Paprika Chicken Pan Recipe
This Paprika Chicken Pan recipe features crispy, golden-fried chicken pieces coated in a flavorful paprika-spice blend and crunchy panko breadcrumbs. Perfectly seasoned and pan-fried to a juicy finish, this classic dish is easy to prepare and ideal for a satisfying meal served with lemon wedges and fresh parsley garnish.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 pounds), cut into 8 pieces
- 1 tablespoon paprika (Hungarian paprika preferred)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Breading
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
For Frying and Serving
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well during the breading process.
- Make the Spice Blend: In a bowl, whisk together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
- Season the Chicken: Generously coat each chicken piece with the spice blend, pressing the mixture onto the surface to adhere well for maximum flavor.
- Rest the Chicken: Allow the seasoned chicken to rest for at least 15 minutes, which helps the spices penetrate and enhances taste; longer resting is recommended if time allows.
- Prepare Breading Station: Set up three separate shallow dishes: one with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with panko bread crumbs for an efficient breading process.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, followed by a thorough coating in panko crumbs, gently pressing the crumbs onto the surface for a crispy crust.
- Place on Wire Rack: Arrange the breaded chicken pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet; this allows air circulation and prevents sogginess before frying.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot enough that a breadcrumb sizzles immediately upon contact.
- Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken pieces in batches, cooking each side for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Drain Excess Oil: Use tongs to transfer fried chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Repeat Frying: Continue frying all chicken pieces in batches, repeating the heating and frying steps as needed until all are cooked.
- Serve: Serve the hot, crispy paprika chicken immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and fresh lemon wedges for added flavor and brightness.
Notes
- For extra spice, increase the cayenne pepper according to taste or omit for a milder version.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken is cooked safely to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Resting the chicken after seasoning improves flavor absorption and juiciness.
- If preferred, substitute vegetable oil with canola or peanut oil for frying.
- The wire rack helps keep the coating crisp by allowing air circulation and draining excess oil.
- This recipe works well with bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks for even juicier meat.
Keywords: Paprika chicken, fried chicken recipe, crispy chicken, panko crust, Hungarian paprika chicken, easy chicken dinner