Chimichurri Marinade for Chicken

By Bill Ohaire | Published: April 2026 | Last Updated: April 2026

Flavourful BBQ marinade with fresh herbs

Quick Answer

Chimichurri Chicken Marinade: Combine 1 cup flat-leaf parsley (finely chopped), 4 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp fresh oregano (or 1 tbsp dried), and more. Marinate 2 hours to 24 hours. Grill until internal temp reaches 74°C (165°F).

About This Marinade

This chimichurri marinade brings a herby, garlicky, vibrant flavour profile to your chicken. An Argentine classic. Use as both a marinade and a finishing sauce. Best made fresh.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Marinate Time

2 hours - 24 hours

Flavour Profile

herby, garlicky, vibrant

Best Cuts

thighs (bone-in, skin-on), drumsticks, whole butterflied

Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
flat-leaf parsley (finely chopped)	1 cup
garlic (minced)	4 cloves
fresh oregano (or 1 tbsp dried)	2 tbsp
olive oil	80ml
red wine vinegar	2 tbsp
chilli flakes	1 tsp
salt and pepper	As needed

Chicken absorbs marinades quickly. Even 30 minutes makes a difference, but overnight is ideal for deep flavour.

How to Make Chimichurri Chicken Marinade

Combine: Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl or ziplock bag until well combined.
Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towel. Score the skin with a sharp knife to help the marinade penetrate.
Marinate: Add the chicken to the marinade, making sure every piece is well coated. Refrigerate for 2 hours minimum, up to 24 hours for deeper flavour.
Bring to temp: Remove from the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off. This helps it cook more evenly.
BBQ: Shake off excess marinade and grill over medium-high heat (190-220°C / 375-425°F) until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
Rest: Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Chimichurri Chicken

Don't skip the rest — resting allows the juices to redistribute for a juicier result.
Use a meat thermometer — the only reliable way to know your chicken is done is by checking the internal temperature.
Reserve some marinade — set aside a portion before adding raw meat to use as a finishing sauce or baste.
Oil the grates — clean, oiled grates prevent sticking and give you better grill marks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Marinating too long in acid — especially with citrus or vinegar-based marinades, over-marinating can break down the surface and make it mushy.
Grilling straight from the fridge — cold meat doesn't cook evenly. Let it come to room temperature first.
Using the same marinade as a sauce — never reuse marinade that has touched raw meat. Always reserve a clean portion first.
Overcrowding the BBQ — give each piece space so it sears rather than steams.

Best Chicken Cuts for Chimichurri Marinade

The best cuts of chicken for this marinade are: thighs (bone-in, skin-on), drumsticks, whole butterflied.

Bone-in, skin-on thighs are the best all-round BBQ cut. The skin crisps up beautifully and the dark meat stays juicy even if slightly overcooked.

Try Our BBQ Cook Time Calculator

Get precise cooking times for any meat, cut, and method. Never over-cook or under-cook your BBQ again.

Open Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate chicken in chimichurri marinade?

Marinate chicken in chimichurri marinade for 2 hours minimum for noticeable flavour, or up to 24 hours for deeper penetration. Overnight in the fridge is ideal for most cuts.

Can I use chimichurri marinade on other meats?

Yes! Chimichurri marinade works well on beef and lamb too. Adjust the marinating time based on the protein — prawns only need 15-30 minutes.

Should I marinate chicken in the fridge or at room temperature?

Always marinate in the fridge for food safety. Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature. Take the meat out 20-30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off for more even cooking.

What temperature should I BBQ chimichurri marinated chicken?

Grill chimichurri marinated chicken over medium-high heat (190-220°C / 375-425°F). Cook until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).

Related BBQ Guides

Beer Chicken Marinade Citrus Chicken Marinade Soy & Garlic Chicken Marinade Chimichurri Beef Marinade Chimichurri Lamb Marinade All Cooking Times

Sources & References

Mad Scientist BBQ (YouTube)

Detailed chicken smoking experiments with temperature logging.

Video

Serious Eats

Kenji Lopez-Alt's scientific guide to juicy grilled chicken.

Reference

Guga Foods (YouTube)

Creative chicken grilling experiments and flavour tests.

Video

Weber Grill Skills

Step-by-step poultry grilling guides from Weber Australia.

Manufacturer