Ingredients
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The Filling
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1/3 Cup, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
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1 Large, Finely Chopped Yellow Onions
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1/4 Cup Almonds
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1/4 Cup Hazelnuts
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1/4 Cup Cranberries
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2 Tsp Kosher Salt
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4 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
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2 Tsp Black Pepper
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The Chicken
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4 Chicken Legs
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1/4 Cup Butter
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1.25 Cup Chicken Bone Broth
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A few inches, to tie chicken closed Butchers Twine
Directions
While most think of friends, family, and fun when they think of Christmas and the Holidays, athletes think of how they will have to be tip-toeing meals in order to get the macro-nutrients we need for what we’re trying to accomplish. While it’s easy to throw caution to the wind and enjoy a delicious traditional holiday meal complete with all the sweets you can imagine; some of us who are preparing for contests or have deadlines for our weight and performance don’t have that option. That’s why we have created a fantastic high protein ketogenic-friendly Christmas-themed recipe that’s good enough to share with the whole family! And the best part about this holiday meal is that you don’t have to worry about hiding it away in some Tupperware, only to bring it out while the rest of your family is lining up to make their plates.
This protein packed keto Christmas recipe is exactly what you need to make it through the holidays. Chicken can be boring, but we’ve taken it to a whole other level with this twist on the classic muscle meal staple. We’ve taken a Chicken, which is low in calories and high in overall protein, and packed it full of highly nutritious things like Almonds and Hazelnuts, which are full of good fats, and full of Cranberries which are full of healthy vitamins and provide a great holiday flavor!
The end result is a highly satisfying protein packed flavor bomb that will leave you full for hours!
BULKING TIPS
If you are bulking, need, or want to add calories to this amazing Christmas keto chicken dinner, you can mix the stuffing ingredients with cream cheese. This will change the flavor profile somewhat, but the cream cheese will be full of great calories (protein and fats) while also positively complimenting the flavors that are already present. I would add 4 ounces and fully mix it with the stuffing, and you can easily add a few 100 calories. You can add more or less to taste and depending on your own personal nutritional requirements.
CUTTING TIPS
If you want to still enjoy this dish and cut some calories, there are some ways you can do it, but it will lessen the flavor. You could start by halving the amount of almonds and hazelnuts and cranberries that go into the stuffings. This will save you significant calories in the fat and carb department. If you needed to go lower, you sacrifice losing a bit of protein by switching from Chicken bone broth, to a regular Chicken broth, and while you will lose some calories in the process, you will maintain your flavor.
Steps
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1
Done
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Create the fillingPut olive oil in a pan over low heat. Add in finely chopped onion and let it cook until brownish and tender. Add chopped almonds, chopped hazelnuts, cranberries and salt. |
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2
Done
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Finish the fillingCook for 10 minutes until everything is integrated. Add cinnamon and ground black pepper and mix well. Set aside. |
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3
Done
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Prepare ChickenExtend chicken legs on a clean surface. Pull skins to take them out. |
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4
Done
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Add butterWith a brush, paint both sides of each leg with melted butter. |
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5
Done
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Stuff with fillingPut 2-4 tablespoons of the filling in the middle of each chicken thigh. |
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6
Done
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Close with twineClose them as packages and fix with cotton yarn or an elastic mesh. |
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7
Done
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SearHeat a pan over high heat. Add in chicken legs and cook both sides until golden. |
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8
Done
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Add Chicken BrothPour in chicken broth and cook, turning around chicken legs from time to time. |
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9
Done
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Optional: Create SauceOnce chicken is done, remove from plate. Add more chicken broth and butter to your pan and reduce until it reaches a thick consistency. This will act as a fantastic sauce for your chicken. |
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10
Done
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Bon Appetite!Serve! |
