Zesty Garlicky Grilled Chicken with Paprika Butter Recipe

Succulent garlicky grilled chicken with paprika butter promises a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Mediterranean summers whisper through each golden-brown bite.

Crisp herb-infused edges hint at culinary magic waiting to unfold.

Vibrant spices mingle with tender meat, creating a symphony of sensations.

Charred edges lock in rich, complex flavors that sing of outdoor cooking adventures.

Minimal ingredients deliver maximum excitement for anyone seeking a simple yet impressive meal.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible dish that turns an ordinary dinner into a celebration.

Paprika Grilled Chicken Stored Tender and Bold

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the paprika butter separate to maintain its texture.
• Wrap chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months to preserve flavor and quality.
• Warm chicken gently in microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Alternatively, warm in a covered skillet with a bit of butter over low heat until heated through.
• Bring refrigerated paprika butter to room temperature before serving, and drizzle fresh herbs on reheated chicken to restore its vibrant taste and appearance.

Grilled Veggie Ideas For Paprika Chicken

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay complement the garlicky chicken's zesty profile, cutting through the richness of the paprika butter with bright, refreshing acidity.
• Herb-Enhancing Side Companion: Fresh Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese provides a cool, tangy counterpoint to the grilled chicken's robust garlic and spice flavors, balancing the dish's intensity.
• Temperature-Matching Beverage: Chilled pilsner or light lager beer offers a crisp, clean finish that refreshes the palate after each bite of the spicy, charred chicken, neutralizing the paprika butter's warmth.
• Textural Contrast Plate: Creamy roasted garlic mashed potatoes create a smooth, velvety base that absorbs the paprika butter's rich flavor while offering a gentle counterbalance to the chicken's charred exterior.

Grilled Chicken with Paprika Butter Twists

• Herb-Infused Chicken: Replace dill with a mix of fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley for an aromatic Mediterranean-style marinade that adds depth and complexity to the grilled chicken.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter with coconut oil and add smoked paprika for a rich, dairy-free alternative that maintains the recipe's bold flavor profile while accommodating lactose-intolerant diets.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Increase cayenne pepper and add chipotle powder to the paprika butter for a smoky, intense heat that transforms the original recipe into a zestier version for spice lovers.
• Low-Carb Friendly: Use avocado oil instead of vegetable oil in the marinade and serve with a side of grilled vegetables to create a protein-packed, keto-compatible meal that keeps the dish's core essence intact.

FAQs

• Why should I marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours?

Marinating allows the garlic, dill, and lemon flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken, tenderizing the meat and creating a more complex, rich taste profile that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

• Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?

While fresh dill provides the best flavor, you can substitute dried dill by using about 1/3 of the amount called for in the fresh herb measurement. The dried version will still contribute a nice herbaceous note to the marinade.

• How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender. The two-zone grilling method helps achieve perfectly cooked chicken with a crispy exterior.

• What makes the paprika butter special in this recipe?

The paprika butter adds a rich, smoky flavor with a subtle kick from the cayenne pepper. It complements the garlicky chicken by providing a creamy, spiced element that elevates the entire dish’s taste and presentation.

Grilled Chicken With Paprika Butter That’s Big On Flavor

• Boost Flavor Intensity: The robust garlic marinade penetrates deeply into chicken, creating an explosion of taste that transforms an ordinary meal into a gourmet experience.
• Quick Weekend Champion: This recipe takes just 30 minutes of active cooking time, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want restaurant-quality results without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Impressive Entertaining Dish: Stunning presentation with thinly sliced chicken, vibrant paprika butter, and fresh dill garnish guarantees to wow guests at summer barbecues or casual dinner parties.
• Customizable Cooking Technique: Versatile grilling method allows flexibility between high and medium-low heat zones, ensuring perfectly cooked chicken with beautiful charred exterior and juicy interior.

Garlicky Chicken with Paprika Butter Mix

• Chicken Breasts: Succulent main protein, best when boneless and skinless for even cooking.

• Garlic: Aromatic flavor enhancer, fresh cloves provide maximum punch.
• Salt: Essential seasoning for flavor depth.
• Dill: Herbal and bright complement to chicken.
• Vegetable Oil: Creates smooth marinade base.
• Olive Oil: Adds rich, fruity undertone to marinade.
• Lemon Juice: Tenderizes meat and adds brightness.
• Lemon Zest: Concentrated citrus flavor for depth.

• Butter: Softened for smooth blending, rich flavor carrier.
• Paprika: Adds warm, sweet pepper notes.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and complexity.

• Fresh Dill: Decorative herb with additional flavor.
• Flaky Sea Salt: Finishing touch for texture and seasoning enhancement.

Garlicky Grilled Chicken with Paprika Butter – Preparation Steps

Step 1: Mix Marinade Magic

Toss garlic, salt, and dill into a food processor.

Pulse until everything becomes super fine.

While the processor runs, slowly drizzle in vegetable and olive oils to create a silky smooth mixture.

Add fresh lemon juice and save the zest for later.

Pour this flavor-packed marinade over chicken in a large bowl, ensuring every piece gets coated.

Cover and let the chicken soak up all the goodness in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for an intense flavor explosion.

Before grilling, let the chicken chill at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Whip Up Spicy Butter Surprise

• Softened butter
• Saved lemon zest
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper

Blend until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.

Transfer this vibrant butter to a small bowl and set aside.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Set up your grill with one side on high heat and the other on medium-low.

Sear the marinated chicken over high heat for 1-2 minutes on each side to get those gorgeous char marks.

Move the chicken to the cooler side of the grill, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes.

Flip halfway through and cook until the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Once done, remove from the grill and let the chicken rest under a loose foil tent for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Create a Delicious Presentation

Slice the chicken breasts into thin, elegant pieces.

Arrange them beautifully on a serving platter.

Place the spicy paprika butter on the side for dipping or spreading.

For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle fresh dill and flaky sea salt over the top if you’re feeling fancy.

Grilled Chicken Tips With Paprika Glow

• Let the chicken soak in the garlic-dill marinade overnight for an extra flavor explosion that penetrates deep into the meat.
• Create a two-zone grill setup to achieve perfectly charred exterior and juicy interior by searing first, then cooking at lower heat.
• Bring softened butter to room temperature before blending to ensure a smooth, evenly mixed paprika butter with no lumps.
• Use a meat thermometer to hit exactly 165°F, preventing dry chicken while ensuring food safety and optimal juiciness.
• Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after grilling, letting juices redistribute and keeping the meat tender and succulent.

Garlicky Grilled Chicken with Paprika Butter Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlicky grilled chicken with paprika butter brings Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate, promising a sensory feast. Crisp exteriors, juicy interiors, and rich herbal notes invite you to savor each perfectly seasoned bite of this irresistible culinary experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken (2 large breasts, 4 skin-on/bone-in thighs, or 6 drumsticks)
• 24 cloves garlic
• 4 sprigs fresh dill

Oils and Fats:

• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 sticks (226 grams) butter, softened
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced

Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Flaky sea salt (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust marinade by pulverizing garlic, salt, and dill in a food processor until finely textured. Gradually incorporate vegetable and olive oils to create a smooth emulsion, then introduce lemon juice while reserving its zest.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with the marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for a minimum of two hours, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply. Remove from refrigeration 30 minutes prior to grilling to normalize temperature.
3. Prepare the paprika butter by blending softened butter with reserved lemon zest, paprika, and cayenne pepper until achieving a uniform, silky consistency. Transfer to a serving vessel and set aside.
4. Configure the grill with a high-heat zone and a moderate-low temperature area. Sear chicken on high heat to develop a rich, caramelized exterior, approximately 1-2 minutes per side.
5. Transition chicken to the lower-temperature section, covering the grill to create an even cooking environment. Rotate pieces midway through cooking, allowing 15-18 minutes total until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. After grilling, loosely tent chicken with foil, permitting a brief resting period to redistribute internal juices and enhance tenderness.
7. Elegantly slice chicken breasts and arrange on a serving platter. Accompany with the prepared paprika butter. Optional: Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt for enhanced presentation and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Marinate Deeply for Maximum Flavor: Let the chicken soak in the garlic-herb mixture overnight to intensify the taste and tenderize the meat completely.
• Master the Grill Technique: Create a two-zone heat setup to achieve perfectly charred exterior with a juicy, fully cooked interior without burning the chicken.
• Customize the Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper in the paprika butter to make the dish mild or extra spicy, catering to different heat preferences.
• Make It Diet-Friendly: Swap vegetable oil with avocado oil for a cleaner keto option, or use Greek yogurt marinade for a lower-fat alternative that keeps the chicken super moist.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 675
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 640 mg
• Fat: 49 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 51 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg