Okay, listen up! If you’re craving an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like you spent hours slaving over the grill, then these grilled paprika chicken thighs are your new best friend. Seriously, they’re bursting with this smoky, savory flavor that’s just… *chef’s kiss*. And the best part? Prep takes like, five minutes.
I’ve been making grilled paprika chicken thighs for years, ever since I needed a quick and tasty recipe to impress my then-boyfriend (now hubby!). It’s perfect for a casual barbecue or just a simple family meal. Trust me, everyone will rave about how juicy and delicious these are. You just can’t go wrong!
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Paprika Chicken Thighs Recipe
Simple Preparation for Grilled Paprika Chicken Thighs
Seriously, what’s easier than mixing a few spices and rubbing them on chicken? This isn’t rocket science, folks! The spice rub comes together in seconds – promise!
Incredibly Flavorful Grilled Paprika Chicken Thighs
The paprika is the star here, giving it that rich, smoky taste. But the garlic and onion powder? They’re the backup singers that make the whole song amazing. My favorite part is the *smell* while it grills.
Juicy and Tender Grilled Paprika Chicken Thighs
Okay, bone-in, skin-on thighs are the key! They keep all the juices locked in while grilling. No one wants dry chicken, am I right? Trust me on this one!
Ingredients for Grilled Paprika Chicken Thighs
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll need 4 chicken thighs – and listen closely, they HAVE to be bone-in and skin-on. Trust me on this! Then grab 2 tablespoons of paprika (sweet or smoked, your call!), 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon each of garlic and onion powder, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. That’s it! Told ya it was easy!
How to Make Grilled Paprika Chicken Thighs: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, here we go! This is where the magic happens. Don’t worry, it’s super simple. Just follow along, and you’ll have the best grilled paprika chicken thighs ever! I promise!
Preparing the Grilled Paprika Chicken Thighs Rub
First things first, grab a bowl – any bowl will do! Throw in your paprika, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Now, mix it all up until it forms a little paste. It should smell AMAZING already! This is the good stuff.
Grilling the Perfect Grilled Paprika Chicken Thighs
Alright, fire up that grill to medium-high heat. Now, rub that paprika mixture ALL over those chicken thighs. Get every nook and cranny! Then, onto the grill they go! Grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, flipping occasionally. You’ll want to use a meat thermometer and make SURE they reach 165°F (74°C) inside. No one wants undercooked chicken!
Resting Your Grilled Paprika Chicken Thighs
Almost there! Once they’re cooked through, take those beauties off the grill and let them rest for at least 5 minutes. This is super important! It lets all the juices redistribute, so they stay nice and juicy. Trust me, don’t skip this step!
Tips for the Best Grilled Paprika Chicken Thighs
Okay, want to take these grilled paprika chicken thighs from “good” to “OMG AMAZING!”? Here’s the inside scoop! First off, if you have the time, marinate those babies for at least 30 minutes – or even better, overnight! More flavor, more yum! Also, I can’t stress this enough: USE A MEAT THERMOMETER! Seriously, it’s the only way to know they’re cooked through, but not dried out. And for the love of chicken, don’t overcook them! Nobody likes dry chicken, right?
Variations for Your Grilled Paprika Chicken Thighs
Want to mix things up? Of course, you do! That’s what cooking’s all about! Try using different kinds of paprika – smoked paprika gives it an even *smokier* flavor, while hot paprika adds a kick! Ooh, or a pinch of cayenne pepper? YES! Cumin is also amazing. And hey, if you’re feeling fancy, try a different oil. Avocado oil is my personal fave! Just have fun with it, okay?
Serving Suggestions for Grilled Paprika Chicken Thighs
Okay, so you’ve got these amazing grilled paprika chicken thighs… but what do you serve with them? Grilled veggies are always a winner! Think zucchini, bell peppers, onions… yum! Rice is another easy option – I love a good cilantro-lime rice. Or how about a simple salad? And let’s not forget potatoes! Roasted, mashed, grilled… you name it! Seriously, anything goes with these babies!
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Paprika Chicken Thighs
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask me about these grilled paprika chicken thighs. Don’t be shy – if you have more, just leave a comment below!
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs? Sure, you *can*, but honestly? They won’t be as juicy. Bone-in, skin-on is the way to go for maximum flavor and moisture! But if you’re in a pinch, just watch them closely on the grill so they don’t dry out.
How long should I marinate the chicken? At least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better! The longer they sit in that paprika-spice mixture, the more flavorful they’ll be. Just don’t go *too* long – more than 24 hours can make the texture a little weird.
What’s the best way to check the internal temperature? A meat thermometer, hands down! Stick it into the thickest part of the thigh, making sure not to touch the bone. You’re looking for 165°F (74°C). Trust me, it’s worth the investment to avoid dry or undercooked chicken!
Nutritional Information for Grilled Paprika Chicken Thighs
Okay, let’s talk numbers! Each serving of these grilled paprika chicken thighs (that’s one thigh, folks!) clocks in at around 250 calories. You’re also looking at about 25 grams of protein, 15 grams of fat, and a measly 3 grams of carbs. Not bad, right?
Now, a little disclaimer: these are just *estimates*. The actual nutritional info can vary depending on the size of your chicken thighs, the brand of paprika you use, and how heavy-handed you are with the olive oil. So, take these numbers with a grain of salt, okay? Just enjoy your delicious grilled paprika chicken thighs!
Enjoy Your Grilled Paprika Chicken Thighs!
Alright, that’s it! I hope you love these grilled paprika chicken thighs as much as I do! Seriously, let me know what you think in the comments below! And hey, if you make them, be sure to snap a pic and share it on social media! Don’t forget to rate the recipe too! Thanks for trying it!
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Failproof Grilled Paprika Chicken Thighs in 3 Steps
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Grilled paprika chicken thighs are a flavorful and easy-to-prepare dish.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, mix together paprika, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the mixture all over the chicken thighs.
- Grill chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
