The Carnivore Whole Chicken Recipe is a deliciously simple way to prepare a whole chicken using only animal-based ingredients, perfect for those following the carnivore or keto lifestyle.
This recipe highlights the natural flavors of the chicken, with a focus on basic yet rich ingredients like butter, salt, and optional animal fats for extra flavor.
Roasting the chicken results in crispy, golden skin and tender, juicy meat that’s packed with protein and healthy fats.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through my version of this recipe that focuses on just the essentials—meat, fat, and simple seasonings—making it both delicious and nutritious.
New to the carnivore diet or a seasoned pro, this recipe will give you a hearty meal that fits perfectly within your lifestyle.
Why This Recipe Is A Must-Try?
This Carnivore Whole Chicken recipe is a must-try for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly simple, requiring only a few basic ingredients, yet delivers maximum flavor.
Roasting a whole chicken with minimal seasoning lets the natural richness of the meat shine, making it a satisfying, hearty meal.
It’s perfect for those following the carnivore or keto diet, as it’s carb-free and packed with protein and healthy fats.
Plus, the skin turns wonderfully crispy while the meat stays tender and juicy, offering the best of both textures. The recipe is versatile, allowing for variations with different fats and herbs.
New to meat-based diets or just looking for a delicious, no-fuss dish, this recipe will quickly become a favorite!
How To Prepare Carnivore Whole Chicken Recipe?
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Calories: 450 kcal
Cuisine: Carnivore, American
Yield: 4 servings
Equipment needed
- Roasting pan
- Oven
- Meat thermometer
- Basting brush (optional)
Ingredients
This simple recipe requires just a few key ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or animal fat of choice, like ghee or tallow)
- 1 tbsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional, for a touch of extra flavor)
- Fresh herbs (optional, such as rosemary or thyme for a subtle hint of earthiness)
- 1 lemon (optional, for stuffing inside the chicken to add moisture and flavor)
Instructions
1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will ensure that the skin crisps up beautifully while keeping the meat juicy.
2: Prepare the Chicken
Remove any giblets from the chicken cavity, then pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Drying the chicken helps the skin crisp up during roasting. If using a lemon, cut it in half and stuff it into the cavity of the chicken.
3: Season the Chicken
Rub the whole chicken with the butter or animal fat, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. Sprinkle the salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder generously over the entire chicken. If you’re using fresh herbs, place a few sprigs inside the cavity of the chicken for added flavor.
4: Roast the Chicken
Place the chicken on a roasting pan or baking dish, breast side up. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the size of the bird. To ensure even cooking, you can baste the chicken with its juices halfway through cooking.
5: Check for Doneness
After the cooking time, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the thigh. If it hasn’t reached the right temperature, roast it for an additional 10-15 minutes and check again.
6: Rest and Serve
Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the meat tender and juicy. Carve the chicken, and serve it hot.
Special Note
This recipe is perfect for those on the carnivore diet, but it can also be enjoyed by anyone who loves simple, flavorful chicken. If you prefer a milder taste, feel free to omit the garlic powder or experiment with other seasoning options.
Always adjust the cooking time based on the size of your chicken, and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for the best results.
Amazing Serving Ideas
1. Serve with Bone Broth: Pair your chicken with a rich, savory bone broth to boost collagen and add a comforting, nutrient-packed drink to your meal.
2. Shredded Chicken on a Bed of Greens: For a light yet satisfying option, shred the roasted chicken and serve it on top of a simple green salad (without dressing if sticking to carnivore).
3.Add a Side of Eggs: Scramble or fry some eggs to serve alongside your chicken for an extra protein boost. The eggs complement the chicken’s richness beautifully.
4. Chicken with Roasted Veggies: If you’re not strictly carnivore, serve the chicken with roasted low-carb vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
5. Create a Chicken “Platter”: Serve the roasted chicken alongside other carnivore-friendly foods like bacon, sausage, or even beef steaks to create a satisfying protein-packed platter.
Tips And Variations
For perfecting your Carnivore Whole Chicken, here are a few tips and variations. First, don’t skip drying the chicken thoroughly before roasting; it helps achieve crispy skin. If you prefer extra flavor, try using ghee or duck fat instead of butter for a richer taste.
You can also experiment with seasonings—garlic powder, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme add depth without deviating from the carnivore diet.
If you’re short on time, consider cutting the chicken into parts (legs, breasts, thighs) to reduce the cooking time.
For an even juicier result, baste the chicken with its own juices halfway through cooking. Lastly, for a crispier skin, you can increase the oven temperature to 450°F for the last 10 minutes of roasting.
Health Benefits
The Carnivore Whole Chicken recipe offers several health benefits, especially for those following a meat-based diet.
First, it’s an excellent source of high-quality protein, which supports muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall body function.
The chicken skin, especially when roasted, provides healthy fats that help sustain energy levels, support brain health, and improve hormone balance.
The use of animal fats like butter or tallow also provides omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for reducing inflammation and promoting heart health. Additionally, the collagen in the chicken bones helps support joint health and skin elasticity.
With zero carbs, this recipe fits perfectly into low-carb and ketogenic diets, helping to maintain ketosis while providing a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Have Any Side Effects To Eat Carnivore Whole Chicken Recipe?
While the Carnivore Whole Chicken recipe is rich in protein and healthy fats, there are a few considerations and potential side effects to keep in mind. For most people, eating a whole chicken as part of a balanced diet is safe and nutritious.
However, if you’re not used to a high-protein, high-fat diet, you may experience some digestive discomfort, such as bloating or constipation, especially if you’re transitioning to a carnivore or keto-style diet.
People with kidney problems should be cautious about high-protein diets, as excess protein may put additional strain on the kidneys. Always listen to your body and adjust portion sizes as needed.
Can You Do The Carnivore Diet With Chicken?
Yes, you can follow the carnivore diet with chicken. Since the carnivore diet focuses on animal-based foods, chicken is a great option.
It provides lean protein and essential fats, making it suitable for the diet. Just be mindful to include different cuts of chicken, like thighs and wings, for variety and balance in your meals.
How Long Does Gordon Ramsay Roast A Chicken?
Gordon Ramsay typically roasts a chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 1 hour and 20 minutes. He recommends roasting it until the skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Ramsay also emphasizes basting the chicken regularly with its own juices to ensure it remains moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process.
Why Do I Feel So Bad On The Carnivore Diet?
Feeling unwell on the carnivore diet can be due to several factors. Initially, your body may experience a transition phase as it adapts to burning fat instead of carbohydrates.
Symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or digestive issues can occur due to nutrient imbalances, lack of fiber, or electrolyte imbalances. It’s important to stay hydrated and ensure you’re getting all necessary nutrients.
Conclusion
The Carnivore Whole Chicken recipe is a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that offers both rich flavors and numerous health benefits.
With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, it’s perfect for anyone following a carnivore or keto diet, or simply looking to enjoy a hearty, meat-focused meal.
The tender, juicy meat combined with crispy skin provides the ideal balance of texture and taste. Plus, the recipe is versatile, allowing for various fats, herbs, and seasonings to suit your preferences.
New to meat-based diets or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a must-try for its ease, nutrition, and delicious results. Try it next time you’re craving a wholesome, flavorful chicken meal—you won’t be disappointed!
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Carnivore Whole Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Roasting pan
- Oven
- Meat thermometer
- Basting brush (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken about 4-5 pounds
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter or animal fat of choice, like ghee or tallow
- 1 tbsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder optional, for a touch of extra flavor
- Fresh herbs optional, such as rosemary or thyme for a subtle hint of earthiness
- 1 lemon optional, for stuffing inside the chicken to add moisture and flavor
Instructions
1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will ensure that the skin crisps up beautifully while keeping the meat juicy.
2: Prepare the Chicken
- Remove any giblets from the chicken cavity, then pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Drying the chicken helps the skin crisp up during roasting. If using a lemon, cut it in half and stuff it into the cavity of the chicken.
3: Season the Chicken
- Rub the whole chicken with the butter or animal fat, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. Sprinkle the salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder generously over the entire chicken. If you’re using fresh herbs, place a few sprigs inside the cavity of the chicken for added flavor.
4: Roast the Chicken
- Place the chicken on a roasting pan or baking dish, breast side up. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the size of the bird. To ensure even cooking, you can baste the chicken with its juices halfway through cooking.
5: Check for Doneness
- After the cooking time, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the thigh. If it hasn’t reached the right temperature, roast it for an additional 10-15 minutes and check again.
6: Rest and Serve
- Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the meat tender and juicy. Carve the chicken, and serve it hot.
Notes
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