Smoky Paprika Chicken
My Secret Weapon: Smoky Paprika & Citrus Chicken
You know those nights when you need a delicious win without a ton of fuss? Well, this Smoky Paprika & Citrus Rubbed Chicken is my absolute secret weapon! It’s super vibrant, bringing together rich smoked paprika, bright citrus zest, and all those good things like garlic, onion, and just a little bit of sweetness. This rub is a total pantry hero that seriously always brings the flavor.
Pantry How To
Ingredients
2 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, zest of 1 orange (or lemon), 907 g chicken pieces (like thighs, drumsticks, or breasts) or firm tofu slices, 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for baking/pan-frying).
Earth MU How To
First things first, let’s get that amazing rub ready. In a small bowl, just mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and the citrus zest. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely combined. It’ll smell incredible already!
Now, grab your chicken pieces (or tofu slices). You want to be generous here, really rub that spice mix all over them. Don’t be shy! Make sure every piece is well coated.
From here, you’ve got options, which is why I love this recipe!
Bake it: Pop the chicken on a baking sheet (maybe drizzle with a little olive oil first) and bake at 200°C for about 25-35 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken, until it’s cooked through and golden.
Pan fry it: Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat and cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through.
Grill it: Fire up your grill! Grill the chicken over medium heat until you get those lovely char marks and it’s cooked all the way through.
However you cook it, you’re looking for that gorgeous golden color and for the chicken or tofu to be perfectly done inside.
Pro Tip: If you’ve got time, let the chicken hang out with the rub on it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or even a few hours. It really lets those flavors soak in and makes it even more delicious! Find more adaptable ideas like this in the Earth MU Cookbook.