Low Carb Paleo Smoked Chicken and Spiced "Rice" Recipe

Gluten Free
Lunch
Main Dishes
Paleo
4.4/5
(2085 reviews)
Low Carb Paleo Smoked Chicken and Spiced "Rice"
Zylo Recipes

Description

This smoked chicken and cauliflower rice dish offers a delightful way to add intrigue to your healthy eating plan. Think of it as a streamlined alternative to a backyard barbecue, crafted in your kitchen with a touch of ingenuity. The chicken thighs are oven-roasted until incredibly succulent, boasting a rich, savory flavor that's deeply satisfying.

Meanwhile, the cauliflower rice is transformed on the stovetop, infused with a carefully balanced blend of spices that elevate its humble nature. The magic happens when the two components unite and are kissed with smoke, a technique that intensifies the flavors of this unique creation. The result is a symphony of tastes and textures that's both comforting and exciting.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. If you prefer, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can easily replace the thighs. Bone-in cuts also work wonderfully, adding their own distinct character to the dish.

The smoking method, a clever trick to impart that coveted smoky essence, involves igniting a piece of charcoal. As it glows red and ashy, it becomes a vessel for smoky flavor. A small foil bowl cradles the hot coal within the pot, and a drizzle of oil awakens the smoke.

Covered tightly, the food absorbs the smoky perfume for a brief interlude. Remember to ventilate your kitchen during this process. For an extra layer of complexity, consider incorporating wood chips.

A few oil-soaked chips placed atop the lit coal will infuse the dish with their unique fragrance. Feel free to experiment with different wood varieties to discover your favorite smoky profile. Although the nuts are optional, they contribute a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the smoky chicken and cauliflower rice.

They also provide a contrasting texture that enhances the overall eating experience. If nuts are a concern, toasted sunflower or sesame seeds offer a delicious alternative, adding their own distinctive flavor and satisfying crunch to the final dish.

Preparation Time

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
1 h 5 min

Nutrition Information

Per 1 portion serving
C
Calories
600 Kcal

C
Carbs
15 g
Fi
Fiber
5 g
Sugar
5 g

P
Protein
55 g

C
Fats
35 g
Saturated Fats 8 g
Unsaturated Fats 22 g

Cholestrol 150 mg
Sodium 450 mg
Potassium 600 mg
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Ingredients

    1.
    Chicken thigh
    Chicken thigh
    4 large
    2.
    Salt
    Salt
    1.25 tsp
    3.
    Black pepper
    Black pepper
    1 tsp
    4.
    Turmeric, ground
    Turmeric, ground
    1 tsp
    5.
    Lemon juice
    Lemon juice
    2 tbsp
    6.
    Oil
    Oil
    2 tbsp
    7.
    Onion, white, yellow or red, raw
    Onion, white, yellow or red, raw
    1 small
    8.
    Coriander, seed
    Coriander, seed
    1 tsp
    9.
    Cumin, ground
    Cumin, ground
    1 tsp
    10.
    Cardamom pods whole
    Cardamom pods whole
    1 2 pods
    11.
    Spices whole cloves
    Spices whole cloves
    1 3 cloves
    12.
    Cauliflower, cooked from fresh
    Cauliflower, cooked from fresh
    8 cup
    13.
    Chicken broth
    Chicken broth
    1 cup
    14.
    Almonds, dry roasted, unsalted
    Almonds, dry roasted, unsalted
    2 tbsp, chopped
    15.
    Cashews, dry roasted, unsalted
    Cashews, dry roasted, unsalted
    2 tbsp, whole pieces
    16.
    Fresh Parsley (for flavoring only)
    Fresh Parsley (for flavoring only)
    3 tbsp

Instructions

    1.
    Preheat your oven to 200C/400 F and prepare a large piece of aluminum foil. Place the chicken thighs on the foil and add ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp turmeric, and lemon juice. Slice 1/2 the onion, and add it to the chicken, then rub until well-seasoned.
    2.
    Pull the sides of the aluminum foil upward and fold to wrap it tightly. Place the wrapped chicken in a casserole and pour hot water until it reaches 1 inch. The water mustn’t enter the wrapped aluminum foil.
    3.
    Transfer the casserole to the oven. Bake the chicken for 30 minutes. If you are using bone-in chicken cuts, you would have to cook it longer.
    4.
    Meanwhile, to prepare the spiced cauliflower rice, add the oil to a medium-sized pot and place it over medium heat. Finely chop the onion and add it to the pot along with the remaining salt, pepper, ½ tsp turmeric, coriander, cumin, cardamom, and cloves. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
    5.
    Add the cauliflower rice to the pot and stir. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the cauliflower softens and shrinks in volume. Pour the chicken broth and drop the heat to low.
    6.
    Cover the pot and cook the cauliflower rice for 5 minutes or until all the liquid evaporates. Meanwhile, place a piece of coal onto an open fire. Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the oven and set it aside.
    7.
    Carefully unwrap the aluminum foil. Be careful of the steam coming out. Transfer the chicken and juices to the pot with the cauliflower rice and cover to keep warm.
    8.
    Once the coal is well lit, please place it in a piece of aluminum foil and place it in the pot with the rice and chicken. Pour 1-2 tbsp of oil over the coal and immediately place the lid back on the pot. Let the food infuse in the smoke flavor for 10 minutes.
    9.
    Take off the lid and discard the coal and the aluminum foil, careful not to spill the oil on the food. Transfer the cauliflower rice onto a serving dish and place the chicken on top. Garnish with chopped roasted almonds, roasted cashews, and chopped parsley. Serve immediately.