Cordless Drill-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Smoky Paprika Rub

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken skewers seasoned with a smoky paprika and garlic rub, perfect for an easy weeknight BBQ. This bbq & smoked-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, teaspoons smoked paprika, teaspoon garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 BBQ & Smoked cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1.5-inch cubes and place in a large bowl.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the chicken cubes and sprinkle the spice mixture on top. Toss well until every piece is evenly coated with the rub.
  4. Step 4: Thread the chicken cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
  5. Step 5: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has nice char marks.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cordless Drill-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Smoky Paprika Rub take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cordless Drill-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Smoky Paprika Rub?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep teaspoons smoked paprika from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cordless Drill-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Smoky Paprika Rub?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cordless Drill-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Smoky Paprika Rub for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cordless Drill-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Smoky Paprika Rub?

BBQ & Smoked chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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