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Crispy Smashed Chicken Thighs Recipe with Easy Garlic Chimichurri Sauce

crispy smashed chicken thighs - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe for crispy smashed chicken thighs served with a bright and flavorful garlic chimichurri sauce. Perfect for weeknights or gatherings, this dish delivers satisfying crispiness and fresh herbaceous flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Optional extras: pinch of smoked paprika, splash of honey
  • Optional coating: almond flour or cornstarch for light crust

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  2. Place one thigh skin-side down on a cutting board and gently smash it with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about ½ inch (1.3 cm) thick. Repeat for all thighs.
  3. Rub both sides of each smashed chicken thigh with salt and pepper.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped parsley, cilantro (if using), red wine vinegar, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and olive oil. Stir well and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  6. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan without crowding. Press down lightly with a spatula.
  7. Cook for 6-7 minutes until skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 5-6 minutes until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
  8. Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
  9. Spoon generous amounts of garlic chimichurri over the chicken thighs and serve immediately.

Notes

Dry the chicken thoroughly before cooking to ensure crispy skin. Use medium-high heat and do not move the chicken early to allow crust formation. Make chimichurri sauce just before serving for freshest flavor. Optional oven finish at 400°F for 5-7 minutes can be used for thicker thighs.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, smashed chicken, garlic chimichurri, quick chicken recipe, easy dinner, cast iron chicken, gluten-free chicken

Find it online: https://cravemila.com/crispy-smashed-chicken-thighs-recipe-with-easy-garlic-chimichurri-sauce/