One of my favorite bloggers (and people!) is Erika Kerekes from In Erika’s Kitchen. A couple of months ago, Erika posted a super simple recipe– just three ingredients. Erika said the flavor was reminiscent of chicken wrapped in bacon. It was so easy, I just had to try it.
Fast forward to today– Erika’s Chicken with Smoked Paprika has become one of my go-to recipes for those evenings when I just don’t feel like cooking. Yes, it happens, even to me! Let’s face it, we all get busy and tired and stressed. Having a recipe like this in your repertoire makes life just a little bit easier. It tastes great, uses three simple ingredients, and the prep takes only a couple of minutes. Really. Two minutes!
Erika’s recipe uses boneless skinless chicken thighs; they have more natural moisture than breasts. For those of you who like using boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs, I’ve included a modification. It will take a bit longer (breast meat tastes better when it’s had a chance to marinate), and it requires a little bit of olive oil to keep it from drying out under the broiler. But it’s a great alternative, and turns out really juicy if you follow the instructions carefully. The cooked breasts are perfect for slicing over a fresh salad for a protein and flavor boost.
Not all smoked paprika is created equal. Look for one that smells smoky and strong; a good smoked paprika has a mesquite-like essence that is unmistakable. I used Spice Islands Smoked Paprika for this recipe, and it was terrific. It’s OU certified for those of you who are keeping kosher. If you’ve never bought the spice before and are hesitating, wondering if you’ll ever use it again, not to worry– I’ve become a bit obsessed with it lately, so I’ll be posting several recipes that use it in the next few months. It’s worth the purchase, especially if you enjoy smoky grilled flavors.
If you like this recipe as much as I do, make sure you go give Erika’s blog a look. She’s an ace in the kitchen and a really nice person to boot.
Note: Since posting this recipe, I have adjusted the seasoning. Previously the recipe used garlic salt, which can vary in terms of saltiness from brand to brand. I’ve adjusted the seasoning to use garlic powder and salt separately, which gives you more control over the salt level (and garlic level!).
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Smoked Paprika Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt (you can use less if salt sensitive, but don't cut it completely - the salt is a key component of the flavor here)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, (for chicken breasts) - plus 1 tbsp for brushing the baking sheet
NOTES
Instructions
For Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- Preheat the broiler on high. Set a rack in the oven at least 6 inches below the flame. If you put the rack right under the flame, the chicken will burn on the outside before it's cooked through. In my oven, placing the rack on the second tier works best. Yours may be different.
- Brush a baking sheet evenly with olive oil (about 1 tbsp to cover the sheet) and lay the chicken thighs out flat. In a small bowl, stir together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Sprinkle boths sides of all the thighs generously with the seasoning, completely covering the surface of the chicken.
- Broil the chicken for about 7 minutes on each side, until the thighs are cooked through and have developed a nice crust. A little blackening on the edges is ok and will give it a "grilled" flavor. Broilers tend to vary in terms of strength; if your chicken seems to be burning or cooking too fast, move the rack down a notch and continue broiling until fully cooked.
- Once the chicken has cooked through (internal temperature of 160 degrees F), serve immediately.
For Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and 3 tbsp olive oil to create a smooth paste.
- Trim chicken breasts of excess fat and tendons.
- Place the chicken breasts in a line on a layer of plastic wrap, spaced about 2 inches apart. Cover them with another layer of plastic wrap, so that the breasts are sandwiched between two layers of plastic.
- Use a mallet to gently pound out the chicken breasts until they are an even thickness all the way across and about 1 1/2 times their original size. This will allow the breasts to cook more evenly under the broiler.
- Brush a baking sheet with 1 tbsp olive oil. Place the chicken breasts on the baking sheet. Paint each breast on both sides with a thin, even layer of the smoked paprika paste. Let the breasts stand for 20 minutes to allow the flavor to infuse the meat.Place a rack at least 6 inches below your broiler and preheat the broiler. In my oven, placing the rack on the second tier works best. Yours may be different.
- Place the chicken under the broiler and let it broil for about 6-7 minutes until a crust begins to form around the edges. If your chicken seems to be burning or cooking too fast, move the rack down a notch.Flip the breasts with a pair of tongs. If the breasts appear to be dry after you turn them, baste them with a little olive oil. A little blackening here and there is ok and helps the flavor. Let the breasts continue cooking under the broiler for another 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature of 160 degrees F).
- Let the breasts rest for a minute or two before serving to allow the juices to evenly distribute through the meat. Serve.
Aurelia says
This is now my favorite chicken breast recipe. I have even gone as far as freezing them and they are good reheated. The additional flavor when added to my Caesar salad is amazing. Thank you for the recipe.
Kari BB says
The best paprika is Hungarian. Look for the Red tin at the grocer. Canned by Spiceco from “Szeged”. There is a hot one and a sweet one. Totally different and both amazing depending on your dish.
Cathy says
This is very good. Like it better if you use oil even with boneless chicken thighs.
Diane says
I have been trying recipes online for years and your description and instructions are by far the best I’ve seen in a long time well done! I haven’t tried the recipe yet that’s next so I’m hoping that it is as good as your instructions thank you . Figured I wouldn’t do this later after trying too pooped which is reason for pre review
Tabatha says
Wow it was salty! I now know to do 1/2 teaspoon of salt and to leave the garlic salt out all together and just use garlic powder. So next time I’ll do that. I love Paprika dishes, so this is a keeper, I just have to adjust it.
Wanda says
Woot woot
These are super!
I prepped the thighs but then had some technical difficulties with my oven so pan fried them in a small amount of oil (~ 1 Tbsp)
And they came out so amazing !
Will make a regular in our rotation
Definitely more than the sum of its parts
This recipe is superlative
Myhalfdozen says
I don’t usually post about recipes…but, I just made this chicken for my family and it was AMAZING! Sooo delicious and extremely moist! My son couldn’t stop talking about it! I also thought it was one of the best recipes I have found. Simple(not a lot of ingredients)which is a huge deal…most recipes get so complicated. I am so glad I found his recipe, I will DEFINATELY be making this recipe lots:~)
Kim says
Thank you for this recipe! It was a lifesaver on a busy weeknight. When I was making it, I thought it smelled like a barbecue potato chip so I added about a tablespoon of brown sugar and it was delicious. Even my picky 6 year old ate the “barbecue potato chip chicken.”
Karen Acenberg says
I’m making this tonight!!! Can’t wait, thank you. I’ll letter you know.
Markeeta says
Loved this. I used the chicken breast recipe. It was quick and tasted great. This will be my go to recipe when I am short on time. I served it with a rice pilaf and brocholi. IMy father was from Hungary so I have used paprika extensively in cooking, but never smoked paprika. It was delicious.
Nina says
I have 2 bone-in, skin on, legs with thighs (attached) that I was bought for tonight. This sounds great. How would you modify the cooking time/method because of the thickness? I will remove the skin.
Tori Avey says
Hi Nina, this recipe is really meant for boneless skinless cuts, I have not tested it for bone-in skin-on so I cannot recommend any modifications.
Nina says
Thanks Tori – I’ll wait and try it with the boneless – skin off chicken. I never modify or change a recipe the first time that I make it.
Debbie says
Thanks for this. Looks great!! I, too, am obsessed with smoked paprika! Only found it this year and love love love it.
Martha Guthrie says
I have some boneless pork ribs I’m trying this with tomorrow on the grill.
So far, I put the paprika and garlic salt on it – gladly. I have a garlic salt container that got too close to the heat on the stove and the bottom no longer will stand up straight. It drives me crazy and I’ll be glad for it to be done!
I want to add that Kroger has their own version of the smoked paprika in their Private Selection line. It’s just as good as the one I used before, which was in a can and imported. Most importantly, I don’t have to drive across town to buy it any more. This stuff is fantastic on deviled eggs, BTW.
Anne says
Thank you.
Aaron Miller says
How much should I cook it for if I am using bone-in skinless chicken thighs?
Tori Avey says
Hi Aaron, bone-in skinless thighs take quite a bit longer to cook; broiling them will likely burn the exterior before the inside has a chance to come to temperature. Instead, I would suggest baking them at 400 degrees F for about 45 minutes till the internal temp reaches 170 degrees F– turn the thighs once halfway through cooking. Because of the longer cook time, it’s actually best to leave the skin on to help trap the moisture inside, then remove the skin after cooking, or you risk having a somewhat dry result. You can counteract this a bit by basting with oil periodically. I really only recommend bone-in skinless pieces for braises that contain a lot of liquid.
Crystal says
Just tried these! I should have used more garlic salt but otherwise it went perfectly with my coconut rice in a lettuce wrap!
Tori Avey says
Yum Crystal! Sounds delish!
Omar says
This is the high-end-chicken-breast version of instant noodles in terms of logistical ease to cook and serve (and enjoy of course). I’d like to add, that a zesty and finger-licking alternative to this recipe is substituting smoked paprika with something else.
Instead of using smoked, use regular paprika and “tikka powder.” Tikka is the the same spice used to prepare those delicious Indian styled barbeques, full of flavor and life, and loved by everyone over the world. That stuff rocks the flavor on this recipe, especially it’s combo with paprika is virtually out of this world. You can obtain the Tikka seasoning from local Indian store, and look up Chicken Tikka BBQ pics on Google for some eye-candy.
Tori Avey says
Great idea Omar!
Tony Brice says
It looks absolutely scrumptious! 🙂
Anne Marie Stabile says
I, for one, love Tori!
Karen Curr says
This is one of our favorites too! We make a lot of it the freeze it so that we can have it anytime- in a sandwich, on a salad, or as “chicken strips” to dip in Greek yogurt with cocktails! 🙂