Honey-Glazed Grilled Chicken with Smoky Paprika

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

Tender grilled chicken thighs glazed with a smoky paprika and honey marinade, perfect for outdoor cookouts. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs (about 2 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, smoked paprika 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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, and 1 tsp salt until combined.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 bone-in chicken thighs (about 2 lbs) to the bowl and coat evenly with the spice mixture. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  3. Step 3: Prepare a grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place the chicken thighs skin side down on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes until the skin is crisp and has grill marks.
  4. Step 4: Flip the chicken thighs and brush generously with 3 tbsp honey mixed with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Grill for another 6-7 minutes, brushing with more honey-lemon glaze every 2 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill, rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Glazed Grilled Chicken with Smoky 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 with Smoky 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Glazed Grilled Chicken with Smoky 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 with Smoky 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 with Smoky 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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