Paprika Garlic Butter Chicken

Few dishes are as comforting as Paprika Garlic Butter Chicken. This simple yet flavourful roast delivers crispy golden skin, juicy meat, and a smoky, garlicky richness in every bite. The secret lies in the butter: slipping it under the skin ensures the meat stays incredibly moist while crisping up the outside beautifully.

Roasting a whole chicken might seem intimidating, but this method makes it easy. Spatchcocking helps the chicken cook faster and more evenly, ensuring every part stays tender. The combination of smoked paprika and garlic granules gives the bird a deep, rich flavour without overpowering its natural taste. Whether for a cosy family dinner or a special occasion, Paprika Garlic Butter Chicken is the perfect centrepiece for any table.

Table of Contents

• Ingredient Breakdown
• Why Spatchcocking Makes a Difference
• The Paprika Garlic Butter
• Achieving the Perfect Roast
• Serving Suggestions
• More Chicken Recipes

Ingredient Breakdown

• Whole chicken: A classic choice for roasting, delivering juicy, tender meat.
• Unsalted butter: Creates a rich, golden crust while keeping the meat moist.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a deep, smoky warmth that enhances the chicken’s flavour.
• Garlic granules: Infuses the butter with a robust, savoury taste.
• Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavours.

Why Spatchcocking Makes a Difference

Spatchcocking might sound complex, but it’s a game-changer for roasting chicken. This technique, which involves removing the backbone and flattening the bird, ensures more even cooking. The heat circulates better, so the breasts don’t dry out before the thighs are fully cooked. It also cuts roasting time significantly, making it ideal for busy evenings.

Start by placing the chicken breast-side down. Using kitchen shears, cut along both sides of the backbone and remove it. Flip the chicken over and press down firmly on the breastbone until the bird flattens. This step helps create a crispier skin and juicier meat. If you’re short on time or prefer not to handle the process yourself, many butchers will happily spatchcock a chicken for you.

Beyond faster cooking, this method also enhances presentation. A spatchcocked chicken roasts beautifully, developing an even golden-brown colour with plenty of crispy skin in every bite. It’s a small effort that yields impressive results.

The Paprika Garlic Butter

Butter is the ultimate ingredient for a succulent roast chicken, but the real magic comes from the seasoning. Smoked paprika and garlic granules combine to create an irresistible depth of flavour. The smoky warmth of paprika enhances the natural sweetness of the chicken, while the garlic adds a robust, savoury kick.

Softened butter works best, allowing the seasoning to mix evenly. Massaging the butter under the skin ensures every part of the bird benefits from its rich flavour. The fat from the butter bastes the chicken as it roasts, locking in moisture and creating a crispy, golden skin.

Rubbing the remaining butter over the outside of the chicken adds an extra layer of seasoning. As the butter melts in the oven, it creates a gorgeous caramelised crust that makes every bite deliciously indulgent. The final result is a beautifully golden roast with deeply flavoured, juicy meat.

Achieving the Perfect Roast

Roasting chicken might seem straightforward, but a few key steps make all the difference. Paprika Garlic Butter Chicken benefits from roasting at a high heat to create a crispy skin while keeping the inside moist.

Start by patting the chicken dry before applying the butter. Removing excess moisture helps the butter stick better and ensures the skin crisps up beautifully. Once the chicken is fully seasoned, place it in a baking dish, ensuring there’s enough space around it for the heat to circulate.

Cooking at 190°C allows the butter to melt slowly, basting the chicken as it roasts. Checking the internal temperature is essential: the thickest part of the meat should reach 65°C before resting. Resting the chicken for 5–10 minutes before carving allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every bite tender and succulent.

If you prefer extra crispiness, finishing the chicken under the grill for a few minutes can enhance the texture. Just be sure to keep an eye on it. Those buttery, golden edges can go from perfect to burnt in seconds!

Serving Suggestions

While Paprika Garlic Butter Chicken is a showstopper on its own, the right side dishes elevate the meal even further. Simple accompaniments allow the rich flavours to shine while adding variety and texture to the plate.

For a light and refreshing contrast, a crisp green salad with a citrus dressing works beautifully. The acidity cuts through the richness of the butter, balancing the meal. Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, courgettes, or Brussels sprouts, make an excellent addition, absorbing the delicious pan juices.

Mashed or roasted potatoes, like my Lemon Roast Potatoes, complement the dish perfectly, soaking up every last drop of the smoky, garlicky butter. If you prefer a grain-based side, a fluffy couscous or a nutty quinoa salad offers a satisfying yet lighter alternative.

A final drizzle of fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving brightens the flavours, while a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, adds a pop of colour and freshness. These small touches make the dish feel even more special.

More Chicken Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed making this Paprika Garlic Butter Chicken, here are some more of my recipes I think you’ll like:

• Chicken Parm: A classic chicken parm, no frills. Crispy golden chicken, rich tomato sauce and plenty of melted cheese.
• Chicken Kebabs: These North African-inspired chicken kebabs are delicious, juicy and packed with flavour! Added bonus: they’re incredibly easy to make.
• Chicken Katsu: Who doesn’t love crispy fried chicken? Chicken thigh fillets pounded until thin, dredged in seasoned flour, eggs and panko, and fried until golden brown.
• Chimichurri Chicken: Chicken so good it’ll make you dance! The chicken is marinated in a tasty combination of herbs and spices then seared until perfectly cooked and juicy. 
• Chicken, Chorizo and Butter Bean Stew: This one-pot meal is full of vibrant Spanish-inspired flavours that combine tender chicken thighs, spicy chorizo, earthy butter beans, and aromatic herbs.

If you’d like to see how I make all these recipes and more, head over to my Instagram!