Spicy Alton Brown Paprika Chicken Recipe

Paprika ignites chicken dishes with a mesmerizing flavor explosion that dances between rustic charm and culinary artistry.

Hungarian kitchens have long celebrated this crimson spice as their secret weapon.

Generations of cooks understand its transformative magic on simple proteins.

You’ll fall in love with how paprika weaves complex, smoky notes into every tender bite.

Its warm undertones whisper stories of tradition and passion on your plate.

Professional chefs and weekend warriors alike recognize this spice’s incredible potential to elevate ordinary meals.

Get ready to turn your next chicken dinner into an unforgettable taste adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 270 kcal

Servings: 4

Alton Brown’s Paprika Chicken: Ingredients You Need

• Paprika: Choose bright, vibrant red powder for maximum color and robust taste.
• Poultry Seasoning: Select fresh blend with aromatic herbs for deeper flavor complexity.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for even distribution and clean seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Opt for freshly ground peppercorns to enhance overall spice profile.

• Chicken: Select boneless, skinless pieces with uniform size for consistent cooking.

• Olive Oil: Pick extra virgin variety for rich, smooth undertone and healthier cooking.
• Lemon: Select bright, firm citrus with smooth skin for maximum juice extraction.

Tools for Alton Brown’s Spiced Chicken Dish

• Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing spices and creating your flavor blend.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately portion out paprika, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing chicken and achieving that golden-brown exterior.
• Cutting Board: Ideal for cubing chicken and prepping ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for precise chicken cutting and preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and turning chicken while cooking.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• Serving Plate: Ready to present your deliciously cooked chicken.
• Citrus Squeezer (optional): Helps extract fresh lemon juice evenly over the dish.

Instructions for Cooking Paprika Chicken

• Craft Your Flavor Symphony

Blend your favorite spices together, creating a mouthwatering mix that will dance on your taste buds. Combine paprika, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper into a magical seasoning powder that will transform ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece.

• Dress the Chicken

Sprinkle the spice blend generously over chicken pieces, gently massaging the seasoning so every morsel gets coated with explosive flavor. Ensure each chunk is completely embraced by the aromatic mix.

• Sizzle and Sear

Fire up a large skillet with a splash of olive oil, cranking the heat to medium-high. Drop the seasoned chicken into the hot pan, letting it sizzle and develop a gorgeous golden crust. Listen for that satisfying sear that promises incredible taste.

• Cook to Perfection

Keep the chicken moving occasionally, allowing each piece to cook evenly and develop a beautiful caramelized exterior. Watch for that perfect golden-brown color and ensure the meat reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

• Finish with Flair

Give your chicken a bright, zesty finale by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the top. Transfer to a serving plate and get ready to enjoy a meal bursting with incredible flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

Flavor Enhancements for Alton Brown’s Paprika Chicken

• Elevate Spice Intensity: Customize the spice blend by adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for an extra kick that ignites your taste buds with warmth.
• Swap Protein Options: Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or turkey breast to create diverse meal experiences while maintaining the delicious seasoning profile.
• Boost Nutrition Naturally: Incorporate additional herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor complexity and increase the dish's nutritional value with minimal effort.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the spice mixture in advance and store in an airtight container for up to two weeks, allowing quick and convenient meal preparation on busy days.

Serving Alton Brown’s Chicken with Style

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, cilantro, or chives over the golden chicken to add a burst of color and fresh, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Pair with Zesty Side Dishes: Serve alongside roasted vegetables, fluffy quinoa, or a crisp green salad to complement the chicken's savory spice blend and create a balanced, satisfying meal.
• Create a Flavor-Packed Wrap: Tuck the seasoned chicken into warm tortillas with a dollop of yogurt sauce, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of lime for a quick and delicious lunch option.
• Meal Prep Champion: Pack the cooked chicken in meal prep containers with your favorite grains and veggies for an easy, protein-packed lunch that stays tasty and moist throughout the week.

Store and Reheat Tips for Alton Brown’s Paprika Chicken

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Batch Prep Power: Cook extra chicken during your meal prep session and store in sealed containers for quick protein additions to salads, wraps, and grain bowls throughout the week.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked chicken in airtight containers, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Always cool chicken completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored chicken maintains quality for up to 3 months, perfect for future meal planning.
• Reheating with Care: Warm refrigerated chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave with a splash of broth to restore moisture, preventing dry and tough meat texture.

Crispy Alton Brown Paprika Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s paprika chicken delivers a rich, Hungarian-inspired feast that blends smoky spices with tender meat. Crispy skin and deep flavor make this dish a comforting classic you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, cubed in ½-inch pieces
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp poultry seasoning
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Spice Preparation: In a mixing bowl, blend paprika, poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper to create a dynamic seasoning mix.
2. Chicken Coating: Thoroughly massage the spice blend into chicken cubes, ensuring complete and even coverage of each piece.
3. Skillet Heating: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the surface develops a subtle shimmer and appears translucent.
4. Searing Process: Carefully place seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, allowing them to sear undisturbed for 4-5 minutes to develop a rich golden-brown crust and lock in moisture.
5. Browning and Cooking: Rotate chicken cubes using tongs to achieve uniform browning, continuing to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
6. Finishing Touch: Remove skillet from heat and drizzle fresh lemon juice over the chicken to introduce a bright, zesty flavor dimension.
7. Serving: Immediately transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a serving platter, presenting a dish that combines robust spices with tender, juicy meat.

Notes

• Spice Blend Secrets: Mix spices thoroughly to ensure each chicken piece gets an equal, flavorful coating that maximizes taste in every bite.
• Perfect Searing Technique: Use a hot skillet and avoid overcrowding to achieve golden-brown exteriors that lock in juicy chicken moisture.
• Temperature Precision: Always check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked meat without dryness.
• Citrus Finishing Touch: Squeeze fresh lemon juice right after cooking to brighten flavors and add a zesty, fresh dimension to the paprika-seasoned chicken.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg