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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- After grilling, loosely tent chicken with foil, permitting a brief resting period to redistribute internal juices and enhance tenderness.
- 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