Pan-seared chicken thighs simmered with fresh garlic, chicken broth, and pickle juice. The pickle juice adds a delicious brine flavor. Serve over a bed of cauliflower rice, topped with flavorful pan juices. This easy chicken thigh recipe is low carb, keto, and gluten free!
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Welcome to My Kitchen Serenity! You may be wondering “why pickle juice” but I can assure you it definitely adds a unique flavor to chicken! If you’ve ever eaten chicken or turkey that has been brined in dill pickle juice, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Moreover, if you’ve ever eaten chicken from chick-fil-a you know how wonderful pickle juice and chicken go together. Adding pickle juice to these chicken thighs during the cooking process adds that delightful flavor; it’s not overpowering at all, it’s just a hint of pickle juice flavor. So don’t throw out your leftover pickle juice!
If you’re looking for more ways to use leftover dill pickle juice, check out this article from Garden and Gun Ten Ways to Use Leftover Pickle Juice.
Ingredients for Skillet Chicken Thighs over Cauliflower Rice
8 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin on
16 oz frozen cauliflower rice (steamed per directions on bag)
1/4 to 1/2 cup dill pickle juice
1-1/2 cups chicken broth
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp minced garlic
salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Skillet Chicken Thighs over Cauliflower Rice
STEP 1: Add olive oil and minced garlic to large skillet. Saute for 1-2 minutes. Season the chicken thighs with black pepper and sear both sides over medium-high heat until the skin is golden brown.
STEP 2: Once the chicken thighs are browned, add pickle juice and 1/2 cup chicken broth to the pan. Bring liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, then turn each thigh over and continue cooking another 30 minutes or until the meat is very tender. Once tender, remove chicken thighs from skillet to a separate platter. Cover and keep warm.
STEP 3: Make the pan sauce: add remaining cup of chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Scrape brown bits from bottom of pan with a wooden spoon and continue cooking until the sauce reduces by one half. While the pan sauce is reducing, prepare the cauliflower rice per the directions on the bag. Serve chicken thighs over a bed of cauliflower rice and drizzle with pan sauce.
Skillet Chicken Thighs with Cauliflower Rice
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs, bone in, skin on
- 16 oz frozen cauliflower rice
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1-1/2 cup chicken broth, divided
- 1/4-1/2 cup dill pickle juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add olive oil and minced garlic to large skillet. Saute for 1-2 minutes. Season the chicken thighs with black pepper and sear both sides over medium-high heat until the skin is golden brown.
- Once the chicken thighs are browned, add pickle juice and 1/2 cup chicken broth to the pan. Bring liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, then turn each thigh over and continue cooking another 30 minutes or until the meat is very tender. Once tender, remove chicken thighs from skillet to a separate platter. Cover and keep warm.
- Make the pan sauce: add remaining cup of chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Scrape brown bits from bottom of pan with a wooden spoon and continue cooking until the sauce reduces by one half. While the pan sauce is reducing, prepare the cauliflower rice per the directions on the bag. Serve chicken thighs over a bed of cauliflower rice and drizzle with pan sauce.
Notes
Want to Make your Own Cauliflower Rice? See below:
How to Make Cauliflower Rice
Pulse 1 head of cauliflower florets in a food processor or grate by hand to create rice-sized pieces. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat before adding cauliflower. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low, cover and steam for approximately 5 minutes, or until cauliflower is tender. Remove from heat and serve as desired.
HOW LONG WILL SKILLET CHICKEN THIGHS LAST IN THE FRIDGE?
Leftovers will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Store in airtight containers. I like to use BPA-free glass containers with locking lids. Check out this 20-piece set of glass food storage containers with locking lids. These containers are great for meal prep, too!
If you try this recipe, let me know. I’d love to hear from you!
Please try these easy Low Carb & Keto recipes from My Kitchen Serenity:
Buffalo Chicken and Bacon Wraps
Pork Curry over Cauliflower Rice
Baked Egg in Avocado with Bacon and Cheese
Hi. I’m Anne and I’m happy to share with you my easy, family friendly recipes. I’ve been cooking for my family for 30 years, and what I’ve learned is that most busy families appreciate easy, homemade meals. Now that the kids are grown, my passion is creating and sharing flavorful food for you and your family to enjoy as well. If you ever have any questions, feel free to send me an email at 