Grilled Firecracker Chicken Skewers with Smoky Paprika

By AislePrompt Editorial · ·

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

Juicy chicken marinated in smoky paprika and spices, grilled on skewers for a perfect appetizer. This American-inspired Fourth of July recipe, ready in about 80 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, smoked paprika, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 70 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes and place in a large bowl. Add 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat all chicken pieces. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Soak 6 wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken cubes evenly onto the skewers.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges are slightly charred and smoky.
  4. Step 4: Remove the skewers from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

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