Smoked Paprika Chicken

Step 1

Preheat the broiler on high. Set a rack in the oven at least 6 inches below the flame. If you put the rack right under the flame, the chicken will burn on the outside before it's cooked through. In my oven, placing the rack on the second tier works best. Yours may be different.

Step 2

Brush a baking sheet evenly with olive oil (about 1 tbsp to cover the sheet) and lay the chicken thighs out flat. In a small bowl, stir together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Sprinkle boths sides of all the thighs generously with the seasoning, completely covering the surface of the chicken.

Step 3

Broil the chicken for about 7 minutes on each side, until the thighs are cooked through and have developed a nice crust. A little blackening on the edges is ok and will give it a "grilled" flavor. Broilers tend to vary in terms of strength; if your chicken seems to be burning or cooking too fast, move the rack down a notch and continue broiling until fully cooked.

Step 4

Once the chicken has cooked through (internal temperature of 160 degrees F), serve immediately.

Step 5

In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and 3 tbsp olive oil to create a smooth paste.

Step 6

Trim chicken breasts of excess fat and tendons.

Step 7

Place the chicken breasts in a line on a layer of plastic wrap, spaced about 2 inches apart. Cover them with another layer of plastic wrap, so that the breasts are sandwiched between two layers of plastic.

Step 8

Use a mallet to gently pound out the chicken breasts until they are an even thickness all the way across and about 1 1/2 times their original size. This will allow the breasts to cook more evenly under the broiler.

Step 9

Brush a baking sheet with 1 tbsp olive oil. Place the chicken breasts on the baking sheet. Paint each breast on both sides with a thin, even layer of the smoked paprika paste. Let the breasts stand for 20 minutes to allow the flavor to infuse the meat.Place a rack at least 6 inches below your broiler and preheat the broiler. In my oven, placing the rack on the second tier works best. Yours may be different.

Step 10

Place the chicken under the broiler and let it broil for about 6-7 minutes until a crust begins to form around the edges. If your chicken seems to be burning or cooking too fast, move the rack down a notch.Flip the breasts with a pair of tongs. If the breasts appear to be dry after you turn them, baste them with a little olive oil. A little blackening here and there is ok and helps the flavor. Let the breasts continue cooking under the broiler for another 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature of 160 degrees F).

Step 11

Let the breasts rest for a minute or two before serving to allow the juices to evenly distribute through the meat. Serve.