This Grilled Paprika Chicken is a tasty dish that’s both easy to make and full of flavor. The chicken gets a nice smoky kick from the paprika, making it super delicious!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs and Breasts: Skinless, boneless pieces keep it lean and tender. If you prefer, you can also use chicken drumsticks or bone-in chicken for more flavor, but cooking times will change.
Smoked Paprika: This ingredient gives a lovely smoky flavor. If you’re out, regular paprika works, but you could miss that distinct smokiness. A pinch of cumin could add a different smoky note if needed.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: If you don’t have these, feel free to use fresh garlic and onion. About one clove of garlic and a small onion can provide a fresh flavor boost.
Olive Oil: This is key for a tender chicken. You can replace it with avocado oil or even melted butter for a different flavor but keep an eye on the cooking temperature to avoid burning.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Grilled Perfectly?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with a few easy steps, you can get it just right. First, letting the marinated chicken rest before grilling helps the juices redistribute. The key is heating the grill to medium-high — this gives you those beautiful grill marks.
- Ensure the grill grates are clean for better results.
- When placing the chicken on the grill, avoid pressing down; let it cook undisturbed for better texture.
- Remember to use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
How to Make Grilled Paprika Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs (skinless, boneless)
- 4 chicken breasts (skinless, boneless)
For the Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, plus at least 1 hour to marinate in the fridge. The grilling process itself will take around 12-14 minutes. All in all, you can expect to spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy this delicious grilled paprika chicken!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. These spices will add a delicious flavor to the chicken!
2. Add the Liquids:
Pour in the olive oil and the juice of one lemon to the spice mixture. Whisk everything together until it’s well blended and smooth.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs and breasts and place them in the bowl with the marinade. Make sure to coat each piece of chicken thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For even better flavor, let it marinate for up to 4 hours!
4. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and gets those nice grill marks!
5. Grill the Chicken:
After marinating, take the chicken out of the fridge and let any excess marinade drip off. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Let it Rest:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle back into the meat, making it more flavorful!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish the grilled chicken with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your delicious grilled paprika chicken!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Instead of Boneless?
Absolutely! If you prefer bone-in chicken, just adjust the grilling time to about 10-12 minutes on each side, as bone-in pieces typically take longer to cook. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C).
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Yes! Marinating the chicken overnight will intensify the flavors beautifully. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can use vegetable oil or canola oil as a substitute. Both will work just fine and maintain a similar taste in the marinade.
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled paprika chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the grill for a few minutes to get that smoky flavor back!