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Easy Smoky Paprika Chicken Thighs Recipe with Honey Glazed Carrots

smoky paprika chicken thighs - featured image
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A quick and easy sheet pan recipe featuring juicy, paprika-spiced chicken thighs paired with tender, honey-glazed carrots. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish balances smoky and sweet flavors with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 700g)
  • 2 teaspoons smoky paprika (Spanish smoked paprika preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • 1 pound carrots (450g), peeled and cut into sticks or coins
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • A few sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  3. In a bowl, toss chicken thighs with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons smoky paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper until well coated.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine peeled and sliced carrots with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, a pinch of salt, and fresh thyme or rosemary if using. Toss gently to coat.
  5. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.
  6. Spread the carrots in a single layer on one side of the pan.
  7. Nestle the chicken thighs skin-side up on the other side, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
  8. Roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes.
  9. At the 20-minute mark, gently toss the carrots to coat again in the honey glaze and spoon some chicken drippings over the chicken if it looks dry.
  10. Check that chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), skin is golden and crispy, and carrots are tender and caramelized.
  11. If desired, broil for 2-3 minutes to crisp the skin further, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  12. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  13. Serve chicken thighs with honey-glazed carrots, garnished with extra thyme if desired.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is essential for crispy skin. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Toss carrots midway through roasting to prevent honey from burning. Broil briefly at the end if extra crispness is desired. For thicker carrots, slice thinner or roast longer. Substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for honey if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoky paprika chicken, honey glazed carrots, sheet pan dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight meal, one pan meal, roasted chicken thighs

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