Best Alton Browns Smoked Paprika Chicken And Potatoes Recipes

Alton Brown's Smoked Paprika Chicken and Potatoes recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make one-sheet meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The recipe calls for a simple marinade that infuses the chicken with a smoky, spicy flavor, while the roasted potatoes provide a crispy and delicious complement.

The Ingredients

The recipe calls for basically two main ingredients - chicken and potatoes. However, the other ingredients that elevate the taste of this dish are:

1. Smoked Paprika

The recipe calls for smoked paprika, which is a key ingredient to achieve that smoky flavor in the chicken. Smoked Paprika is a spice made from dried, smoked red peppers, and it's a staple in Spanish cuisine. It adds a smoky flavor to the dish, and it's a key ingredient in many recipes, including this one.

2. Garlic and Onion Powder

The recipe also calls for garlic and onion powder. Both these powders add an earthy, rich taste to the dish, and the garlic powder also adds a bit of heat.

3. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is another key ingredient in this recipe, which adds a touch of acidity and helps to tenderize the chicken. It also pairs well with the smoked paprika and garlic powder, helping to brighten the flavors.

4. Herbs

The recipe uses a combination of herbs, including thyme and rosemary, which add a fresh and floral flavor to the dish. They also help to balance the smokiness of the paprika.

The Preparation

1. Marinating the Chicken

The recipe begins with marinating the chicken in a mixture of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, sugar, black pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil. The chicken can marinate for as little as an hour or up to 24 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.

2. Preparing the Potatoes

While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare the potatoes. The recipe calls for russet potatoes, which are peeled and sliced into wedges. The potatoes are then tossed in olive oil, salt, and black pepper, and baked in the oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

3. Roasting the Chicken

Once the chicken is done marinating, it can be roasted in the same pan as the potatoes. Simply place the chicken on top of the potatoes and bake in the oven at 400°F for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

4. Serving the Dish

Once the chicken and potatoes are cooked, sprinkle with fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, and serve immediately.

The Benefits

Alton Brown's Smoked Paprika Chicken and Potatoes recipe is a healthy and nutritious meal that's packed with vitamins and minerals. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, while potatoes provide complex carbohydrates and fiber. Both ingredients also contain essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and Potassium, which are essential for optimal health.

The Variations

This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Here are some variations you can try:

1. Chicken Thighs

If you prefer dark meat, you can swap out the chicken breasts for chicken thighs. They have a richer flavor, and their higher fat content makes them more forgiving if you accidentally overcook them.

2. Sweet Potatoes

Instead of russet potatoes, you can use sweet potatoes to add a touch of sweetness to the dish. They also have a lower glycemic index, which makes them a healthier option.

3. Add Vegetables

You can add vegetables like carrots or green beans to the dish, making it a complete meal in one pan. Simply toss the vegetables in the same marinade as the chicken, and roast them with the chicken and potatoes.

4. Change the Spices

If you don't have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika, or even chili powder or cumin to add some heat to the dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Alton Brown's Smoked Paprika Chicken and Potatoes recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. It's a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste preferences, and it's also healthy and nutritious. So why not give it a try and see how delicious smoked paprika can be?

Cooking can be an enjoyable hobby, and it is a great way to provide nourishment for your body. Alton Brown's smoked paprika chicken and potatoes recipe is a delicious meal that you can cook in the comfort of your home. Although the recipe is simple to follow, it is essential to keep a few tips in mind to achieve the best results. Here are valuable tips to help with your cooking and ensure that your smoked paprika chicken and potatoes recipe is delicious.

Tip 1: Choose the Right Potatoes

The type of potatoes used in this recipe will affect the dish's final texture and taste. Alton Brown's recipe calls for Yukon gold potatoes. These potatoes have a creamy texture and are not starchy, making them perfect for roasting. You can also use red potatoes, but they may break down more during cooking, resulting in a softer texture. Avoid using starchy potatoes like russet potatoes as they will absorb more liquid and break down during cooking, ending up with a mushy consistency.

Tip 2: Use a Cast-Iron Skillet

A cast-iron skillet is preferred because it distributes heat evenly throughout the cooking process, resulting in a crispy crust and moist meat. Cast-iron is also oven safe, which is perfect for this recipe since the chicken and potatoes start on the stove and finish in the oven. If you do not have a cast-iron skillet, use a stainless steel skillet instead. Avoid non-stick cookware as it will not develop the desired crust on the chicken or potatoes.

Tip 3: Pat the Chicken Dry

Before seasoning the chicken with smoked paprika, ensure that it is dry. Moisture on the surface of the meat will prevent it from forming a crust. Patting the chicken dry with paper towels removes excess moisture, allowing the seasoning to stick better. You can also leave the chicken uncovered in the refrigerator for a few hours to ensure that it's dry before seasoning.

Tip 4: Properly Season the Chicken

Seasoning is essential to achieve a flavorful and tasty smoked paprika chicken. Alton Brown's recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, which provides the chicken with a smoky and earthy flavor. To infuse the seasoning into the meat, sprinkle it generously on both sides, then allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes. If you like spicy chicken, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an additional kick.

Tip 5: Preheat the Skillet

Preheating the skillet before adding the chicken is vital to achieving a crispy crust. When you place the chicken in a hot skillet, it starts to sear immediately. This seals the surface, keeping the juices inside and creating a crispy crust. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat for two to three minutes before adding the chicken. To check if the skillet is hot enough, add a drop of water to the pan, it should sizzle immediately.

Tip 6: Do Not Crowd the Skillet

Overcrowding the skillet leads to steaming instead of searing, causing the chicken to become rubbery and pale. Ensure that you arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer on the skillet, leaving enough space between them. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary, then return them to the skillet at the final stage of cooking.

Tip 7: Add the Potatoes at the Right Time

Adding the potatoes too early will cause them to break down and become mushy. To avoid this, wait until the chicken is partially cooked before adding the potatoes. Alton Brown suggests adding the potatoes after the chicken has cooked for five minutes, allowing the chicken to cook for another 10 minutes before placing the skillet in the oven.

Tip 8: Use the Oven to Finish Cooking

Using the oven allows the heat to distribute evenly across the skillet, ensuring that the chicken and potatoes cook through. Preheat the oven to 425F and place the skillet in the oven for ten minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165F. Alternatively, you can remove the skillet from the stove when the chicken is about 75% cooked, cover it with a lid, then let it sit for ten minutes to allow the chicken to cook through.

Tip 9: Let the Chicken Rest Before Serving

After cooking, let the chicken rest for five minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, preventing them from spilling out and leaving the chicken dry. Cover the skillet with foil or a lid to keep the chicken and potatoes warm.

Conclusion

Alton Brown's smoked paprika chicken and potatoes recipe is a delicious meal that you can easily make at home. However, the cooking tips mentioned in this article will enhance the taste and texture of the dish. Choose the right potatoes and skillet, properly season the chicken, preheat the skillet and do not overcrowd it, and use the oven to finish cooking. With these tips, you can prepare a tasty and crispy smoked paprika chicken that will leave your taste buds wanting more.