Save to Pinterest Welcome to a keto-friendly feast that will tantalize your taste buds! These crispy chicken thighs boast a perfectly golden exterior while remaining juicy and tender inside. Paired with a refreshing lemon butter cabbage slaw, this dish delivers a beautiful balance of rich, savory flavors and bright, zesty notes. The contrast between the warm, crispy chicken and the cool, crunchy slaw creates a dining experience that feels both indulgent and light.
Save to Pinterest The secret to this dish lies in the perfect cooking technique for the chicken thighs. Baking at high heat ensures that irresistible crispy skin, while the bone-in cut keeps the meat juicy and full of flavor. Meanwhile, the cabbage slaw brings a refreshing crunch with its blend of vibrant cabbage varieties, green onions, and fresh parsley, all tied together with a luscious lemon butter dressing that adds a bright, tangy contrast.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp ground black pepper
- For the Cabbage Slaw: 4 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 cup shredded red cabbage, ½ cup sliced green onions, ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- For the Lemon Butter Dressing: 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted), 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp grated lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and chicken
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub them all over with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bake the chicken
- Place the chicken thighs, skin side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the slaw
- While the chicken is baking, in a large bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, green onions, and parsley.
- Make the dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and lemon zest to make the dressing.
- Combine and serve
- Pour the lemon butter dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to combine. Serve the crispy chicken thighs hot, alongside the lemon butter cabbage slaw.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Für besonders knusprige Hähnchenschenkel können Sie diese nach dem Backen kurz unter den Grill legen. Achten Sie dabei darauf, dass die Haut nicht verbrennt. Die Krautsalat-Komponente kann bereits einige Stunden vor dem Servieren zubereitet werden, damit sich die Aromen gut entfalten können. Allerdings sollten Sie das Dressing erst kurz vor dem Servieren hinzufügen, damit der Salat seine Knusprigkeit behält.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Dieses Rezept lässt sich wunderbar an persönliche Vorlieben anpassen. Probieren Sie frischen Dill oder Koriander anstelle der Petersilie für eine geschmackliche Abwechslung. Für eine schärfere Version können Sie dem Gewürzmix für das Hähnchen eine Prise Cayennepfeffer hinzufügen oder dem Krautsalat fein gehackte Jalapeños beimischen. Vegetarier können anstelle des Hähnchens gebratenen Tofu oder Tempeh verwenden und das gleiche Gewürzmix nutzen.
Serviervorschläge
Diese knusprigen Hähnchenschenkel mit Zitronen-Butter-Krautsalat sind ein vollständiges Gericht für sich, eignen sich aber auch hervorragend für ein größeres Menü. Servieren Sie dazu ein Glas trockenen Weißwein wie Sauvignon Blanc für ein perfektes keto-freundliches Abendessen. Für Gäste, die keine ketogene Diät befolgen, können Sie eine Seite von geröstetem Knoblauchbrot oder einen leichten Quinoa-Salat anbieten.
Save to Pinterest This Keto Crispy Chicken Thighs with Lemon Butter Cabbage Slaw recipe is more than just a meal—it's a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. With minimal prep time and straightforward techniques, you'll create a dish worthy of a special occasion but easy enough for a weeknight dinner. The combination of textures and flavors will leave you satisfied and nourished, proving that keto-friendly meals can be both delicious and fulfilling.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve crispy chicken skin?
Pat chicken thighs dry before seasoning and bake at a high temperature (425°F) to render fat and crisp the skin. Optional broiling at the end adds extra crunch.
- → Can I substitute fresh herbs in the slaw?
Yes, parsley can be swapped with fresh dill or cilantro for a different flavor profile without overpowering the dish.
- → Is this suitable for a low-carb diet?
Absolutely, the dish uses low-carb ingredients like cabbage and healthy fats, making it ideal for ketogenic or low-carb meal plans.
- → What type of mustard works best in the dressing?
Dijon mustard provides a smooth, tangy flavor that complements the lemon butter dressing without adding overpowering heat.
- → How should the lemon butter dressing be prepared?
Whisk melted unsalted butter with fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and lemon zest until combined, then toss immediately with the shredded cabbage.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, balances the rich chicken and refreshing slaw with crisp acidity and bright notes.
