grilled chicken seasoned with smoked paprika on a grill

Grilled chicken

smoked paprika grilled chicken: a flavor explosion!

By:

GuideMyRecipe

Published:

19 Oct 2025

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Do you ever find yourself in a cooking rut, making the same old dishes week after week? I know I do! Chicken, while versatile, can become a bit…predictable. I was tired of the same lemon-herb routine. One sunny afternoon, while visiting a local spice shop – the kind with jars overflowing with exotic aromas – I stumbled upon smoked paprika. The smell alone was captivating. It smelled like campfires and faraway adventures! That's when inspiration struck, and I knew I had to use it on grilled chicken. I mean, imagine, the rich smoky notes melding with the slight sweetness of grilled chicken! The result? Pure magic.
overhead shot of smoked paprika in a small wooden bowl
This isn't your average grilled chicken recipe; it's an invitation to a flavor fiesta! The smoked paprika not only adds a beautiful color to the chicken but also infuses it with a depth of flavor you simply can't achieve with regular paprika. We're talking about tender, juicy chicken with a slightly charred crust and a smoky aroma that will have your neighbors peeking over the fence. Seriously, be prepared for compliments! This recipe is super easy. We will simply combine our ingredients and marinate the chicken for at least 30 mins (longer is preferable). We will grill the chicken until it has an internal temperature of 165 F.
chicken marinating in a bowl with smoked paprika and other ingredients

Required Equipments

  • Grill
  • Medium Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Zip-top bag or shallow dish
  • Meat Thermometer
  • Paper Towels

Smoked Paprika Grilled Chicken: A Flavor Explosion!: Frequently Asked Questions

Smoked Paprika Grilled Chicken: A Flavor Explosion!

Infuse your grilled chicken with a smoky, subtly spicy kick using smoked paprika. This recipe delivers incredibly flavorful, juicy chicken every single time, making it a family favorite and a BBQ showstopper. The key is in the marinade!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. First, lets prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade adhere better.
  2. Now, in a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (if you like a little heat!). Don't be shy with the smoked paprika – it's the star of the show!
  3. Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Pro Tip: Gently massage the marinade into the chicken for maximum flavor penetration.
  4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. I usually aim for at least an hour; it really makes a difference! Sometimes, I even do it overnight for the best result. If you're marinating for longer than 4 hours, consider reducing the amount of salt in the marinade to prevent the chicken from becoming too salty. Trust me, been there, done that!
  5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-450°F or 190-230°C). Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
  6. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the marinade.
  7. Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Overcooked chicken is sad chicken!
  8. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
  9. Slice the grilled chicken against the grain and serve immediately. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired. For a complete meal, serve with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. One time, I had this with grilled pineapples and they tasted heavenly! Oh! I almost forgot, you can also use it on chicken thighs and drumsticks

📝 Notes

    🍎 Nutrition

    Calories: 250 kcal

    Protein: 40 g

    Fat: 8 g

    Carbohydrates: 5 g

    Fiber: 1 g

    Calcium: 30 mg

    There's something almost primal about grilling – the sizzle, the smoke, the char. It's not just cooking; it's an experience.

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