Paprika Parmesan Chicken (Air Fryer and Oven)

This Baked Paprika Chicken Thighs Recipe is made with chicken, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, parsley, and parmesan cheese.

This is one of Nan’s regular dishes using minimal ingredients. Baking in the oven is a great alternative if you do not have a grill. It is so easy to make this chicken: you simply coat this chicken in olive oil and spices, and bake them. They are so crispy on the outside and so juicy on the inside. This is one of the easiest recipes, especially if you are feeding a family. Not only is it tasty, it is also super healthy. This is an easy weeknight meal and fuss-free. I love to serve them with some tzatziki on the side or parmesan cheese on top. This dish will become a part of your regular meals, all it takes it one time, and you’ll be hooked.

If you love this Paprika Parmesan Chicken recipe, you will love my Horseradish Panko Crusted Chicken and my Air Fried Chicken Legs.

Why make Paprika Chicken Thighs?

• Flavor: Paprika is a popular spice that adds a sweet, smoky flavor to dishes. When combined with chicken thighs and baked, it creates a delicious and flavorful meal.
• Easy to prepare: Baked paprika chicken thighs are relatively easy to prepare, making them a great option for busy weeknights or when you want a quick and simple meal.
• Health benefits: Chicken thighs are a good source of protein and other nutrients, and baking them instead of frying can help reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
• Versatility: Baked paprika chicken thighs can be served with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or salad, making it a versatile meal that can be customized to suit your tastes.

Is Paprika good on Chicken?

Yes, paprika is a great spice to use on chicken as it adds a sweet, smoky flavor that complements the natural flavor of the chicken. It also gives the chicken a beautiful, vibrant color. Paprika comes in different varieties, such as sweet, smoked, and hot, so you can choose the type that best suits your taste preferences. When used in moderation, paprika can enhance the flavor of chicken dishes without overpowering them. Overall, paprika is a great seasoning option for chicken and can be used in a variety of recipes, from baked chicken thighs to grilled chicken breasts.

Paprika Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs
• Extra Virgin Olive oil
• Paprika
• Garlic Powder
• Parsley
• Parmesan cheese

See recipe card for Paprika Parmesan Chicken (Air Fryer and Oven) quantities.

How to make Paprika Chicken Recipe

In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika and garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix until the seasoning blends into the oil. Use more oil if it needs more help dissolving.

Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Add the chicken thighs onto the baking sheet. With a cooking brush, dip into the olive oil mixture and brush onto each piece of chicken on both sides.

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Bake the chicken in the oven for about 35-45 minutes. For crispier skin, you can broil for 3 minutes extra at the end.
• Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Air fry for 20 minutes, flipping once halfway, until internal temperature reaches 165°F. 

Take the chicken out and garnish with parsley. Serve with tzatziki on the side or parmesan cheese on top.

Hint: Add more olive oil to mix the seasonings if they wont soften up.

Substitutions

Chicken: Instead of using a whole chicken, you can use chicken drumsticks or chicken thighs. Anything with the bone in.

Olive oil: I love using olive oil for this recipe, although you can always use another oil like vegetable or sunflower oil. You could even use melted butter as the glue.

Spices: I used a combination of garlic powder and paprika. If you like a spicier variation, feel free to add some cayenne pepper in there.

Tzatziki: If you want to use tzatziki for serving instead of parmesan, you can even try making my Homemade Vegan Tzatziki sauce! If not, you can just buy at the store.

Parmesan Cheese: Topping this recipe with parmesan cheese gives it such a nice kick. You can use asiago or Pecorino Romano, or instead use tzatziki sauce.

Paprika Chicken Thighs Recipe Variations

There are many variations of paprika chicken thighs that you can try to add some variety to your meals. Here are a few ideas:

• Smoked Paprika Chicken Thighs: Substitute sweet paprika with smoked paprika for a more intense, smoky flavor.
• Spicy Paprika Chicken Thighs: Use hot paprika or add some cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicier version.
• Lemon Paprika Chicken Thighs: Add some lemon juice and zest to the seasoning mix for a fresh, citrusy flavor.
• Honey Paprika Chicken Thighs: Drizzle honey over the chicken thighs before baking for a sweet and sticky glaze.
• Garlic Paprika Chicken Thighs: Add some minced garlic to the seasoning mix for an extra boost of flavor.
• Paprika Chicken Thighs with Herbs: Add some dried herbs such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the seasoning mix for a fragrant and flavorful dish.
• Paprika Chicken Thighs with Vegetables: Add some chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchini to the baking dish for a one-pan meal.

Check out this Air Fryer Chicken Fries your kids will love.

Equipment

• Baking Dish: You will need a baking dish to place the chicken thighs in the oven. A glass or ceramic baking dish works well. I love using my Caraway baking sheets for best quality. Get yourself a discount by clicking here.
• Mixing Bowl: You will need a mixing bowl to mix the seasoning ingredients and coat the chicken thighs.
• Measuring Spoons: You will need measuring spoons to measure out the seasoning ingredients.
• Tongs: You will need tongs to turn the chicken thighs over halfway through the baking time.
• Oven: You will need an oven to bake the chicken thighs. Make sure the oven is preheated to the correct temperature before placing the chicken thighs in the baking dish.
• Aluminum Foil: Optionally, you can use aluminum foil to cover the baking dish, which will help keep the chicken moist and prevent it from drying out.
• Cooking Spray or Oil: Optionally, you can use cooking spray or oil to coat the baking dish to prevent the chicken thighs from sticking.

How to store Baked Paprika Chicken Thighs

To store baked paprika chicken thighs, follow these steps:

• Let the chicken thighs cool down to room temperature before storing them. Do not leave them at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
• Remove any bones from the chicken thighs if you prefer to store them boneless.
• Transfer the chicken thighs to an airtight container or a sealable plastic bag.
• Store the chicken thighs in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent the chicken from drying out.
• To reheat the chicken, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), and place the chicken thighs in a baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.

Top Tips for making Baked Paprika Chicken Thighs

Here are some top tips to make delicious baked paprika chicken thighs:

• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: Chicken thighs with the skin on and bone-in tend to be juicier and more flavorful than boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
• Pat the chicken thighs dry: Before seasoning the chicken, make sure to pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the seasoning stick better and prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.
• Use fresh paprika: Fresh, high-quality paprika will give your chicken a more vibrant color and a stronger flavor.
• Marinate the chicken: You can marinate the chicken thighs in the seasoning mix for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator to enhance the flavor even further.
• Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The temperature should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken.
• Let the chicken rest: After baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender and flavorful.
• Garnish with fresh herbs: Before serving, garnish the chicken with fresh herbs, such as parsley, cilantro, or chives, to add some extra freshness and color to the dish.

Baked Paprika Chicken Thighs Recipe

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• Author: Maxine Dubois
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 3 servings 1x

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Description

This Paprika Parmesan Chicken (Air Fryer and Oven) is made with chicken thighs, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, parsley, baked and topped with parmesan cheese or tzatziki.

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Ingredients

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• 4 bone-in chicken thighs
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, or more
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• Parmesan cheese or tzatziki, for serving

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika and garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix until the seasoning blends into the oil. Use more oil if it needs more help dissolving.
2. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Add the chicken thighs onto the baking sheet. With a cooking brush, dip into the olive oil mixture and brush onto each piece of chicken on both sides.
3. Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Bake the chicken in the oven for about 35-45 minutes. For crispier skin, you can broil for 3 minutes extra at the end.
4. Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Air fry for 20 minutes, flipping once halfway, until internal temperature reaches 165°F. 
5. Take the chicken out and garnish with parsley. Serve with tzatziki on the side or parmesan cheese on top.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.