Quick & Juicy Alton Brown Paprika Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Paprika transforms ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece that dances between smoky complexity and vibrant flavor profiles.

Its rustic Hungarian roots whisper centuries of traditional cooking techniques into modern kitchens.

This spice possesses an extraordinary ability to elevate simple proteins with rich, warm undertones that captivate taste buds.

paprika unlocks secret layers of depth, turning mundane meals into memorable experiences that surprise and delight.

Professional chefs and home cooks recognize its magical potential to create deeply satisfying dishes.

Each sprinkle promises a journey through nuanced taste sensations that transport you beyond typical weeknight dinners.

Bold yet subtle, this spice speaks a universal language of comfort and excitement: prepare to be amazed.

Why Alton Brown’s Paprika Chicken Hits the Spot

• Quick-Spice Flavor Explosion: This recipe delivers an incredible taste profile with a simple blend of paprika and poultry seasoning that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouth-watering meal in just 15 minutes.
• Effortless Cooking Method: The one-pan sauté technique makes this dish incredibly easy for home cooks, allowing even beginner chefs to create a restaurant-quality meal without complex techniques or multiple cooking steps.
• Protein-Packed Weeknight Wonder: Designed for busy individuals, this chicken recipe provides a fast, nutritious dinner solution that packs serious flavor while keeping preparation and cooking time minimal, perfect for hectic schedules.
• Zesty Citrus Finish: The fresh lemon juice squeeze at the end adds a bright, tangy dimension that cuts through the rich spices, elevating the entire dish with a single, simple touch of freshness.

Must-Have Ingredients for Alton Brown’s Paprika Chicken

• Paprika: Warm, sweet spice that adds rich color and mild flavor to the chicken.
• Poultry Seasoning: Classic herb blend that enhances the overall chicken taste.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the seasoning mix.

• Chicken: Lean protein that serves as the main ingredient of the dish, best when cubed into uniform pieces.

• Olive Oil: Healthy fat for sautéing the chicken, provides a light, smooth cooking base.
• Lemon: Fresh citrus juice for bright, tangy finishing touch to the cooked chicken.

How to Make Alton Brown’s Paprika Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Flavor Blend

• Paprika
• Poultry seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 2: Season Chicken

• Sprinkling the seasoning blend over cubed chicken
• Tossing gently to ensure complete coverage

Step 3: Sizzle in the Skillet

• Pour olive oil into a large skillet
• Set heat to medium-high
• Add seasoned chicken pieces
• Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, creating a golden exterior

Step 4: Complete Cooking

• Stir chicken occasionally
• Cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes
• Ensure chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C)

Step 5: Final Touch

• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked chicken
• Transfer to serving plate
• Serve hot and enjoy the vibrant, zesty flavors!

Insider Tips for Alton Brown’s Paprika Chicken

• Sizzle Strategically: Wait until pan reaches smoking point for perfect golden-brown crust.
• Balance Temperature: Let chicken rest at room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Oil Wisely: Use high smoke-point oils like grapeseed or avocado for crispy exterior.
• Moisture Lock: Pat chicken completely dry with paper towels to eliminate excess water.
• Seasoning Depth: Press spices gently into chicken skin to enhance flavor penetration.

Storing Alton Brown’s Paprika Chicken

• Vacuum Sealing: Lock in freshness by vacuum sealing paprika chicken portions in specialized bags. Removes all air, preventing freezer burn and maintaining optimal flavor for up to 3 months. Perfect for meal preppers and busy home cooks wanting to preserve quality.
• Glass Container Method: Store cooled chicken in glass containers with tight-fitting lids for maximum moisture retention. Transparent containers help track leftovers and prevent flavor contamination from plastic. Refrigerate immediately after cooling to maintain safety and taste.
• Portion Packaging: Divide chicken into individual serving sizes before storing. Wrap each portion in parchment paper, then place in freezer bags to prevent sticking and ease future meal planning. Compact packaging saves space and allows quick, selective thawing without defrosting entire batch.

Interesting Variations on Alton Brown’s Paprika Chicken

• Smoky Mediterranean Infusion: Replace poultry seasoning with dried oregano and add crumbled feta cheese after cooking for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Kick: Mix in ground cumin and cayenne pepper with the paprika, then top the finished chicken with chopped fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.
• Herb Garden Chicken: Swap poultry seasoning for a blend of fresh chopped thyme, rosemary, and parsley, creating a fragrant and lighter version of the original recipe.
• Garlic Paprika Explosion: Mince two garlic cloves and sauté them with the chicken, then finish with a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor.

Parting Thoughts on Alton Brown’s Paprika Chicken

Culinary magic unfolds with Alton Brown’s paprika chicken, a symphony of bold flavors dancing on your plate.

Spices intertwine, creating a sensory experience that elevates home cooking to restaurant-quality artistry.

Chicken pieces transform into golden, aromatic morsels that promise satisfaction with each bite.

Simple ingredients combine effortlessly, proving gourmet meals need not be complicated.

Kitchen novices and seasoned cooks can master this delightful recipe with minimal effort.

Quick, delicious, and irresistible – share this recipe with your network, spark conversations in the comments, and spread the culinary joy that makes taste buds sing.

Alton Brown Paprika Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s paprika chicken delivers a rustic Hungarian-inspired comfort classic with tender chicken thighs bathed in a rich, smoky sauce. Hearty spices and simple ingredients create a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed in ½-inch pieces

Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Liquids and Oils:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Whisk together paprika, poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a compact mixing vessel to create a robust spice blend.
2. Disperse the seasoning mixture evenly over the cubed chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated on all surfaces.
3. Warm 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until the surface shimmers with slight translucency.
4. Carefully introduce the seasoned chicken pieces into the hot skillet, arranging them in a single layer to promote even browning.
5. Allow the chicken to sear undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes, developing a golden-brown exterior and sealing in natural juices.
6. Gently rotate the chicken cubes using tongs to ensure uniform cooking and crisp exterior on all sides.
7. Continue cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, verifying internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) for safe consumption.
8. Remove the skillet from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken, enhancing the flavor profile with bright, citrusy notes.
9. Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a serving platter and serve immediately while still piping hot.

Notes

• Marinate chicken in herbs and citrus for deeper flavor profiles.
• Pat meat dry before seasoning to ensure crispy exterior.
• Use high-heat cooking oil like avocado or grapeseed for perfect searing.
• Rest chicken 3-5 minutes after cooking to lock in juicy tenderness.
• Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Slice against meat grain for maximum tenderness and easier eating.
• Fresh herbs sprinkled on top add bright, aromatic final touch.
• Leftover chicken stores well in airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Reheat gently in oven to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
• Pair with roasted vegetables or light salad for balanced meal.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg