Smoky Paprika BBQ Chicken
This smoky paprika BBQ chicken is juicy, bold, and packed with sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. It’s an easy grilled dinner that brings restaurant-quality taste to your backyard and is perfect for family cookouts or weeknight meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
- Total Time: 45–60 minutes (plus optional marinating time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp salt (preferably kosher)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (thick, tangy style recommended)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels and place in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Stir in olive oil to form a thick paste.
- Pour the paprika paste over the chicken and massage it into all sides (including under the skin if desired).
- Optional: Cover and refrigerate to marinate for 30–60 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat grill to medium heat (about 375°F). For charcoal, set up a two-zone fire for indirect and direct heat.
- Place chicken skin-side down over indirect heat. Grill with lid closed for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Move chicken over direct heat and brush generously with BBQ sauce. Grill for 5–10 minutes more, turning and basting until skin is charred, sticky, and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer chicken to a platter, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 5–10 minutes.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken just before serving.
Notes
For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Use indirect heat to cook the chicken through, then finish over direct heat for a caramelized crust. Brush BBQ sauce on during the last 10 minutes to avoid burning. Check BBQ sauce for gluten if needed. Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large piece (about 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 28
Keywords: BBQ chicken, smoky paprika, grilled chicken, summer grilling, easy dinner, backyard BBQ, gluten-free, chicken recipe, barbecue, weeknight meal