Paprika Chicken Thighs with Lemon Zucchini Skillet

4 chicken thighs bone-in, skinless

2 T. Paprika Spice Blend (see below)

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1 T. oil

2 T. butter or oil divided

2 large zucchini, cut into wedges

3 cloves garlic, minced

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1/4 C. chicken stock

2 T. chopped parsley, for garnish

1 tsp. red chili pepper flakes, for garnish

 

4 T. Smoked Paprika

3 T. Garlic Powder

1 T. Onion Powder

3 T. Ground Black Pepper

1 tsp.  Cayenne Pepper

 

To make the paprika chicken thighs: In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the paprika spice blend and mix with a spoon until well combined. Arrange chicken thighs in a shallow plate and generously season with 2 T. of this seasoning mix. Toss the chicken meat to coat well with spices. Melt 1 T. butter and 1 T. oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Lay the seasoned chicken thighs in one layer in the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes then flip and cook another 5-6 minutes, until cooked through and a cooking thermometer displays 165°F (75°C). If chicken browns too quickly, lower the heat. Adjust timing depending on the thickness. Transfer cooked chicken thighs to a plate and set aside. In the same skillet, lower the heat and melt the remaining T. butter. Add zucchini and minced garlic and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until cooked to your liking. Add lemon juice and chicken stock and reduce the sauce for a couple of minutes, until slightly thickened. Add cooked paprika chicken thighs back to the pan with zucchini and reheat quickly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper and serve the paprika chicken thighs and zucchini immediately, garnished with crushed chili pepper, fresh parsley, and a slice of lemon if you like. Enjoy!