Honey-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs with Smoked Paprika

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken thighs coated in a sweet and smoky honey-paprika glaze that caramelizes beautifully over the fire. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs skin on bone-in chicken thighs, honey, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp honey, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs with skin on to the bowl and toss well to coat each piece evenly in the honey-paprika marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place the marinated chicken thighs skin side down on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes until the skin is nicely charred and caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Flip the chicken and grill the other side for 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving warm with any remaining glaze drizzled on top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs with Smoked Paprika take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (40 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 Honey-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs with Smoked Paprika?

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 honey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs with Smoked Paprika?

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 Honey-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs with Smoked Paprika 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 Honey-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs with Smoked Paprika?

American 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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