Sizzling Carnivore Chicken Thighs Skillet

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup chicken broth - 1/2 cup heavy cream I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this dish. They stay juicy and tender. Olive oil helps to sear the chicken and adds flavor. Garlic gives the dish a nice kick, while smoked paprika and oregano add warmth and depth. Chili powder brings a bit of heat, so adjust it as you like. Salt and pepper round out the taste. Chicken broth makes the sauce rich, while heavy cream adds a creamy finish. - Fresh parsley - Other seasoning variations I love garnishing with fresh parsley. It adds color and freshness to the dish. You can also change the seasonings. Try adding thyme or rosemary for a different twist. Feel free to get creative! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, let's get the chicken thighs ready. Take your 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder. Rub the spices well into the meat. This gives it great flavor. Now, grab a large skillet. Place it on the stove and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to shimmer but not smoke. This means it's hot enough for cooking. Time to sear the chicken thighs! Carefully add the seasoned thighs to the hot skillet. Let them cook for 5-7 minutes on each side. Look for a nice golden brown color. This browning adds depth to the dish. Once they are done, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the pan. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it smells great. Next, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the skillet. This helps lift those tasty browned bits. After that, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Now, it's time to bring it all together. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet. Let them soak in the creamy sauce for about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. When you’re ready to serve, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This adds a pop of color and freshness to your dish. Enjoy your flavorful carnivore chicken thighs skillet! - Searing the chicken for a perfect crust To get a nice crust, heat the olive oil well. Add the chicken thighs once the oil shimmers. Sear for 5-7 minutes on each side. This caramelizes the spices and gives great flavor. Don’t rush this step; the golden color adds depth. - Tips for making the sauce creamier Use heavy cream for a rich sauce. After sautéing the garlic, scrape the skillet's bottom. This gets all the tasty bits into your sauce. Let it simmer to thicken. If you want it creamier, add more heavy cream slowly. This lets you control the texture. - Importance of using fresh ingredients Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Use fresh garlic, as it enhances the flavor. Choose high-quality chicken thighs for the best taste and texture. Fresh herbs, like parsley, also add bright notes to the dish. - Recommended brands for chicken and broth For chicken, I prefer brands like Bell & Evans or Perdue. They offer juicy, flavorful thighs. For broth, go for low-sodium chicken broth from Swanson or Kitchen Basics. These brands give a clean taste without overpowering the dish. Pro Tips Marinate for Extra Flavor: If time allows, marinate the chicken thighs in the seasoning mixture for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for a deeper, more robust flavor. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure that the chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Customize the Sauce: Feel free to customize the creamy sauce by adding your favorite herbs or a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Serve with Sides: Pair the chicken with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad to create a well-rounded meal. {{image_2}} You can make this dish even better with a few simple tweaks. - Add More Spices or Herbs: Try using thyme, rosemary, or cumin. These spices add depth and flavor. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper for heat. - Using Different Types of Broth: Swap chicken broth for beef or vegetable broth. This change gives a unique taste to the dish. Each broth brings its own flavor profile, enhancing your meal in new ways. Making this dish fit different diets is easy. - Dairy-Free Versions: If you want to skip dairy, replace heavy cream with coconut milk. It adds creaminess without the lactose. You can also use a nut-based cream for a similar effect. - Low-Sodium Options: Use low-sodium broth and skip adding extra salt. This choice keeps the dish healthy without losing flavor. You can still enjoy the rich taste while being mindful of sodium intake. To keep your Carnivore Chicken Thighs fresh, store them properly. First, let the chicken cool down to room temperature. Then, place the thighs in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and flavors intact. Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids for best results. If you want to keep the sauce, store it in the same container or a separate one. When it comes to reheating chicken thighs, the best methods are stovetop or microwave. If you use the stovetop, heat a skillet over low heat and add a splash of chicken broth. This keeps the chicken juicy. Cover with a lid to trap steam and heat evenly. If you choose the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Add a little broth or water to avoid dryness. Cover it but leave a small gap for steam to escape. To keep that creamy sauce smooth, stir it gently while reheating. This will help the sauce blend back together. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the cream to separate. Enjoy your flavorful leftovers just like the first time! Can I use bone-in chicken thighs? Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs. Bone-in thighs may take longer to cook. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety. What can I substitute for heavy cream? You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Alternatively, blend milk with butter to mimic heavy cream. Is this recipe suitable for the carnivore diet? Yes, this recipe fits well within the carnivore diet. It uses meat, broth, and cream, all allowed on this diet. How many calories are in a serving? Each serving has about 350 calories. This count includes chicken, cream, and oil, making it filling and rich. Can this dish be made ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Cook the chicken and sauce, then store them separately. How long do leftovers last in the fridge? Leftovers last about 3 days in the fridge. Make sure to store them in an airtight container for best results. This blog post covered a tasty chicken thigh recipe with easy steps. You learned about key ingredients like chicken, garlic, and olive oil. I shared cooking tips, variations for different diets, and how to store leftovers. In the end, using fresh ingredients and perfecting your technique will elevate your dish. Whether you want creamy sauces or spice variations, you now have the tools to enjoy a great meal. Cooking can be fun and rewarding, so dive in and start making your version!$

Sizzling Carnivore Chicken Thighs Skillet

A delicious skillet dish featuring tender chicken thighs cooked in a creamy garlic sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
0.5 teaspoon chili powder
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup chicken broth
0.5 cup heavy cream
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, and chili powder on both sides.
Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet. Sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and incorporate any browned bits.
Stir in the heavy cream and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, allowing them to soak in the creamy sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Adjust seasoning if necessary, then remove from heat.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve with rice or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Keyword chicken, easy dinner, skillet