Paprika-Spiced Grilled Chicken Thighs with Citrus Herb Salad

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

Juicy grilled chicken thighs rubbed with smoky paprika and served with a bright citrus and herb salad for a flavorful Whole30 dinner. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on 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 360 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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.

★ 4.4 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush grill grates with 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Step 3: Place chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes until skin is crisp and golden. Flip and grill an additional 6-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  4. Step 4: While chicken grills, in a medium bowl toss 1 cup chopped mixed fresh herbs, 1 large segmented orange, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil. Toss gently until combined.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from grill and let rest 5 minutes. Serve topped with the bright citrus herb salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Paprika-Spiced Grilled Chicken Thighs with Citrus Herb Salad take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Paprika-Spiced Grilled Chicken Thighs with Citrus Herb Salad?

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 Paprika-Spiced Grilled Chicken Thighs with Citrus Herb Salad?

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 Paprika-Spiced Grilled Chicken Thighs with Citrus Herb Salad 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.

Is Paprika-Spiced Grilled Chicken Thighs with Citrus Herb Salad whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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