Spanish Chicken with Paprika, Lemon, and Parsley Recipe
Introduction
This Spanish chicken recipe is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for a comforting meal. Tender chicken thighs baked with onions, paprika, and lemon create a delicious blend of savory and citrus notes.

Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs, skin on and bone in
- 3 onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tsp paprika
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Good handful parsley, roughly chopped
- 150ml stock
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan) or gas mark 5.
- Step 2: Place the chicken thighs, sliced onions, paprika, lemon zest and juice, parsley, stock, and olive oil into a large, wide ovenproof dish.
- Step 3: Use your hands to mix all the ingredients together, seasoning well with salt and pepper.
- Step 4: Bake in the oven for 45 minutes, stirring the onions gently after 20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Step 5: Cook until the chicken is golden and the onions are tender. Serve hot with rice.
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth, add a crushed garlic clove or a pinch of chili flakes before baking.
- Swap chicken thighs for drumsticks or breasts if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to brighten the flavors just before serving.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless thighs, but reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent drying out. Check for doneness earlier, around 30 to 35 minutes.
What side dishes go well with Spanish chicken?
Serve this chicken with fluffy rice, crusty bread, or a simple green salad to complement its rich flavors.
Print
Spanish Chicken with Paprika, Lemon, and Parsley Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
This Spanish chicken recipe features juicy, bone-in chicken thighs baked with sweet onions, smoky paprika, and fresh lemon. The dish is cooked in the oven until the chicken is golden and the onions are tender, making a flavorful and comforting meal perfect served with rice.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 8 chicken thighs, skin on and bone in
Vegetables and Herbs
- 3 onions, thinly sliced
- Good handful parsley, roughly chopped
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tsp paprika
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids
- 150ml stock (chicken or vegetable)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 190°C (170°C fan/gas mark 5) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Combine ingredients: In a large, wide ovenproof dish, add the chicken thighs, thinly sliced onions, paprika, lemon zest and juice, chopped parsley, stock, and olive oil. Use your hands to mix everything together thoroughly and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake the chicken: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for a total of 45 minutes. After 20 minutes, stir the onions to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Check doneness and serve: Continue baking until the chicken skin is golden brown and the onions are soft and tender. Serve the Spanish chicken hot, ideally accompanied by rice to soak up the flavorful juices.
Notes
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the most flavorful and juicy result.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before baking to enhance the flavors.
- Stirring the onions midway ensures they cook evenly and do not burn.
- Serve with white or brown rice, or even crusty bread, to complement the dish.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for a tasty meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Spanish
Keywords: Spanish chicken, baked chicken thighs, paprika chicken, easy Spanish recipe, oven-baked chicken

