Crispy Chicken Thighs with Ham, Swiss Cheese, and Parmesan
Ingredients:
- 4 flattened chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 4 slices of ham (preferably deli ham or thick-cut)
- 1/2 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup pork rinds, crushed
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Thighs
- Flatten the chicken thighs: If the chicken thighs are not pre-flattened, you can use a meat mallet to flatten them to about 1/2-inch thickness. This will help them cook evenly.
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the flattened chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder (optional).
Step 2: Prepare the Pork Rind Coating
- Crush the pork rinds: Place the pork rinds in a ziplock bag or between two sheets of parchment paper, and crush them into fine crumbs. You can use a rolling pin or your hands to crush them.
- Prepare the egg wash: In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs with the heavy cream until fully combined. This will create the egg wash for the chicken.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each flattened chicken thigh into the egg wash, making sure it’s fully coated. Then press the chicken into the crushed pork rinds, ensuring the entire surface is well-coated with the crispy crumbs.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat butter in a pan: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until melted and hot.
- Cook the chicken: Place the coated chicken thighs in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Step 4: Add the Ham, Swiss, and Parmesan
- Layer the ham and cheese: Once the chicken is cooked, place a slice of ham on top of each piece of chicken. Then sprinkle with Swiss cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Melt the cheese: Cover the skillet with a lid for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve immediately: Remove the chicken from the skillet and serve while hot. The melted cheese and crispy pork rind coating will create a perfect, savory bite with each piece of chicken.
Optional Garnish:
- You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added color and flavor.
Step 6: Enjoy!
- This dish is rich, indulgent, and packed with flavor! It’s perfect for anyone following a carnivore diet, as it’s high in protein and fat, and it’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
Crispy Chicken Thighs with Ham, Swiss Cheese, and Parmesan is a wonderfully satisfying meal, with crispy pork rind coating, creamy melted cheese, and the savory goodness of ham and chicken. Enjoy!