Embarking on the carnivore diet can be a profound shift to elevate your physical and mental wellbeing, with a world of carnivore diet benefits waiting to be discovered.
But in looking at both the carnivore diet pros and cons, there’s no denying that a carnivore diet plan can get a bit bland, even if you’re just trying a 30 day carnivore diet.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of carnivore diet chicken recipes to help you keep things fresh and fun while reaping all the benefits this diet has to offer. From unique spins on the classic grilled chicken variety to braised recipes that are to die for, your new favorite meal is waiting to be discovered below!
Given the importance of carnivore diet snacks, we’ll even introduce you to our tasty, melt-in-your-mouth chicken chips here at Carnivore Snax. These are sourced from the most elite regenerative farms in the country and made with just two ingredients, meat and salt.
Learn more about why you need our meat chips in your carnivore arsenal today, or see what chicken recipes for carnivore diet we’ve come up with for you below!
Why Chicken is Our Go-To Meat for the Carnivore Diet
First, what is carnivore diet and what makes chicken an essential staple on this dietary regimen? As the name suggests, this approach entails eating solely animal-based foods, completely eliminating plant-based ingredients like fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes.
It’s rooted in the belief that our ancestors thrived on a diet composed primarily of meat and animal products. You get almost all the essential nutrients your body needs through high-quality proteins and fats, and can fill in the gaps with carnivore diet supplements as needed.
The diet has become popular for potential benefits such as carnivore diet weight loss, improved mental clarity, reduced inflammation, and more.
But of all the carnivore diet foods you can formulate your diet from, many believe that chicken is the best meat for carnivore diet. This comes down to its nutritional profile, versatility, and digestibility.
Nutritional Profile
Chicken is a powerhouse of essential nutrients, most notably, protein. The specific protein chicken is comprised of contains all the amino acids your body needs, making it a complete protein source.
This protein content also helps you feel more full to avoid overeating. This is especially important for those using this diet as a means of weight management.
Beyond protein, you’re getting a lower-calorie option that has almost no fat depending on the cut you select. While chicken breasts are lean and lower in fat, chicken thighs and wings offer a higher fat content, making them perfect for those who need to increase their fat intake on the diet.
Plus, chicken provides essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins (especially B6 and B12), phosphorus, and selenium. These each play a part in overall health, from energy metabolism to bone health and immune function.
Versatility in Cooking
Whether you prefer grilling, roasting, slow-cooking, or frying, chicken adapts well to a variety of cooking methods. You can enjoy a wide range of flavors and textures without deviating from the carnivore diet rules.
From crispy grilled drumsticks to succulent slow-cooked chicken thighs, the possibilities are endless. Chicken’s ability to absorb flavors from animal-based fats like butter and tallow also enhances its taste.
Digestibility and Satiety
Chicken is known for being easy on the digestive system, which is especially important when following a diet that is rich in protein and fats.
Those new to the carnivore diet can rely on chicken as a gentle introduction to the increased protein intake, preventing digestive discomfort that can sometimes occur with heavier meats. This helps you avoid the most notorious of all carnivore diet side effects - the Carnivore Flu.
Other Reasons to Rely on Carnivore Diet Chicken Recipes
There are so many more reasons to make chicken recipes for carnivore diet a staple in your dietary regimen - like its affordability. Chicken is a more cost-effective variety than its red meat counterparts, helping you adhere to the carnivore diet on a budget.
Some have concerns over the carnivore diet and cholesterol, which is another reason to focus on chicken carnivore diet recipes compared to red meat varieties which may impact cholesterol a bit more.
What You Need to Create Healthy, Tasty Chicken Recipes for Carnivore Diet
Before we get into our favorite chicken recipes for carnivore diet let’s quickly touch on what you need to bring these to life and experience their full potential.
Getting Quality Cuts of Chicken
Not all chicken is created equal. We know you’re trying to keep this diet as affordable as possible, but remember that you ultimately get what you pay for.
Always choose pasture-raised, organic chicken whenever possible, as these chickens are raised in a more natural environment and are not fed grains or given antibiotics. The nutrient profile of pasture-raised chicken is superior, with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins.
Dark meat options like thighs, drumsticks, and wings are often preferred on the carnivore diet due to their higher fat content. These cuts offer rich flavor and provide a more satisfying eating experience, especially for those looking to increase their fat intake.
However, leaner cuts like chicken breasts can also be used, particularly for those looking to vary their macronutrient intake. You should have a blend of both to keep things from getting stale.
Carnivore Approved Seasonings and Spices
While the carnivore diet is strict about the exclusion of plant-based foods, you can still use certain seasonings and fats to enhance the flavor of your chicken dishes.
The most common and essential seasoning on the carnivore diet is salt. Not only does it bring out the natural flavor of the meat, but it also helps maintain electrolyte balance, which is crucial when following a low-carb, high-protein diet like carnivore.
You will also need butter and tallow for cooking or basting your chicken, bringing out a crispy, golden exterior and added moisture.
If you’re following a more flexible modified carnivore diet, small amounts of herbs like thyme or rosemary can add depth to your dishes without overpowering the simplicity of the meat.
Our Favorite Carnivore Diet Chicken Recipes
Now, let’s get into our favorite chicken carnivore diet recipes to try if you’re looking to build out your meal plan from scratch or add some variety to your dishes.
Classic Carnivore Roasted Chicken
Ingredients:
- Whole pasture-raised chicken
- Salt
- Butter or tallow (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and generously season with salt.
- If desired, rub the outside of the chicken with softened butter or tallow for extra crispiness.
- Roast in the oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Roasting a whole chicken is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a nutrient-packed meal that fits perfectly into the carnivore diet. The salt brings out the natural flavor of the meat, and the butter or tallow adds a crispy texture and richness.
Grilled Chicken Variations
Ingredients:
- Chicken drumsticks, thighs, or breasts
- Salt
- Optional: Lemon juice (for those on modified carnivore)
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken with salt (and lemon juice if using).
- Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Grilling adds a smoky flavor that enhances the natural taste of chicken. This simple preparation keeps the chicken juicy while creating a crispy exterior, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying carnivore meal.
Slow-Cooked and Braised Chicken Dishes
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs or drumsticks
- Bone broth
- Salt
Instructions:
- Season the chicken with salt and place it in a slow cooker or Dutch oven.
- Add enough bone broth to cover the chicken halfway.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours (or simmer in a Dutch oven for 3-4 hours) until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone.
- Serve the chicken with some of the reduced broth for added flavor and nutrition.
Slow-cooking and braising chicken in bone broth results in incredibly tender meat that is easy to digest and full of flavor. The bone broth not only keeps the chicken moist but also adds essential nutrients like collagen and gelatin, which support joint and skin health.
Don’t Forget the Snacks: Chicken Chips at Carnivore Snax
Many who are just starting the carnivore diet mention that the hardest part is managing cravings between meals. This is why having the best low carb snacks on hand is so important.
As it turns out, you have a delicious, nutritious, carnivore-approved snack at your disposal here at Carnivore Snax in our carnivore chips collection. Our chicken chips are carefully crafted to deliver tantalizing flavors with a satisfying, airy crunch that then melts in your mouth. They’ve been referred to as meat pastries, and once you get that first bite, you’ll see why.
You can feel good about indulging, too, as they’re made from 100% regeneratively and pasture-raised chicken with no unhealthy additives or fillers - just meat and salt.
But, we don’t just have carnivore diet chicken recipes to round out your snack arsenal. Explore other popular varieties to keep things fresh and fun, too!
Looking for More Carnivore Recipe Inspiration?
We know you came here looking for chicken recipes for carnivore diet, but this is just one of the many meats you should keep in your regular rotation.
Given the exclusionary nature of the carnivore diet you need to make sure you’re getting enough nutrients through variety - don’t forget the organ meats! We have a range of other recipe guides in store for you, too:
Tips on Preparing These Carnivore Diet Chicken Recipes to Perfection
Before wrapping up our list of chicken recipes for carnivore diet we want to leave you with a few tips on preparing these meals to perfection, enjoying a delicious lunch or dinner every time.
Achieving the Perfect Crispiness
Take the time to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before cooking, as removing excess moisture from the skin helps it crisp up better during cooking.
You should also be seasoning your meat generously. Salt not only enhances flavor but also draws moisture out of the skin for that satisfying crisp. Let the chicken rest uncovered in the fridge for a few hours before cooking for even more crispiness.
Similarly, cooking with animal fats like butter, ghee, or tallow adds richness and helps achieve that golden, crispy skin. Just be aware that less is more here, as this process also adds moisture back into the skin.
Heat plays a part here, too. Whether you’re roasting, grilling, or pan-searing, finish with high heat to create a crispy exterior. For roasting, set the oven temperature to 425°F or higher. On the grill or stovetop, make sure the surface is preheated before adding the chicken.
Looking for a simple solution for creating delightfully crispy carnivore diet chicken recipes? Use an air fryer! These not only bring out the best in your chicken but save a ton of time and hassle, too.
Ensuring Moisture and Tenderness
You don’t just want your chicken crispy on the outside, you want it juicy and tender on the inside. We suggest brining the chicken in a simple saltwater solution for a few hours before cooking. This can work wonders for moisture retention while adding flavor.
Cooking time and temperature matter, too. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove it from the heat as soon as it hits this temperature. Low and slow is the way to go.
Be sure to give the meat a few minutes to rest at room temperature after removing it from the heat - this allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout.
Serving With Sides
Who said carnivore had to be boring? You can round out your chicken recipes for carnivore diet with a variety of sides, such as:
- Eggs: A versatile and nutritious side that pairs well with chicken. Scrambled, fried, or poached, they add protein and richness to your meal. Find some of our favorite recipes for eggs on carnivore diet in our blog.
- Bone Broth: Serve your chicken with a warm bowl of bone broth on the side. Not only does it complement the meal, but it also provides essential nutrients like collagen, gelatin, and minerals that support joint and gut health.
- Cheese: Those who tolerate dairy can enjoy hard cheese on carnivore diet like cheddar, parmesan, or gouda. Slice these up and serve them alongside your chicken for a creamy, savory element to your meal that also helps increase your fat intake.
- Organ Meats: Pair your chicken with liver or heart for variety and nutritional depth to your meal. Sauté these organs in butter or ghee for a rich and flavorful side.
Learn more about what you can eat on the carnivore diet in our blog and find additional carnivore diet tips like how to start carnivore diet, carnivore diet and intermittent fasting, carnivore diet fast food, keto vs carnivore, carnivore diet testosterone, carnivore diet for women, paleo vs carnivore, and carnivore diet before and after.
Otherwise, get started bringing these carnivore diet chicken recipes to life as we wrap up this guide!
Wrapping Up Our List of Chicken Recipes for Carnivore Diet
We hope this list of chicken carnivore diet recipes helps you round out your nutritional regimen with a variety of fun, filling dishes that prevent you from getting bored.
Start with quality meats, season them correctly, and follow our techniques for balancing a delightful crisp with a delicious juiciness. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or slow-cooking, chicken offers versatility and nutrition that can keep your meals exciting and satisfying.
Don’t forget the importance of snacks, though. Keep yourself on track without driving yourself crazy. Carnivore Snax has you covered with premium carnivore-friendly products - order today and see firsthand what keeps our customers coming back for more.
