Smoked Paprika Chicken
Smoked paprika chicken is one of those recipes that proves you don’t need complicated techniques or expensive ingredients to create something truly delicious. With just a handful of spices and a simple cooking method, you can transform everyday chicken into a dish that’s rich, smoky, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts ~1 lb / 450g
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder optional for a mild kick
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- For the Sauce Optional
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken breasts.
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken breasts and cook 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
- Remove chicken from skillet and keep warm.
- Make the Sauce (Optional)
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the skillet.
- Sauté garlic for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth, smoked paprika, and lemon juice.
- Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper. Pour over cooked chicken.
- Serve
- Slice the chicken or serve whole.
- Pair with roasted vegetables, rice, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.