Carnivore Chicken Thigh

Description:

These Carnivore Chicken Thighs are simple, juicy, and full of rich flavor. Perfect for those following a carnivore diet, this recipe highlights the natural taste of chicken thighs without any added carbs or unnecessary ingredients. Cooked to crispy perfection in their own fat, this dish is a staple for meat lovers.

Ingredients:

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper (optional, for those incorporating limited seasonings)
  • 2 tablespoons butter or tallow (optional, for extra richness)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for flavor variation)

Equipment:

  • Large cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan
  • Meat thermometer (optional, for checking internal temperature)

Instructions:

Preparation (5 minutes):

  1. Preheat Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you plan to finish the chicken thighs in the oven.
  2. Season the Chicken:
    • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up. Season generously with salt (and pepper or garlic powder if using).

Cooking the Chicken (25-35 minutes):

  1. Sear the Chicken Thighs:
    • Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. If desired, add butter or tallow for extra richness. Once the skillet is hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for 8-10 minutes, until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
  2. Flip the Chicken:
    • Flip the chicken thighs over and cook for another 5 minutes on the stovetop.
  3. Finish in the Oven:
    • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have an oven, continue cooking on the stovetop on medium heat for another 10-15 minutes, flipping occasionally.
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Serving:

  1. Rest and Serve:
    • Remove the chicken thighs from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.

Total Time:

  • Preparation Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25-35 minutes
  • Total Time: 30-40 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):

  • Calories: 320-350
  • Total Fat: 25g
    • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
  • Sodium: 500mg (based on seasoning)
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Protein: 25g

Notes:

  • Crispy Skin Tip: Make sure to dry the chicken thighs thoroughly before seasoning, as this helps the skin become crispy.
  • Optional Seasonings: While a true carnivore diet excludes plants and seasonings like garlic or pepper, they can be added if your approach allows for minimal spices.
  • Butter/Tallow: Adding butter or tallow enhances the richness and keeps the thighs extra juicy, especially if you’re looking to increase fat intake.

This Carnivore Chicken Thigh recipe is a perfect balance of simplicity and flavor, delivering juicy, tender meat with crispy skin—ideal for anyone on the carnivore diet!