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Instant Pot Crispy Chicken Carnitas (Keto/GF)

February 11, 2018 By Natasha Leave a Comment

These crispy chicken carnitas will be a favorite filling for your next Taco Tuesday. Grab your Instant Pot and make this quick weeknight dinner in under 30 minutes!

these quick and easy crispy carnitas will be a regular for your next taco night!

This post in made in partnership with my friends at Lindsay Olives. As always, all opinions are my own.

If you know me, you know my love for carnitas is REAL! And this time, I thought I’d try making a chicken version. I opted for chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts because I prefer the extra flavor and juiciness they provide. If you wanna use chicken breasts though, go for it!

The inspiration for this dish actually came from something I ordered from The Yardhouse restaurant called “Vampire Tacos.” Basically, it was a tortilla filled with carnitas, bacon chorizo, guacamole, cumin crema, and I can’t remember if there was anything else. But what made it even more delicious was the crispy cheese layer on the outside of the tortilla!

So, of course I had to remake a low carb, keto version of it, right?!

These crispy chicken carnitas will be a favorite filling for your next Taco Tuesday!

Nothing says “olive you” more than tacos, amirite?! HAHA, couldn’t help myself!

Okay, the Instant Pot cooks the chicken carnitas super fast. Like set it to 8 minutes fast. But the real goodness comes after that when you crisp up the carnitas in a cast iron skillet with some healthy fat. I partnered with my friends at Lindsay Olives to use their new Buttery California Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

You guys… do not, I repeat, DO NOT skip this step! It takes an extra five minutes, that’s it, and it’s SO WORTH IT!

These crispy chicken carnitas will be a favorite filling for your next Taco Tuesday!

Crispy chicken carnitas + crispy cheese taco shell = LOVE!

The Shell: If you can’t do the crispy cheese taco shell due to a dairy allergy or sensitivity, no problem! Just use your favorite taco vessel. If you wanna stick to low carb/keto, try using a lettuce or cabbage leaf as the shell. Or just use your fav tortillas! I love making paleo tortillas from my friend Steph’s blog, Stupid Easy Paleo.

The Toppings: Have fun with this part! I typically have some mixed greens of various sorts in my fridge, but this time I tried some radish sprouts. My must have fillings are always guacamole, cilantro and lime. The guac adds some more healthy fats, the cilantro adds a nice freshness, and a squeeze of lime juices add a nice acidity to balance out the richness of the cheese and crispy chicken carnitas. I also added some cumin lime crema for a little something something. Just mix together some sour cream + lime juice + cumin and you have cumin lime crema! Try adding some sliced radishes for a nice crunch!

One last thing before you get to the actual recipe…

If you don’t have an Instant Pot, no problem. You can definitely use a slow cooker in its place, but obviously it won’t be a 30 minute meal. You can just throw everything in the slow cook and set to cook for 4-5 hours, then crisp up the chicken after!

Okay, one more thing: have you seen my DIY Taco Bar post? If not, you should definitely check it out for more taco goodness! And don’t forget about my free ebook”10 Gluten Free Recipes to Elevate Your Taco Tuesday” Scroll down to the bottom of this post and you can download it!

Instant Pot Crispy Chicken Carnitas

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Preparation 00:10 Cook Time 00:20 Total Time 0:30
Serves 4     adjust servings

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • sea salt
  • black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 4-6 tbsp Buttery California Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Lindsay Olive brand)

TOPPINGS

  • guacamole
  • cumin lime crema (or sour cream)
  • cilantro
  • lime wedges
  • shredded lettuce/cabbage

SHELL

  • Crispy Cheese Taco Shells (see notes)

Instructions

1. Mix together the cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
2. Liberally season both sides of chicken thighs with sea salt and black pepper, then the seasonings in the bowl.
3. In your Instant Pot, pour the lime and orange juice in, then place seasoned chicken thighs down. Next sprinkle minced garlic on top of chicken, followed by the bay leaf.
4. Make sure to turn the nob on the instant pot to Seal. Press Manual and adjust time to 8 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, you can make your Crispy Cheese Taco Shells if using them as your vessel. (see notes)
6. When time is done cooking, carefully release the vent button on the Instant Pot to let the pressure out.
7. Remove chicken thighs to a cutting board and chop into bite-size pieces.
8. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium high heat with a few tablespoons of the olive oil.
9. In a few batches (so you don't crowd the skillet and steam the chicken), add the chicken thighs and cook until browned and crispy. This should only take a few minutes per batch.
10. Assemble your tacos and ENJOY!

Recipe Notes

Crispy Cheese Taco Shells:
(makes 4 shells)

~2 cups shredded cheese (I made them with parmesan, cheddar, and provolone. Experiment with your favorite hard cheese!)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Make 4 equal mounds with the shredded cheese. Flatten out mounds and keep them in a circle shape making sure they aren't touching each other.

Bake for approx 6-7 minutes. Meanwhile, setup your taco forming racks. Just place 2 glasses on counter, then balance a wooden spoon on top. This should hold 2 taco shells, so you can setup another station right next to it so you can do this all at once.

Remove from oven and let cool 1-2 minutes. Then with a spatula, carefully lift each of the melted cheesy circles and drap them over the wooden spoons. Let dry about 5 minutes.

Don't forget to tag me on Instagram when you make my recipes so I can see your creations! @thefeistykitchen #thefeistykitchen

Filed Under: chicken Tagged With: carnitas, cheese taco shell, chicken thighs, feedfeed, keto, ketogenic diet, lindsay olive, low carb, primal, sponsored, taco tuesday, tacos

Green Goddess Spread

January 21, 2018 By Natasha Leave a Comment

I love a good sandwich. Not your typical boring sando with meat and cheese, but one that’s bursting with flavors! You’re gonna love this green goddess spread and I guarantee you’ll wanna put that ish on errrrydamnthing!

green-goddess-spread

*This post is sponsored by my friends at TheFeedFeed and Vitamix.

I partnered with thefeedfeed and Vitamix to bring you a delicious sandwich spread you can make ahead for the week during your meal prep. I love having prepped ahead sauces and spreads in my fridge at all times to liven things up.

Have you made my cilantro chimichurri yet? It’s a definite crowd favorite and I’m pretty sure this green goddess spread is gonna be a hit too!

green-goddess-spread

This spread is super simple and super quick to whip up in the new Vitamix Venturist. I’ve been a Vitamix user for over 6 years and honestly use mine every single day! I can’t say enough good things about it and it’s definitely the most used small kitchen appliance I own! What’s even more exciting, is that the Venturist comes with THREE jar sizes – 64oz, 20z and this itty bitty baby 8oz jar.  This means you’ll always be able to make exactly the right amount!

green-goddess-spread

Okay, so let’s get on with the recipe for this green goddess spread deliciousness!

green-goddess-spread

I opted to tweak the traditional ingredients and make it my own with fresh herbs that I love, and I encourage you to do the same!

Historically, green goddess recipes include tarragon and anchovies, which are definitely tasty. However, if you know me, you know my love for cilantro runs deep! So I used cilantro and basil as my main flavors in this batch. You can literally use any combo of fresh herbs and I bet this will be fantastic!

green-goddess-spread

And again, you’re gonna want to put this on everything! You definitely need to try this on your next sandwich creation!

green-goddess-spread

But also try it on your next big ass salad, as a dip for veggies (wow your friends with an amazing crudité platter with this as a dip!) In fact, this could be my new “go to” sauce for kickin up some eggs, roasted veg, and dipping chicken fingers in! I mean, come on, the possibilities are endless here! It’s THE perfect sauce to make weekly if you do a meal prep situation!

Green Goddess Spread

Print Add To Shopping List
Preparation 00:05 Total Time 0:05
Yields about 8-10 oz     adjust servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup paleo mayo
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, rough chopped
  • 1 cup fresh basil, rough chopped
  • 1 cup handful of spinach/baby greens, rough chopped
  • 1-2 garlic cloves, rough chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • sea salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

In your Vitamix, add all ingredients. Pulse a few times first and scrap sides down if needed. Then blend for about 30 seconds and voila!

Recipe Notes

Feel free to mix and match your favorite herbs in here!! Tarragon, chives, scallions, etc. And definitely add in some anchovies if that’s your thing!

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Don't forget to tag me on Instagram when you make my recipes so I can see your creations! @thefeistykitchen #thefeistykitchen

Hope you enjoy this green goddess spread as much as I do and put it on your next sando!

Thanks again to my friends at thefeedfeed and vitamix for this fun partnership!

Filed Under: condiment Tagged With: cilantro, dressing, feedfeed, gluten free, green goddess, keto, lchf, low carb, vitamix

Salted Chocolate Pots de Creme

December 21, 2017 By Natasha Leave a Comment

You’re gonna LOVE these mouth-watering salted chocolate pots de cremes! These are a perfect make-ahead dessert to impress your guests for the holidays, and you’ll never believe they’re dairy and sugar free!

You’re gonna LOVE these luscious make ahead salted chocolate pots of goodness! These are a perfect make-ahead dessert to impress your guests for the holidays, and you’ll never believe they’re dairy and sugar free!

This recipe is sponsored by my friends at Redmond Real Salt. All opinions are my own, as always!

Salted Chocolate Pots de Crème

I don’t know about you, but “salted” anything desserts are kinda my thing. Gimme salted chocolate or salted caramel ALL DAMN DAY and I’m happy AF!…

Read More »

Filed Under: dessert Tagged With: chocolate, dessert, feedfeed, gluten free, keto, low carb, real salt, sponsored, sugar free

Mexican Mocha Almond Butter Cookies

December 10, 2017 By Natasha Leave a Comment

These delicious mexican mocha almond butter cookies are gluten free, flourless, refined sugar free, and have the perfect balance of sweet meets spicy!

mexican-mocha-almond-butter-cookies

This post is sponsored by my friends at Lindsay Olives who now make a delicious line of almond butter!

I’m definitely not one who bakes a lot unless it’s a gluten free mix from a box. Two reasons: I’m just not that into figuring out how to get the right texture and consistency with the gluten and grain free flours. It never seems to compare to the real deal to me. Secondly, I don’t really eat that many sweets or carb-y type things at home….

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Filed Under: dessert Tagged With: almond butter, cookies, feed feed, gluten free, grain free, low carb, sponsored

Low Carb Turkey Enchilada Bake

November 20, 2017 By Natasha Leave a Comment

What to do with Thanksgiving leftovers? This simple recipe repurposes your leftover turkey into a simple and delicious low carb turkey enchilada bake!

What to do with Thanksgiving leftovers? This simple recipe repurposes your leftover turkey into a simple and delicious low carb enchilada bake!

This post is in partnership with my friends at Lindsay Olives! All opinions always my own.

Low Carb Turkey Enchilada Bake

With Thanksgiving being this week, I thought I’d whip up an easy-to-make recipe with your leftover turkey. That is assuming you have any left!

TIP: buy an extra turkey breast (or two) so there’s guaranteed leftovers!

You can actually make this anytime of the year, so you should definitely pin this for future use!

This would also be a fantastic addition to your weekly meal prep/batch cooking day! Break out that Instant Pot for quickly cooking some poultry. Just add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and set to manual high pressure for 10-12 minutes, and you have shredded chicken!…

Read More »

Filed Under: dinner, main dish Tagged With: feed feed, gluten free, keto, lindsay olives, low carb, primal, sponsored, thanksgiving, thanksgiving leftovers, turkey

Chicken Fajita Salad with Green Olive Salsa Verde

September 7, 2017 By Natasha Leave a Comment

 

chicken-fajita-salad-green-olive-salsa-verde

This post is in partnership with my friends, Lindsay Olives. All opinions are my own!

Chicken Fajita Salad with Green Olive Salsa Verde

By now I think you guys kinda know I have a thing for big ass salads, right? Oh, and for anything Mexican-food-style. Oh, and super tasty and full of flavor. Yeah, okay, I knew that you knew that already 😉

Well, I’m obviously in love with these California Green Ripe Olives from Lindsay Olives’ Naturals line. They are legit just olives, water, and salt. No weird shit in it. And they melt in yo mouth like buttah!…

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Filed Under: chicken, dinner Tagged With: chicken, fajita, feedfeed, gluten free, keto, low carb, mexican, olives, paleo, salad, whole30

Garlicky Tequila Shrimp

August 15, 2017 By Natasha Leave a Comment

Garlicky Tequila Shrimp

These garlicky tequila shrimp will be the new star of your taco Tuesday! Tangy, spicy, garlicky, citrusy with a kick of tequila! Just save some lime and tequila for a margarita!

These garlicky tequila shrimp will be the new star of your taco Tuesday! Tangy, spicy, garlicky, citrusy with a kick of tequila! Just save some lime and tequila for a margarita!

This recipe is sponsored by my friends at Redmond Real Salt. All opinions are always my own!

Garlic + Tequila + Jalapeno + Shrimp + Lime + Taco Tuesday = Recipe for the Best Day Ever!…

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Filed Under: main dish, seafood Tagged With: feedfeed, garlic, gluten free, low carb, margarita, real salt, shrimp, sponsored, taco tuesday, tacos, tequila

Feta-Olive Bison Sliders

June 26, 2017 By Natasha Leave a Comment

Whip up a batch of these Feta-Olive Bison Sliders for your next BBQ or summer party! They’re gluten free, low carb, keto, and DELICIOUS!

These feta-olive bison sliders are packed with tons of flavors and sure to be a huge hit at your summer bbq! Enjoy them as sliders, or on a salad like I did here!

I partnered with my friends at Lindsay Olives to make this recipe. As always, all opinions are my own!

Well…. it’s officially summertime and that means it’s officially burger season! I don’t know about you, but I never get tired of a good burger. There are literally SO MANY combos you can make using different proteins and flavor add-ins. These feta-olive bison sliders are packed with allll the flavors: feta, Mediterranean Medley olives from Lindsay Olives, fresh garlic, fresh herbs (I used flat leaf parsley, cilantro, and mint!), and a fun secret ingredient, lemon zest!

Although I used bison for this recipe, I have used grass fed ground beef as well as half ground beef and half ground pork. And, I’m sure lamb, chicken, and turkey would all work really well too! So, have at it and use any of those!…

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Filed Under: burger Tagged With: bbq, bison, burgers, feedfeed, gluten free, grilling, keto, lindsay olives, low carb, olives, sliders, sponsored

Spring Caesar Salad with Chicken Meatballs

May 17, 2017 By Natasha Leave a Comment

This Spring Caesar Salad with Chicken Meatballs gets spring-y with snap peas and radicchio and the bright and lemony dressing is sooo delicious! Perfect for a quick lunch or weeknight dinner!

This post is sponsored by my friends at Hip Chick Farms, all opinions are my own!

You guys! I’m in love with salads at the moment and I’ve been craving a chicken caesar salad for awhile now. I love a big dinner salad for dinner when the weather starts warming up and temps start to rise.

When I partnered with the lovely folks at Hip Chick Farms and saw they had organic, gluten free chicken meatballs I knew I was gonna throw them on a caesar salad!…

Read More »

Filed Under: chicken, salad Tagged With: caesar salad, chicken, chicken caesar, gluten free, hip chick farms, keto, low carb, meatballs, salad, sponsored

How to Throw an Epic DIY Taco Bar Party + Guacamole Recipe

May 4, 2017 By Natasha Leave a Comment

Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner, like literally tomorrow! I created a simple and delicious guacamole recipe that you can make for your gathering, plus a fun menu for an epic DIY taco bar party!

You're gonna want these tips and recipes for your next diy taco bar party! Perfect for gathering with your friends on Cinco de Mayo or any Taco Tuesday during the year!

I don’t know why, but Cinco de Mayo is one of my favorite holidays to have fun with good friends and good food! One of my friends who is from Mexico asked me why us Americans like to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Well, I don’t know about you, but I love the flavors of Mexican food, and any excuse to have a celebration and diy taco bar party with my friends!

And just to clarify, I know that Cinco de Mayo isn’t Independence Day in Mexico. It’s actually the celebration of the battle the Mexican army won against the French army in the state of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

For whatever the reason, Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo hard AF! (ALLL the tacos!)…

Read More »

Filed Under: appetizer Tagged With: avocado, cinco de mayo, diy taco bar party, feedfeed, guacamole, keto, low carb, paleo, taco party, taco tuesday, tacos

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HEYO!

I'm Natasha. I used to sling drugs (the pharmaceutical kind, duh!) and now I play with food! Fav things: coffee, tacos, and my camera.

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