Baked Chicken With Minted Chimichurri

For the Minted Chimichurri

Makes 1 1/2 cups | Prep time 15 minutes

• 1 cup fresh mint, tightly packed
• 1 cup flat-leaf parsley, tightly packed
• 1/2 cup fresh oregano (or 3 tbs. dried)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 3/4 tsp. sea salt
• 3 tsp. lemon zest
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

For the Baked Chicken

Makes four servings | Prep time 20 minutes (plus up to two hours to marinate) | Cook time 40 minutes

• 8 pasture-raised, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 11/2 cups minted chimichurri (at left)
• 1/2 tsp. sea salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Add all the minted chimichurri ingredients to a blender or food processor, and process until well combined.
2. Put the chicken in a large bowl with 6 tablespoons of the chimichurri and toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes or up to two hours.
3. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Wipe the chicken with a paper towel to remove excess chimichurri; place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet skin side up and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 40 minutes or until the chicken juices run clear and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a thigh reaches 160 degrees F.
4. Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and drizzle a few tablespoons of the remaining chimichurri over it. Serve, with the rest of the chimichurri on the side.

Per Serving: Calories: 140; Total Fat: 7 g (2 g saturated, 0 g monounsaturated); Carbohydrates: 4.5 g; Protein: 14 g; Fiber: 0.5 g; Sodium: 426 mg

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.