Are you embracing the carnivore diet and looking for delicious, satisfying meals that are easy to prepare? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe for perfectly seared chicken breast is a fantastic addition to your carnivore meal plan. It's quick, easy, healthy, and delivers a burst of flavor that will keep you coming back for more. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick dinner idea or a satisfying weekend meal. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest with this simple yet incredibly satisfying dish. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 2 tablespoons rendered beef tallow or other high-quality fat (lard, ghee)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder (ensure it's purely garlic and no added ingredients)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a beautiful sear. Season generously with salt and pepper, and optionally, garlic powder, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the rendered beef tallow in an oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat. Once the tallow is shimmering and hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until a nice golden-brown crust forms.
Step 3: Finish in the Oven (Optional)
For perfectly cooked chicken throughout, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. This step helps to ensure the chicken is cooked through while maintaining a juicy texture.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for Carnivore Perfection:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan, resulting in steaming rather than searing. Cook in batches for best results.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the most reliable way to ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Adjust cooking time: Thicker chicken breasts will require longer cooking time.
- Experiment with seasonings: While this recipe is simple, feel free to experiment with other carnivore-friendly seasonings like onion powder (again, ensure no added ingredients) or smoked paprika.
Variations:
- Pan-Fried with Herbs: Add fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking for an added layer of flavor.
- Garlic Butter Chicken: After searing, add a tablespoon of melted beef tallow mixed with minced garlic to the skillet and baste the chicken during the oven cooking phase for a richer, garlicky flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is approximate and will vary based on the size of the chicken breast and the type of fat used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 30-35 grams
- Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: Negligible
This simple yet flavorful chicken breast recipe is a fantastic addition to any carnivore diet plan. It's a healthy, delicious, and satisfying meal that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a more leisurely weekend meal. Enjoy!