Description
These easy Spicy Paprika Chicken Skewers are packed with bold, juicy flavor. Marinated to perfection, the chicken is tender and kissed with a perfect amount of heat. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or weekend barbecues, this versatile recipe is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp chili flakes, adjust to taste
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for serving
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the smoked paprika, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, chili flakes, salt, and pepper until smooth and richly colored.
- Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each cube is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Clean and oil the grates well to prevent sticking.
- Thread each marinated chicken cube onto soaked wooden or metal skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces for even heat circulation.
- Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 10–12 minutes total, turning every 3 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Remove the spicy paprika chicken skewers from the heat and let them rest for 5 minutes. This brief pause locks in juices, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.
- Garnish the spicy paprika chicken skewers with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for extra zest.
Notes
- Serve with a side of cooling tzatziki or Greek yogurt drizzle for added flavor.
- To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For freezing, wrap individual skewers in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or grill briefly.
- Avoid keeping these spicy paprika chicken skewers at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes to suit your preferred spice level.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, and up to 2 hours, for optimal flavor.
- Ensure skewers have a small gap between chicken pieces for even cooking.
- Oil your grill grates to prevent sticking and achieve perfect grill marks on your spicy paprika chicken skewers.
- Resting the skewers for 5 minutes after grilling helps redistribute juices, leading to tender, moist results.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg