The Delmarva Peninsula, nestled between Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, boasts a rich culinary heritage. While the region is known for its seafood, a delicious and surprisingly carnivore-friendly twist on BBQ chicken exists, focusing on bold flavors and simple ingredients. This recipe emphasizes the natural flavors of the chicken and avoids added sugars and non-carnivore friendly ingredients often found in traditional BBQ sauces.
What Makes This Delmarva BBQ Chicken Carnivore-Friendly?
This recipe adheres to a strict carnivore diet by omitting grains, legumes, dairy, and fruits—all common ingredients in standard BBQ sauces. Instead, we focus on savory, rich flavors achieved through a blend of spices, bone broth, and rendered chicken fat. The result is a deeply satisfying, flavorful BBQ chicken that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs): A free-range or organic chicken will offer superior flavor.
- 2 cups bone broth: Homemade bone broth adds richness and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup rendered chicken fat: This adds incredible flavor and richness – don’t skip this!
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika: Provides a smoky depth and beautiful color.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder: Essential for savory flavor.
- 1 tablespoon onion powder: Adds another layer of savory depth.
- 1 tablespoon sea salt: Use a high-quality sea salt.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is best.
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For a touch of heat.
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Rinse the chicken and pat it completely dry.
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Make the BBQ Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the bone broth, rendered chicken fat, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
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Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a large roasting pan or baking dish. Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring it's evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer (up to 4 hours in the refrigerator).
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Roast the Chicken: Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Baste the chicken with the remaining sauce every 20 minutes.
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Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Delmarva BBQ Chicken:
- Bone Broth is Key: Using homemade bone broth significantly enhances the flavor profile.
- Don't Skip the Chicken Fat: The rendered chicken fat adds a richness that can’t be replicated.
- Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. More or less cayenne pepper will adjust the heat level.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Using a meat thermometer ensures the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some good side dishes for carnivore Delmarva BBQ chicken?
Excellent side dishes for this carnivore-friendly BBQ chicken include roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts, a simple green salad with olive oil and salt, or even cauliflower mash.
Can I make this recipe on the grill?
Absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe for grilling. Grill the chicken over medium heat, basting frequently with the BBQ sauce. Cooking time may vary depending on your grill.
How can I make rendered chicken fat?
To render chicken fat, simply cut up leftover chicken skin and simmer it in a pot over low heat until the fat renders out. Strain the fat to remove the skin pieces.
Can I use a different type of fat?
While chicken fat is ideal for its flavor, you could potentially substitute with beef tallow for a slightly different flavor profile, keeping in line with the carnivore diet.
Is this recipe suitable for a ketogenic diet?
Yes, this recipe is naturally keto-friendly as it's very low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats and protein.
This Delmarva BBQ Chicken recipe offers a unique and satisfying culinary experience, perfect for those following a carnivore diet. The bold flavors and simple ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser, even for those who aren't strictly carnivores! Enjoy!
