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Looking for a bold new chicken dinner recipe that’s ready in under 30 minutes? You’ll love this Smoked Paprika and Honey Chicken! The combination of sweet, smoky flavors and juicy chicken thighs makes it one of the best weeknight dinner ideas. With simple pantry spices and a touch of honey glaze, this baked chicken recipe will quickly become a staple in your home.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 25 minutes for easy weeknight meals.
- Features high-protein chicken thighs.
- Sweet and smoky flavors for crowd-pleasing taste.
- Use leftover shredded chicken for salads, sandwiches, or meal prep.
- Naturally gluten-free and budget-friendly.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken thighs | 2 lbs. |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
| Chili powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Garlic powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Smoked paprika (or sweet paprika) | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried parsley flakes (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | Pinch or more |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Cider vinegar or lemon juice | 2 teaspoons |
Kitchen Equipment
These kitchen tools will make prep even easier:
- Baking sheets oven
- Measuring cups & spoons measuring cups and spoons set
- Mixing bowls mixing bowls
- Silikon brush or spoon
- Chef’s knives chef’s knives
- Cutting board cutting board
- Air fryer (optional for crispier version) air fryer
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Set your oven rack 4 inches from broiler. Preheat broiler on high. Line a baking sheet with foil or spray with cooking spray.
- Wash and pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season each side with salt and pepper, then arrange chicken thighs on prepared baking sheet.
- In a medium bowl, mix chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, parsley flakes, and red pepper flakes.
- Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with spice mixture.
- In a small bowl, mix honey and cider vinegar or lemon juice; set aside.
- Broil chicken for 5-6 minutes, flip over. Broil another 5-6 minutes, flip again.
- Brush the honey/vinegar mixture over the chicken and broil for another 5 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
Helpful Tips
- Substitute boneless chicken breasts for a lighter option.
- If you don’t have smoked paprika, use sweet paprika for a milder taste.
- Try finishing the chicken in an air fryer for extra crunch.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to lock in juices.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Absolutely! Adjust cooking time to prevent drying out. Thin or pound breasts for even broiling.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
Substitute sweet paprika or add a dash of chipotle powder for smoky flavor.
Can I bake instead of broil?
Yes, bake at 425°F for 20 minutes and finish with honey glaze under the broiler.
Can I meal prep with this chicken?
Yes! This recipe works well for shredded chicken in salads, wraps, or bowls.
What equipment do I need?
A broiler-safe pan, silicon brush, and mixing bowls – see links in our equipment section for top-rated options.
Nutrition Information
- Serving size: 6 ounces chicken
- Estimated calories: 230
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Sugar: 8g
Smoked Paprika and Honey Chicken : Quick Oven-Baked Dinner in 25 Minutes
Sweet and smoky baked chicken thighs with smoked paprika and honey glaze. Quick, healthy, and full of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Broil
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs
salt & pepper to taste
2 teaspoon chili powder
2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (optional)
pinch or more red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoon cider vinegar or lemon juice
Instructions
1. Set oven rack 4 inches from broiler. Preheat broiler on high. Line a baking sheet with foil (or spray with cooking spray).
2. Wash and pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season with salt & pepper; arrange on prepared baking sheet.
3. Mix chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, parsley flakes, red pepper flakes. Sprinkle onto chicken.
4. Mix honey and cider vinegar or lemon juice. Set aside.
5. Broil chicken for 5-6 min, flip. Broil 5-6 min, flip again.
6. Brush honey/vinegar mixture over chicken. Broil another 5 min, until golden and cooked through.
Notes
Broil times can vary by oven; confirm chicken is cooked through.
Substitute sweet paprika if needed.
Use air fryer for extra crispy.
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