Are you a meat-lover looking to fuel your body with protein-packed meals? Look no further! The carnivore diet has taken the world by storm, and for good reason. With its emphasis on whole, unprocessed meats, it’s the perfect way to get the nutrients your body needs to thrive.
In this article, we’re going to explore the best savory chicken recipes for carnivores. From crispy garlic butter chicken thighs to slow-cooked pulled chicken with bone broth, these mouthwatering dishes are sure to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. Whether you’re a seasoned carnivore or just looking to add some variety to your diet, these recipes are sure to become new favorites.
So grab your favorite cooking utensils and let’s dive in! In this article, we’ll count down our top 20 savory chicken recipes for protein lovers. From classic comfort foods to innovative twists on traditional dishes, there’s something for everyone.
Stay tuned for the next installment of our countdown!
Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with these mouthwatering chicken thighs, infused with the rich flavors of garlic butter and crispy texture from a simple breadcrumb coating.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix minced garlic with softened butter.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Dip each thigh in the garlic butter mixture, then coat evenly with breadcrumbs.
5. Place coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crispy and cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites
Satisfy your cravings with these mouthwatering bacon-wrapped chicken bites, perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these bite-sized treats are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 6 slices of bacon, cut in half
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: your favorite dipping sauce (e.g., ranch dressing or honey mustard)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together chicken pieces and olive oil.
3. Wrap each chicken piece with a bacon half, securing with a toothpick if needed.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the bites in a single layer.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and crispy.
6. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce (if desired).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pan-Seared Chicken Liver with Ghee
A flavorful and rich appetizer or snack that showcases the tender and buttery goodness of chicken liver, elevated by the nutty and aromatic qualities of ghee. This simple recipe requires minimal ingredients and cooking time, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 chicken livers
– 2 tablespoons ghee
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the chicken livers under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
2. Heat the ghee in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken livers and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme leaves, if desired.
6. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Spicy Chicken Drumsticks with Herb Butter
Elevate your chicken game with this spicy twist on traditional drumsticks, featuring a tangy herb butter that adds an extra layer of flavor.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tbsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, hot sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken drumsticks to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly.
4. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours in the refrigerator.
5. Remove drumsticks from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
6. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, parsley, and chives.
7. Place drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush with herb butter.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through and crispy.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Slow-Cooked Pulled Chicken with Bone Broth
This recipe yields tender and flavorful pulled chicken cooked in a rich bone broth, perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a main course. With minimal effort required, this slow-cooked dish is ideal for busy days.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup bone broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine the sliced onion, minced garlic, and chicken breasts.
2. Pour in the bone broth, adding salt and pepper to taste.
3. Sprinkle thyme over the top of the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. After cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Grilled Chicken Wings with Salt and Pepper
A classic summer treat that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. This simple recipe yields crispy, smoky chicken wings that are perfect for a backyard BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Cooking oil or spray
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Rinse the chicken wings and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together salt and pepper.
4. Toss the chicken wings with the salt and pepper mixture until evenly coated.
5. Brush the wings with cooking oil or spray.
6. Grill the chicken wings for 30-35 minutes, turning occasionally, until crispy and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Cheesy Chicken-Stuffed Bell Peppers (No Plants)
A flavorful and satisfying main course that combines juicy chicken, creamy cheese, and sweet bell peppers. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup cooked white rice
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, cheese, rice, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
4. Stuff each pepper with the chicken mixture, filling to the top.
5. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Chicken and Egg Scramble with Bacon Fat
Elevate your breakfast game with this satisfying scramble featuring crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and creamy eggs. This hearty dish is perfect for a lazy morning or a quick brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 6 large eggs
– 4 slices of bacon
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy, flipping halfway through. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the butter and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk lightly. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet with the cooked chicken and scramble to desired doneness.
5. Stir in the crispy bacon fat (residue left in the pan) to add richness to the scramble.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Air-Fried Chicken Skin Cracklings
Elevate your snack game with this simple recipe for crispy air-fried chicken skin cracklings. Perfect for a quick indulgence or as a topping for salads and soups.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound chicken skin, cut into small pieces
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Add the chicken skin pieces to the bowl and toss until evenly coated.
4. Load the chicken skin mixture into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, shaking halfway through.
6. Remove from the air fryer and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Butter-Basted Chicken Breast with Thyme
Elevate your chicken breast game with this easy and aromatic recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The combination of melted butter, thyme, and lemon juice creates a rich and savory sauce that complements the tender chicken.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– 2 lemons, juiced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse the chicken breasts and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, olive oil, thyme sprigs, and lemon juice.
4. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the butter mixture evenly over each breast.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chicken Heart Skewers with Tallow Drizzle
Savory and tender chicken hearts are elevated to a new level with this simple yet impressive recipe, perfect for adventurous eaters and special occasions.
Chicken Heart Skewers with Tallow Drizzle Recipe
Ingredients:
– 1 pound chicken hearts
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup tallow (beef fat)
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken hearts and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Thread the marinated chicken hearts onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Grill the skewers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, heat the tallow in a saucepan over low heat until melted and warm.
6. Brush the grilled skewers with the tallow drizzle and garnish with fresh herbs.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken Gizzard Stir-Fry in Lard
A classic Chinese-inspired dish that showcases the rich flavor of chicken gizzards, cooked to perfection in lard. This hearty stir-fry is perfect for a cozy dinner or as a protein-packed meal prep option.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound chicken gizzards
– 2 tablespoons lard
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Heat the lard in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken gizzards and cook for 5 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Return the cooked chicken gizzards to the skillet and stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Reverse-Seared Chicken Leg Quarters
Elevate your chicken game with this reverse-searing technique that yields juicy, flavorful legs with a crispy, caramelized crust. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 chicken leg quarters
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp pepper
– 1 tsp paprika (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (90°C).
2. Rinse the chicken leg quarters and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Rub the mixture all over the chicken legs.
4. Place the chicken legs on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet or a broiler pan.
5. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 2-3 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
6. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.
7. Heat a skillet or grill over high heat. Sear the chicken legs for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they develop a crispy crust.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (oven), 4-6 minutes (skillet/grill)
Carnivore Chicken Meatballs with Pork Rind Binder
A hearty and savory twist on traditional meatballs, these carnivore chicken meatballs are bound together by crispy pork rinds for a satisfying texture.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground chicken
– 1/2 cup pork rinds, crushed
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, crushed pork rinds, egg, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Chicken and Beef Liver Pâté
Elevate your appetizer game with this rich and creamy pâté, combining the subtle flavors of chicken and beef liver. Perfect for serving at parties or as a decadent snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken livers
– 1/2 lb beef liver
– 1/4 cup cognac (or substitute with another dry white wine)
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and beef livers under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a large skillet, sauté the livers in butter until browned, about 5 minutes per side.
4. Remove from heat, let cool slightly.
5. Add cognac, heavy cream, salt, and pepper to the cooled liver mixture; mix well.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pâté is set and lightly browned on top.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Boneless Chicken Thighs in Duck Fat
This recipe yields incredibly flavorful and moist boneless chicken thighs by cooking them in duck fat, which adds a depth of flavor and tenderizing effect. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) duck fat
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the duck fat, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss until they are fully coated in the duck fat mixture.
5. Place the coated chicken thighs on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet or a Dutch oven.
6. Roast the chicken for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, browning slightly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chicken-Fried Ribeye (Chicken Fat Base)
This indulgent recipe elevates the classic chicken-fried steak to new heights by using a rich chicken fat base, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs ribeye steaks
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 cups chicken fat or beef tallow, melted
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dip each ribeye steak into the beaten eggs, then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Dip the floured steaks into the melted chicken fat or beef tallow, allowing any excess to drip off.
5. Roll the coated steaks in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Fry the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
7. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Smoked Whole Chicken with Salt Rub
Smoked Whole Chicken with Salt Rub Recipe
This recipe yields a tender and flavorful smoked whole chicken with a delicious salt rub crust, perfect for your next backyard gathering or family dinner.
- Ingredients:
- 1 (3-4 lb) whole chicken
- 1/2 cup kosher salt
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions:
- Preheat smoker to 225°F.
- Mix salt, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl.
- Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
- Place the chicken in the smoker, breast side up.
- Cook for 4-5 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Cooking Time:
About 4-5 hours. Adjust cooking time based on your smoker’s performance and desired level of doneness.
Chicken Foot Broth with Marrow
This hearty broth is a game-changer for those looking to add some serious nutrition to their meals. By using chicken feet, which are packed with collagen and gelatin, you’ll get a rich, velvety texture that’s perfect for soups, sauces, or even cooking grains.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 chicken feet
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cups of water
– 1 cup of beef broth (optional)
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Marrow bones (4-6), for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the chicken feet and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a large pot, combine the chopped carrots, celery, garlic, and onion.
4. Add the chicken feet, water, beef broth (if using), and apple cider vinegar.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours or overnight.
6. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot, discarding the solids.
7. Serve hot with marrow bones on the side.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Sous Vide Chicken Breast in Butter Sauce
Sous Vide Chicken Breast with Butter Sauce: Elevate your chicken game with this simple yet impressive recipe that yields tender, juicy breasts smothered in a rich and creamy butter sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your sous vide machine to 130°F (54°C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Place the chicken in a single layer in a vacuum-sealable bag or cookware-safe container.
4. Sous vide the chicken for 1-2 hours, depending on desired doneness.
5. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
6. Pour in heavy cream and whisk until smooth. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
7. Remove the chicken from the sous vide machine and pat dry with paper towels.
8. Place the chicken breasts on a plate or serving dish and spoon the butter sauce over the top.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 1-2 hours (depending on desired doneness)
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a culinary journey with these mouth-watering chicken recipes perfect for protein lovers on the Carnivore diet! From crispy garlic butter chicken thighs to smoky whole chicken, and from bacon-wrapped bites to cheesy bell peppers, this collection of 20 savory dishes is sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re looking for quick weeknight meals or special occasion recipes, these protein-packed options are sure to please even the most discerning palates.
