Smoked Paprika-Sear Chicken Thighs

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs with a smoky, spicy crust, marinated in Brazilian spices and seared to perfection for a weeknight dinner. This brazilian-inspired grilling (low-carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs 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 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.

★ 4.3 (89 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then rub with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and 1 tsp olive oil.
  2. Step 2: Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Place thighs skin-side down in skillet, pressing gently to ensure even contact; cook for 8-10 minutes until skin is deeply golden and crispy.
  4. Step 4: Flip thighs, add thyme and lemon juice, then cook for 6-8 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Paprika-Sear Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Smoked Paprika-Sear Chicken Thighs?

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 skin-on chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Paprika-Sear Chicken Thighs?

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 Smoked Paprika-Sear Chicken Thighs 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 Smoked Paprika-Sear Chicken Thighs low-carb?

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

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