Variation
Add cubed chorizo between the chicken pieces for a smokier fat profile.
Dinner · Grilling · Main Dish · Argentine
Chimichurri Marinated Chicken Skewers
These Chimichurri Marinated Chicken Skewers feature tender thighs soaked in a vibrant garlic and herb sauce for the ultimate summer grilling experience.
Prep
20 min
Cook
12 min
Difficulty
Easy
Serves
4
Preparation
Get these tasks done before you start cooking.
Chimichurri Base
- 1
Mix Sauce
Whisk olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and spices in a medium bowl until emulsified.
Tip: Do not use a blender, the texture should be chunky and rustic.
- 2
Divide Sauce
Transfer half of the mixture to a clean jar for serving later. Use the remaining half for the marinade.
Marinating
- 1
Coat Chicken
Toss chicken pieces in the marinade until fully coated. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.
Tip: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water now to prevent burning.
How to Make Chimichurri Marinated Chicken Skewers
Total time: 32 min · Yields 4 servings
- 1
Thread the Skewers
Alternate pieces of marinated chicken, red onion, and bell pepper onto the skewers. Ensure they are packed snugly but not overly squeezed to allow even airflow.
- 2
Preheat the Grill
Clean and oil your grill grates. Set to medium-high heat, approximately 200°C. If using charcoal, wait until the coals are covered in thin grey ash.
- 3
Sear the Meat
Place skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes on the first side without moving them to develop a deep golden-brown char.
- 4
Rotate and Finish
Flip the skewers and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 74°C and the juices run clear.
- 5
Rest the Chicken
Remove from heat and place on a warm platter. Cover loosely with foil and rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Chef's Tips
- Always use red wine vinegar for the most authentic Argentine flavor profile.
- Don't skimp on the salt, it draws the herb flavors into the protein fibers.
- If you want extra spice, leave the seeds in your red pepper flakes or add a finely diced fresno chili.
- Air fryers can be used at 200°C for 12 to 14 minutes if outdoor grilling isn't an option.
What to Serve with Chimichurri Marinated Chicken Skewers
The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.
- Serve over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice.
- Tuck into warm flatbreads with a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Plate alongside a simple tomato and sliced onion salad.
Recipe Variations
Once you've mastered the base recipe, try these popular twists.
Variation
Substitute chicken for jumbo shrimp, but reduce marinating time to 15 minutes.
Variation
Swap red wine vinegar for lemon juice for a brighter, Mediterranean lean.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chicken off the skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water to maintain moisture. Freezing is not recommended after cooking as the herbs will lose their vibrant color.
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate for as little as 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. Avoid marinating overnight as the vinegar can make the chicken texture mushy.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but be careful not to overcook them as they dry out faster. Reduce the cook time by 2 minutes per side.
Why should I not blend the chimichurri?
Blending oxidizes the parsley, making it bitter and turning the sauce into a brown paste rather than a vibrant oil.
Do I have to use fresh oregano?
Fresh is best, but if using dried, reduce the amount to 2 teaspoons since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Is chimichurri spicy?
It has a mild warmth from the red pepper flakes, but it is primarily herbaceous and tangy rather than hot.
You might also love
Browse all recipes
Dinner · Vegetable Side · Vegetarian
Roasted Harissa Eggplant with Citrus Gremolata
50 min4.6
Dessert · Baking
Blackberry Ginger Sour Cream Cake
1 h 15 min4.7
Appetizer · Side Dish
Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
25 min5
Salad · Lunch · Summer
Grilled Peach and Prosciutto Salad with Honey
20 min4.9
Dinner · Chicken · Stir-Fry
Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry with Spicy Peaches
20 min5
Salad · Grill · Vegetarian
Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Salad
15 min4.6
Explore more from TastyFood
Looking for something different? Browse by category.