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4.6 from 307 votes

Garlic and Paprika Chicken

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By: Joanna Cismaru •3/3/23 314 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

pin for garlic and paprika chicken.

Garlic and Paprika Chicken – Deliciously baked, crispy, juicy and tender chicken drumsticks with a garlic and smoked paprika sauce. A great chicken recipe that’s been on a the blog for years, and a reader favorite!

garlic and paprika chicken drumsticks garnished with parsley in a roasting pan.
Table of Contents Open
  • The Best Garlic And Paprika Chicken Recipe
  • Why You’ll Love This Garlic And Paprika Chicken Recipe
  • Ingredients You’ll Need
  • How To Make Garlic And Paprika Chicken
    • Preheat The Oven
    • Sauté The Chicken Seasoning
    • Season The Chicken Drumsticks
    • Bake The Chicken
  • Other Cooking Options
    • Slow cooker
    • Pressure cooker
  • How To Cook With Paprika
  • Expert Tips
  • Leftovers
    • Fridge
    • Freezer
  • Other Delicious Chicken Recipes To Try
  • Garlic and Paprika Chicken
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Video
    • Notes
    • Nutrition Information
  • Did You Make This?

The Best Garlic And Paprika Chicken Recipe

If your spice cabinet is without smoked paprika, I have a revelation for you my friend. It combines the sweetness of regular paprika with some smoked complexity and adds so much depth to literally any dish you can imagine adding it to! This chicken is fall off the bone tender, smothered in a sauce so good you’ll be licking your plate clean as soon as it’s done – I promise!

Not only is this recipe a reader favorite, but this is a recipe that makes its way often in my kitchen because it’s also one of my favorites! It’s a recipe I make often, especially if I have guests coming over. In other words, it’s really quick to put together and it’s really impressive.

two garlic and paprika chicken drumsticks over a bed of mashed potatoes with a green salad on a white plate.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic And Paprika Chicken Recipe

  • Super Simple! Made with under 10 ingredients this tasty chicken recipe is super easy! You don’t need any fancy equipment or special ingredients and it takes just 5 minutes to prep.
  • Sweet Smoky Chicken! Seasoned with lots of fresh garlic, smoked paprika, and herbs with a touch of heat, these chicken drumsticks are fall off the bone tender and finger-licking good. 
  • Party Favorite! Perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or party, this garlic and paprika chicken is a crowd pleaser. Not to mention, if you remove the spicy red pepper flakes this recipe is kid-friendly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

ingredients needed to make garlic and paprika chicken.
  • Chicken – I used drumsticks today but feel free to use any kind of chicken you’d like! This sauce is spectacular no matter the cut.
  • Olive oil – We want a nice neutral tasting oil that will ensure our spice blend sticks to our chicken and crisps up the exterior nicely.
  • Garlic – Use as much or little as you like.
  • Spices – Smoked paprika and red pepper flakes for some added heat. Feel free to omit the red pepper if you’re spice averse.
  • Herbs – Fresh parsley and oregano are needed in this Garlic Paprika Chicken. If dried is all you have keep in mind that dried herbs are more potent than fresh, 1 teaspoon equals 1 tablespoon of fresh.
  • Seasoning – Salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Garlic And Paprika Chicken

This super quick and easy tasty drumstick recipe is going to show you how seasoning chicken with a bit of paprika and spices that have been sauteed together with olive oil is a total game changer! It adds incredible layered flavor with very little effort!

Preheat The Oven

To begin, you need to preheat your oven temperature to 400°F (204°C) so that it is ready to go once the chicken is seasoned. Then grab a 9×13-inch baking dish, spray it with non-stick cooking spray, and set it aside for a later step. You can also use a rimmed sheet pan lined with parchment paper, but a baking dish works better for this recipe. 

Sauté The Chicken Seasoning

process shots showing how to make garlic and paprika chicken.

In this recipe, the seasonings used to give the chicken flavor are first sautéed for a bit. So heat the olive oil over medium heat in a small skillet. Then add the garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and herbs to the pan and sauté everything for about 1 minute. It’s very important not to burn the garlic so do not cook this mixture for more than a minute. 

Season The Chicken Drumsticks

process shots showing how to make garlic and paprika chicken.

Before you season the chicken, pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Next, generously sprinkle them with salt and black pepper to taste and put them in a large bowl. Then pour the olive oil mixture over the legs and then toss to coat them well with all the seasonings. 

Bake The Chicken

process shots showing how to make garlic and paprika chicken.

Once the drumsticks are thoroughly coated in the paprika and olive oil mixture it’s time to bake! So transfer the chicken legs to the baking dish and then put them in the preheated oven to bake for about 45 minutes. To be considered fully cooked, the legs should read at least 165°F (74°C) when checked with a digital cooking thermometer. Then when the garlic and paprika chicken is ready, serve it with all your favorite sides to enjoy!

two garlic and paprika chicken drumsticks over a bed of mashed potatoes with a green salad on a white plate.

Other Cooking Options

Slow cooker

Combine the sauce ingredients plus the oil in a bag with the chicken drumsticks and shake to coat evenly. Line the bottom of your slow cooker with sliced white onion and spread the chicken over top. Place the lid on your slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2 – 4 hours.

Pressure cooker

Insert a cup of water or chicken broth into the pressure cooker and place the provided trivet on top. Place the sauce ingredients and the drumsticks in a bag and shake well to ensure the chicken is fully coated, place the chicken over the trivet and close the lid according to manufacture guidelines. Cook on manual HIGH for 15 minutes before allowing the steam to release naturally and serve the chicken hot.

How To Cook With Paprika

Cultures that love to cook with paprika already know what I’m about to tell you, that being generous with this spice will add so much depth and a mild burn to whatever dish you sprinkle it in. Smoked paprika adds a little more heat than its regular counter part, so keep this in mind while cooking. Be gentle with your paprika as it tends to burn easily if heated directly in a skillet.

This spice is delicious in nearly any protein dish, placed into omelettes or scrambled eggs, or even sprinkled over top soft cheeses like brie before being baked till gooey in the oven.

garlic and paprika chicken drumsticks garnished with parsley in a roasting pan.

Expert Tips

  1. Pat the chicken dry. Make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning them with salt and pepper. Removing the excess moisture will make the drumsticks more crispy.
  2. Don’t burn the garlic. The garlic only needs to be cooked for 1 minute with the other spices. If it burns it will make the chicken bitter.  
  3. Temp the chicken. To make sure your drumsticks are fully cooked you will want to use an instant-read digital meat thermometer to ensure they have reached at least 165°F (74°C).

Leftovers

Fridge

Stored in an air tight container properly cooled, this chicken dish will keep for 3 – 4 days in the fridge. Just reheat in the microwave or the oven if you’d prefer when ready to eat.

Freezer

Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet and allow to freeze till frozen through, place the drumsticks in a freezer bag or an air tight container after wards and this method will allow them to keep for 4 – 6 months. Remove from the freezer and allow to thaw in the fridge over night when ready to eat. Just reheat in the oven at 350°F(177°C) till warmed through and enjoy!

two garlic and paprika chicken drumsticks over a mashed potatoes garnished with parsley.

Other Delicious Chicken Recipes To Try

  • Roast Chicken
  • Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
  • One Pan Roasted Honey Orange Chicken And Potatoes
  • Chicken Rice Pilaf
  • Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
  • Garlic Butter Chicken
  • Firecracker Chicken Meatballs

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

garlic and paprika chicken drumsticks garnished with parsley in a roasting pan.
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4.57 from 307 votes

Garlic and Paprika Chicken

Prep 5 minutes
Cook 45 minutes
Total 50 minutes
Rate Recipe
Garlic and Paprika Chicken – Deliciously baked crispy, juicy and tender chicken drumsticks with a garlic and smoked paprika sauce.
12

Ingredients

  • 12 chicken drumsticks
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 8 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano (chopped)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 425°F.
  • In a small skillet heat the olive oil. Add the garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes and the herbs. Cook for about 1 minute over medium heat, do not burn the garlic.
  • Clean and dry the drumsticks and season with salt and pepper. 
  • Pour this olive oil mixture over the drumsticks and make sure the drumsticks are coated thoroughly with the olive oil/paprika mixture.
  • Place the drumsticks in a 9×13 baking dish and bake for about 45 minutes or until chicken legs are cooked through.
  • Serve with your favourite side dish and/or salad.

Video

Notes

  1. If you can’t find smoked paprika, regular paprika will work as well.
  2. This spice blend can be used on any type of chicken. This cook time will be the same for breasts and leg quarters. 
  3. Pat the chicken dry. Make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning them with salt and pepper. Removing the excess moisture will make the drumsticks more crispy.
  4. Don’t burn the garlic. The garlic only needs to be cooked for 1 minute with the other spices. If it burns it will make the chicken bitter.  
  5. Temp the chicken. To make sure your drumsticks are fully cooked you will want to use an instant-read digital meat thermometer to ensure they have reached at least 165°F (74°C).
  6. Stored in an air tight container properly cooled, this chicken dish will keep for 3 – 4 days in the fridge. Just reheat in the microwave or the oven if you’d prefer when ready to eat.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1drumstickCalories: 209kcal (10%)Carbohydrates: 2g (1%)Protein: 14g (28%)Fat: 16g (25%)Saturated Fat: 3g (19%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 70mg (23%)Sodium: 179mg (8%)Potassium: 224mg (6%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 754IU (15%)Vitamin C: 2mg (2%)Calcium: 30mg (3%)Iron: 1mg (6%)
© Author Joanna Cismaru

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

garlic and paprika chicken drumsticks garnished with parsley in a roasting pan.

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Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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314 Comments
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Michael
Michael
Posted: 5 days ago

5 stars
I make these drumsticks with this recipe constantly now, amazingly delicious. We make this to eat as we watch the NHL hockey on Saturday nights two thumbs up!!

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Michael
Posted: 4 days ago

So glad you like it!

0
Reply
Konae
Konae
Posted: 10 days ago

5 stars
so yummy! it is going into the rotation!

0
Reply
sorin
sorin
Posted: 12 days ago

5 stars
Superb !!!

0
Reply
Holly
Holly
Posted: 2 months ago

5 stars
We love this! It works as well with dried herbs as fresh. We use bone in thighs – sometimes boneless. If boneless less time cooking.

1
Reply
Crystal
Crystal
Posted: 1 year ago

Another amazing recipe. Love this one, my husband devours it every time.

0
Reply
Lara
Lara
Posted: 1 year ago

5 stars
A little spicy, but loved it!! Even though I’m not big on spicy foods, this is definitely worth eating again & again! Of course it can be made without the red peppers.

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Lara
Posted: 1 year ago

Glad you enjoyed it! It could also be the paprika you used, some of them are really spicy.

0
Reply
Greg
Greg
Posted: 1 year ago

5 stars
Loved this with grilled chicken thighs! Family loved it and I had to find it again after forgetting to save.

0
Reply
Amilia
Amilia
Posted: 1 year ago

5 stars
Definitely one of my Favorite ways to cook chicken. Sauce is deeelish..

0
Reply
Ron
Ron
Posted: 1 year ago

5 stars
This is a fantastic recipe I replaced the oregano with basil and the sauce poured over our salad was delish. Definitely will use this again

0
Reply
Jo Cooks Team AMJ
Jo Cooks Team AMJ
Reply to  Ron
Posted: 1 year ago

Wonderful, Ron! We are so glad you enjoyed it!

0
Reply
Amanda A.
Amanda A.
Posted: 1 year ago

5 stars
This is now a staple in our house! So easy and delicious!

0
Reply
Lara M
Lara M
Posted: 2 years ago

5 stars
I just recently rediscovered Smoked Paprika after many yrs. This was the 1st recipe I tried & I’m SO glad I found it. The chicken was fantastic beyond belief! I used some of the drippings on my rice. Yummmm ty ty Tysm!!

0
Reply
Jo Cooks Team
Jo Cooks Team
Reply to  Lara M
Posted: 2 years ago

So glad you liked it!

0
Reply
ERIC
ERIC
Posted: 2 years ago

5 stars
EXCELLENT RECIPE. I USED CHICKEN LEG QUARTERS IN A CAST IRON. DID NOT USE ANY SALT AS WE ARE LIMITING SODIUM AND THE FLAVOR WAS STILL EXCEPTIONAL. THANK YOU FOR SHARING RECIPE.

0
Reply
Jo Cooks Team
Jo Cooks Team
Reply to  ERIC
Posted: 2 years ago

Awesome! So happy you liked it!

0
Reply
Tammie Nguyen
Tammie Nguyen
Posted: 2 years ago

Hey again. Can i use this recipe for pork ribs? Or you have something similar?

0
Reply
Jo Cooks Team
Jo Cooks Team
Reply to  Tammie Nguyen
Posted: 2 years ago

You certainly can! You can also take a browse through all of our pork recipes and see if something catches your eye 🙂

0
Reply
Stephen
Stephen
Posted: 2 years ago

5 stars
Very quick and.simple to make. Family raced about the smell and flavour.

0
Reply
Regine
Regine
Posted: 2 years ago

5 stars
Really tasty. I used smoked sweet paprika and 1, not 1/2, tsp salt. Next time, however, I will bake it at 350F instead of 425F, and maybe like someone else, 45 minutes on one side and another 45 minutes on the other side. Thank you for this great recipe.

0
Reply

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