Grilled Ute-Style Barbecue Chicken with Smoky Paprika Glaze
Juicy grilled chicken thighs marinated in a smoky paprika and garlic sauce, perfect for a casual outdoor meal. This bbq & smoked-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on, smoked paprika, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined.
- Step 2: Add 6 chicken thighs to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F). Place the marinated chicken thighs skin side down and grill for 6-7 minutes until the skin is charred and crispy.
- Step 4: Flip the chicken and grill for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Ute-Style Barbecue Chicken with Smoky Paprika Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Grilled Ute-Style Barbecue Chicken with Smoky Paprika Glaze?
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 smoked paprika from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Ute-Style Barbecue Chicken with Smoky Paprika Glaze?
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 Grilled Ute-Style Barbecue Chicken with Smoky Paprika Glaze 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 Grilled Ute-Style Barbecue Chicken with Smoky Paprika Glaze?
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.
