Lemon Paprika Chicken Thighs

These Lemon and Smoked Paprika Chicken Thighs are an incredibly easy and affordable weeknight dinner solution. Boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in a delicious combination of smoked paprika, lemon, thyme, and garlic. They can be cooked on the grill or under the broiler and are ready in just 10 minutes. It couldn’t get much simpler!

The other great thing about these paprika chicken thighs is that they are versatile and great for bulk protein prep! Serve them right off the grill the first night with some grilled green beans and cilantro brown rice. Use leftovers to make a smoky chicken salad with greens. These are also amazing for chicken tacos, taco bowls, and quesadillas. 

Love paprika? Don't miss this Paprika Lime Chicken, Pork Paprikash, or Red Pepper Paprika Chicken.

Ingredients and Swaps

Here is everything you need to make these tasty chicken thighs.

• Chicken Thighs: For quick and easy chicken, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent option. They come out juicy and moist every time and are also affordable. This recipe and marinade work for chicken breasts, bone-in chicken thighs, drumsticks, and bone-in chicken. You can also use the paprika lemon marinade for pork, fish, or tofu steaks. 
• Lemon: Lemon helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor. Fresh lemon juice is always best. Add lemon zest for even more lemon flavor. You could use lime juice or vinegar if you don't have fresh lemon juice. 
• Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika is slightly sweet, smoky, and flavorful.  If you don't love smoky flavors, swap in sweet paprika.
• Garlic: This aromatic complements the flavors in the smoked paprika. Garlic powder can be used as well.
• Dried thyme: Thyme pairs well with smoked paprika, like in blackening seasoning. Dried oregano, basil, or rosemary could also be used.

What is the difference between paprika and smoked paprika?

The main difference between paprika and smoked paprika lies in the flavor, smoky vs. sweet, and the process used to produce them:

• Paprika: Paprika has a mild, sweet flavor. It is not typically spicy, though variations can be hotter. Paprika is made from dried and ground red peppers, usually red bell peppers, which is why it has a sweet flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika has a smoky flavor in addition to the sweetness found in regular paprika. The smokiness can vary, depending on the brand and type. Smoked paprika is made from red peppers smoked over a fire before being dried and ground. This smoking process imparts the characteristic smoky flavor.
• Hot paprika: Hot paprika has a spicy, smoky flavor. It is made from dried red chili peppers instead of bell peppers, and depending on the brand, it is sometimes smoked.

How to Cook Paprika Chicken: Grill, Oven, Skillet, or Air Fryer

No matter the season, there is an easy way to make these chicken thighs. 

1. Marinate the chicken in lemon and paprika

Chicken can be bland if you don't add some flavor. Start by combining olive oil, smoked paprika, lemon juice, lemon zest (for more lemon flavor), dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Add dijon mustard, white wine, fresh herbs, and olive oil.

Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes but no longer than 2 hours. The lemon juice can break down the chicken and create a mushy texture.

2. Cook the Chicken

• Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). Place chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
• Broiled in the oven: Preheat the broiler to high. Place the chicken on a broiler pan covered in aluminum foil for easy clean-up. Broil 6 inches from the heat source for 5-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
• Baked in the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the chicken in a baking dish or on a sheet pan in a single layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
• Cooked in a skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with some oil. Place chicken in the skillet in a single layer. Cook 5-7 minutes per side until the chicken is nicely browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
• Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the chicken in the basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Side Dishes for Lemon Paprika Chicken

This easy chicken dinner works with all side dishes. Here are some favorites:

• Grilled veggies: During the summer months, when I cook this chicken on the grill, I also love making my side dishes on the grill. Serve it with some grilled corn, grilled broccoli, or grilled potatoes. 
• Salad: For something light and fresh, serve this with a salad like Arugula Salad, Corn Salad, or Cucumber Salad.
• Rice or grains: Serve this with some delicious rice or grains. For a really quick meal, use microwave brown rice or quinoa. 
• Roasted vegetables: Make some roasted vegetables on the side like these crispy balsamic brussels sprouts or honey roasted baby carrots.
• Potatoes: Chicken and potatoes are always a dinner favorite. Add some easy roasted potatoes, sweet potato fries, or grilled potatoes.

How long does it take to marinate chicken thighs?

If you are short on time, this marinade, which contains lemon juice, will impart lots of flavor in just 30 minutes. For more flavor, leave it marinating for 2-4 hours. If needed, it can be marinated for up to 2 days in the fridge.