopped fresh chives
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) red pepper flakes

Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) extra-virgin olive oil

Chicken Ingredients:

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Neutral cooking oil (such as avocado or vegetable oil)

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Instructions

1. Unpack and temper chicken thighs by allowing them to rest at ambient temperature for roughly 20 minutes, promoting even cooking.
2. Meticulously blot chicken surfaces using paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, which ensures optimal skin crispiness.
3. Liberally season chicken with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper across both surfaces, creating a robust flavor foundation.
4. Ignite a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle green onions with olive oil, positioning them to develop deep char marks through 2-3 minute intervals on each side.
5. Transfer charred green onions onto a cutting surface, roughly chop into rustic pieces, and combine in a mixing vessel with parsley, oregano, chives, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar, and additional olive oil.
6. Calibrate skillet with neutral cooking oil, ensuring complete bottom coverage for ideal heat distribution.
7. Carefully nestle chicken thighs skin-side down, allowing approximately 4-5 minutes for rendering and achieving golden, crisp exteriors.
8. Invert chicken pieces, then transition skillet directly into preheated 400°F oven for comprehensive roasting, approximately 20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
9. Extract chicken, drape generously with vibrant chimichurri, and embellish with delicate fresh herb sprinklings.
10. Accompany with roasted seasonal vegetables or crisp salad for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Bring chicken to room temperature to ensure even cooking and crispy skin, preventing tough, uneven meat.
• Pat chicken extremely dry using paper towels to maximize skin crispiness and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Use cast-iron skillet for best heat distribution and creating perfect golden-brown crispy exterior on chicken thighs.
• Char green onions briefly to develop smoky flavor without burning, which adds depth to chimichurri sauce.
• Customize chimichurri by adjusting herb ratios or adding extra red pepper flakes for more heat and personal preference.
• Check chicken’s internal temperature with meat thermometer to guarantee food safety and perfectly cooked meat.
• Store leftover chimichurri in refrigerator for up to 3 days, great as marinade or sauce for other proteins.
• Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility while maintaining cooking technique.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Argentinian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg