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